INDIANAPOLIS -- An Indianapolis representative flew to New York on Monday to submit the Indiana capital's bid to host the 2011 Super Bowl.

Monday was the deadline for the cities to submit their bid for the event. Phoenix and Dallas also are in the running.

Indianapolis representatives are scheduled to meet with NFL officials on April 10 to discuss the proposal and make any necessary changes. Colts and city representatives will then get 15 minutes to present their bid during the NFL owners' meeting in Tennessee on May 23 -- the same day the NFL will chose the bid winner.

Several details and specifics about Indianapolis' bid are being kept under wraps. Members of the bid committee said there are a few surprises that they hope will put Indianapolis ahead of other cities vying for the game.

"We've got a few tricks up our sleeves and surprises that will help distinguish us from the other cities," said Capital Improvement Board president Fred Glass, who helped draft the proposal.

Glass said the city's experience with large events, such as the Indianapolis 500 and college basketball tournaments, should serve as an assurance that the city can handle big-time events.

"The Super Bowl probably outpaces that (Indianapolis 500) in terms of exposure ... but in terms of dealing with spectators and putting on a good show and showing Hoosier hospitality, what goes on at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is really valuable," Glass said.

The construction of Lucas Oil Stadium is a big part of what is making the city's bid for the Super Bowl possible. Its proximity to downtown could be what seals the deal for Indianapolis.

"I think one of our strengths ... is that we can create almost a Super Bowl village in a mile square and have this terrific stadium connected to thousands of hotel rooms and hundreds of restaurants, other cool venues where the parties are going to be and create a vibrancy and energy that's really going to be unparalleled," Glass said.

The Colts' Super Bowl victory in February gives Indianapolis more sizzle and more prestige -- something fans said should help the city's chances at landing the game.

"I hope they do because it's a great city to come up here and enjoy the city and the game," one fan said.