Editor’s note: Be sure to check out our Super Bowl Style post on our Treats blog, as well as this post about our favorite Super Bowl-party-worthy recipes on our Yummy Delicious blog!
New York is on fire with pre-Super Bowl excitement. With less than one week till the Big Game, football fans (young and old) score big with plenty of family-friendly-football-frenzy attractions all around the city.
At the epicenter of the action is Super Bowl Boulevard. From Wednesday through Saturday (January 29 through February 1, 1-10pm), Super Bowl Boulevard spans thirteen blocks along NYC’s world famous Broadway, between 34th and 47th Streets. This is the place for NFL fanatics to celebrate “all things football.” Fans from all over will get the chance to engage with the NY/NJ Super Bowl host committee, as well as national broadcasters and sponsors. Some of the Super Bowl Boulevard highlights include:
*At the start of Super Bowl Boulevard catch the Super Bowl Virtual Theater—an exciting video spectacle projected onto the Macy’s Herald Square store façade (in Herald Square, 34th Street & Broadway). The 10-minute show is a visual celebration of football—beginning at 5:30pm nightly, running every 30 minutes until 9:30pm.
*Kids can step into the world of the football at the NFLRushZone. The heated, tented space teaches kids all about the game. The interactive NFL Play 60 is a fun way to learn about staying active and healthy through sport. Kids and families also have a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet and get autographs from some of their favorite NFL stars (Between 34th & 35th streets).
*Thrill seekers will enjoy an exciting custom-designed eight-lane Toboggan Run for a wintery fun ride. Ticket ($5 per ride) proceeds will benefit Million Trees NYC (at Broadway between 40th and 41st Streets).
And don’t miss the chance to view football’s most prestigious award, the Vince Lombardi Trophy— proudly on display (in Times Square, Between 43rd & 44th streets). Snap of photo of the iconic trophy to share with friends. After you’ve experienced the excitement at Super Bowl Boulevard, don’t miss some of the other Super Bowl XLVIII-inspired exhibits and experiences all around the NYC/NJ area.
Other highlights around town include:
*Just in time for the Big Game is “Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City (through March 2). The exhibit combines sports, history, and culture into an exciting, interactive experience. It presents the history and spirit of football with historical objects and memorabilia, hands-on fun, and the chance to meet NFL alumna. The exhibition features the Hometown Heroes, showcasing the Giants and Jets throughout the decades.
*The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is offering families a behind-the-scenes look at NFL officiating and the opportunity to train like an NFL Pro at the “You-Make-the-Call” interactive exhibit, running through February 28. Special daily and weekly programs and clinics—including NFL’s Play 60 obstacle course—will help kids and families understand good decision-making skills helps in sports and life, and how physical fitness can contribute to leadership and social success.
*The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents “Gridiron Greats: Vintage Football Cards” (through February 10). The exhibit features a selection of vintage football cards from the celebrated collection of Jefferson R. Burdick (1900-1963), some dating as far back as 1894.
*Bryant Park will host PepsiCo’s #PEPCITY for a three-day (January 29-30 and February 1) celebration of Super Bowl XLVIII. Under a custom dome, enjoy complimentary food and beverages from celebrity chefs. Free concerts (pre-ticketed) by musical artists. Plus autograph signing by NFL players. Large-scale displays highlight the heart and soul of NYC’s best attractions—Broadway, art, sports, and culture. 2-6:30pm.
*Animal lovers get ruff and tumble as they celebrate Super Bowl week at the 10th Annual Puppy Bowl (through February 1). Hosted by Animal Planet, with special events in Times Square, including “tailgating”, a doggie kissing booth, and the chance to make some new furry friends. Also, on-site pet adoption in partnership with ASPCA.
*If you have a future NFL player in the family, don’t miss the ProCamps’ Citi Super ProCamp V, hosted by Garth Brooks and Justin Tuck, on Saturday (February 1, 1:30-4:30pm) at Yankee Stadium. Kids (grades 1-8) have the opportunity to learn skills from the pros– with expert football instruction and the opportunity to interact with Garth and Justin—plus team shirts, photographs and autographs. Girls can attend Citi Cheerleading Super ProCamp V with dance coach Katina Taylor—as they prepare to cheer on their favorite team.
*Celebrating the spirit and sportsmanship of football wouldn’t be complete without the opportunity to give back. The “Kickoff to Rebuild” is an annual NFL event hosted by Rebuilding Together. For 19 years, Rebuilding Together has partnered with the NFL in Super Bowl cities across the country, rebuilding houses and bringing together neighborhoods to promote safer and healthier homes. On January 31, the organization will mobilize hundreds of volunteers, past and present NFL members and players, community leaders, national celebrities and sponsors to complete home and playground renovations in Bergen County, New Jersey.
*A celebration of Madden NFL’s 25th anniversary at the Museum of the Moving Image.
Enjoy all the fun and excitement of Super Bowl Week. Then get ready for the big showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos on the gridiron—Sunday, February 2nd at Met Life Stadium–kickoff is at 6:30pm!
