Bloomberg plans ‘Super Bowl Boulevard’ for 2014 game

For some, it may be a dream: 10 football-focused blocks.

For others, it may be one more reason to avoid Times Square.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg announced today that the city will make a “Super Bowl Boulevard” along Broadway between 34th and 44th Streets when the city hosts the event next year.

“Everyone knows that New York is the Big Apple,” Bloomberg said. “Twelve months from now, it will be the big pigskin as well.”

In a press conference sprinkled with sports puns, he added, “We’re going to make this experience a touchdown for everyone.”

The ten blocks will include free events for football lovers, Bloomberg and NFL officials said.

Bloomberg is counting on the Super Bowl to funnel more people into New York, topping last year’s 52 million visitors as people see the city and decide they want to visit.

During a week where many are lamenting what feels like an arctic blast, Bloomberg defended the decision to have the football game outside.

“I grew up in a world where it was played outdoors in the real weather,” he said. “It’s one of the things that makes it special.”