As always , the league considered several potential host cities before choosing the Phoenix area . In this case , the process drew special interest because the league considered holding Super Bowl XLII in New York City or Washington , D.C. as a symbol of the recovery from the September 11 attacks . New York City 's bid did not go far . Aside from the obvious climatic concerns , it was also difficult to find a suitable stadium . Proposed renovations to the 1970s-vintage Giants Stadium were still being disputed amongst the various parties . Giants Stadium also lacked a roof , as did both of New York City 's baseball stadiums , and the NFL had never played an outdoor Super Bowl in a cold weather climate . The city of New York and the New York Jets failed to secure a deal to build a new West Side Stadium ( which , according to the initial plans , would have been built with a roof ) . During the years since the Super Bowl XLII bid fell through , Giants Stadium has been demolished . Its replacement , MetLife Stadium , was awarded Super Bowl XLVIII
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Super Bowl XLII