NFL, Indianapolis Plan For Postponed Super Bowl In Case Of Lockout

The NFL and Super Bowl XLVI organizers in Indianapolis are completely prepared for a lockout — as long as it only postpones the league’s annual season-ending game in 2012 by one week.

Yes, rest assured, fans: Hotel rooms have been set aside for Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 — just in case.

‘’This is not unusual as local Super Bowl host committees will include in its bid a number of possible dates it could host the Super Bowl,’’ league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. ‘’As part of its … bid, the Indianapolis Super Bowl Host Committee said it would hold both Feb. 5 and Feb. 12, 2012 as possible dates. We have listed Feb. 5 as the tentative date for the game, but have flexibility to hold it in Indianapolis on Feb. 12.’’

And if the league and the NFLPA get into a protracted labor stoppage that could force more than a one-week delay? Well …

Colts owner Jim Irsay dismissed any suggestion Indy could lose the Super Bowl if a labor stoppage forced the game to be canceled.

‘’I really feel we will have a Super Bowl, and, hopefully, we can do it as planned,’’ Irsay said. ‘’If not, we’ve made some plans to give us some flexibility.’’

See, don’t you feel all better now?