PHOENIX (AP) - If metro Phoenix wants another Super Bowl, say in 2012, or an NBA All Star game or a college basketball final four, then taxpayers will have to step up and shoulder much of the cost, organizers said.

To put on the weeklong celebration ending with Sunday's Super Bowl 42 cost the local Host Committee about $17 million.

The private sector bankrolled more than 80 percent, while state and local agencies chipped in the balance.

The Arizona Super Bowl Host Committee, the Arizona Cardinals and various business leaders want public dollars to finance future endeavors that lead to big games played in the Phoenix area.

``The private sector has stepped up to make this happen,'' committee Chairman Mike Kennedy said in a recent interview. ``But it seems that it's more equitable that this is a responsibility borne more and more broadly by the public. It's not just a large corporation or Indian nation that benefits from this. The entire community benefits from this, and we will be at a competitive disadvantage if we don't do something.''

Kennedy and Cardinals President Michael Bidwill, want to see legislation introduced that would provide more public funding for major sporting events.

``We ought to be putting things in place to land these types of events,'' Bidwill said.

While sports promoters push for super funding, the state is currently grappling with a $1 billion budget deficit.

At the Super Bowl Media Center last week, Governor Janet Napolitano sidestepped a question about whether she would back such a bill.

Rep. John Nelson, R-Glendale, said Monday he would like to see economic data from the Host Committee before backing any new proposal. He added he couldn't foresee the state handing over upward of $13 million to the Host Committee.

As the host of the Super Bowl, Glendale spent nearly $2 million for police and fire protection over the past week.

Glendale Mayor Elaine Scruggs says she wants dollars funneled to public-safety efforts undertaken by area cities that host bowl-related events.

``If the Host Committee wants to go lobby for state assistance in meeting private-sector dollar goals, that's their right, Scruggs said.

``I believe public-safety dollars should be included in there.''

Kennedy said it will be at least a week before local stakeholders decide whether to shoot for 2012.

So far, Indianapolis, Houston and New Orleans are vying for the 2012 game. Bids are due by April 1.