On March 19, 1991, the NFL made a significant decision. League owners voted to strip Phoenix of the 1993 Super Bowl, relocating the game because Arizona refused to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a state holiday.

The controversy began when Arizona voters rejected a referendum to make MLK Day an official holiday. In response, the NFL relocated Super Bowl XXVII to Pasadena, California. The backlash was significant, and by 1992, Arizona reversed its stance. This moment in sports history showed the power of activism and economic consequences. 

Fun Facts:

• A Historic Vote: On March 19, 1991, NFL owners voted 23-4 to strip Phoenix of Super Bowl XXVII, the first time a city had lost the game due to a political issue.
• The MLK Day Controversy: Arizona had initially recognized Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but in 1987, Governor Evan Mecham rescinded it, claiming it was enacted illegally. This led to a heated political debate.
• The economic fallout from losing the Super Bowl was substantial. Arizona’s refusal to recognize MLK Day cost the state an estimated $200 million in revenue. Businesses suffered, and the tourism industry took a significant hit. This financial loss underscored the real-world implications of the NFL’s decision, making it a pivotal moment in the state’s history.
• A Change of Heart: 1992 Arizona voters overwhelmingly approved MLK Day as a state holiday. Shortly after, the NFL awarded Phoenix the 1996 Super Bowl as a form of redemption.
• The NFL’s decision to relocate the Super Bowl was not just a sports story. It was a powerful demonstration of how major sporting events can influence political and social issues. This decision set a precedent for future activism in professional sports, showing that even the most seemingly apolitical entities can profoundly impact society.
• A Lesson in Impact: The controversy highlighted how refusing to recognize MLK Day had real consequences, leading to political and economic shifts in Arizona.