We couldn't resist doing a Super Bowl story. Unfortunately, the news isn't so good for San Francisco's home town team. As they have for the third straight year, JLL and executive chairman of the Americas Roger Staubach are predicting the outcome of Super Bowl XLVII, and this year they're putting their money on--gasp--the Baltimore Ravens. Reason: According to the firm's analysis of the past dozen Super Bowls, teams based in cities with the higher office vacancy rate have prevailed. (Last year JLL's crystal ball fumbled when it predicted the New England Patriots would best the New York Giants.) Still, JLL's betting system has a 58% accuracy rate, which means San Francisco's vacancy rate of 11.8% compared to Baltimore's 15.5%, makes it a winner--and a loser.
But hold on there. Roger, whom we snapped at JLL's LAforecastlast month--lobbing footballs into the audience so fast, one of them turned white--is on the fence with this one. The gridiron great obviously knows both football and commercial RE, and notes that JLL's prognistications are right more often than wrong. At the same time, however, he says he really likes the Niners' chances. And northwest market director Elizabeth Hearle anticipates that the City's drive, entrepreneurialism, energy, and competitiveness "will carry the day for usthis Sunday." Guess we'll place bets on both sides.
Have you laid in your snacks for your Super Bowl party? We tried, but the wing sauce was too messy. Julie@bisnow.com.
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