Snow offers city, airport and businesses practice for Super Bowl

Downtown Indianapolis got its first taste of winter Thursday, but before the snow and ice could take hold, it seemed like people were there to plow, sweep or salt it away.

The Slippery Noodle was one of many businesses using the opportunity to test their response in case similar weather comes during the Super Bowl.


"We've got extra salt, snow blowers, and I've got extra guys hired and their job is going to be nothing but to keep the sidewalks clear," said Marty Bacon, general manager of the Slippery Noodle.

The city and Super Bowl Committee will be depending on businesses to keep their sidewalks and parking lots clear during Super Bowl week.

"We're going to get it to a place where the city can then remove it," Bacon said.

The city already has detailed plans on how to remove the snow once it hits the streets. The Department of Public Works developed maps showing the zones and main routes needing attention during the busiest time.

On Thursday, the drivers had a chance to put that plan into action.

"There will be a total of 24 units working the downtown area, just as if today was the Super Bowl," said DPW spokesperson Kara Brooks.

Contractors are also working with the Host Committee to deliver more than enough salt and clear tight spaces, like Georgia Street once set up is complete. If the weather gets even worse during Super Bowl week, expect additional help from volunteers.

"During the peak days that the NFL Experience and the Super Bowl Village are open we'll have folks out trying to help," said Mel Raines, Vice President of Event Operations for the Host Committee.

They are also making big preparations for snow at the International Airport.

"We'll be receiving more than a dozen additional pieces of snow removal equipment," said Carlo Bertolini, spokesperson for the Indianapolis International Airport.

Those additional trucks will help clear extra room for both commercial planes and hundreds of small aircraft. They've even ordered a special combination plow and sweeper with a blade that spans two traffic lanes.

"Like the old cliche says, it's better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it," Bertolini said.

"Exactly. You plan for the worst and hope for the best," Bacon said.

And if the worst comes?

"This is Indiana," Bacon said, "we know how to handle cold and snow."

Despite the extra attention downtown, DPW said the rest of the Indianapolis metro area won't see a drop off in coverage during a snow event. The extra coverage comes thanks to more than 20 additional trucks that haven't been in use in the past.