Super Bowl Weekend: Tailgating Parties & Other Events
Most football fans should recognize that the Super Bowl is more than just a game; it’s an event. In fact, it’s many events over the span of several days. Fans who are lucky enough to get their hands on Super Bowl tickets don’t just get to go to the game. There are tailgate parties and other events during Super Bowl weekend that lead up to the game. Essentially, there are a lot of appetizers before the main course. The events and parties leading up to Super Bowl LVII in Arizona promise to be bigger and better than any past Super Bowls. To show you what we mean, let’s take a closer look at the best parties and events that will take place during Super Bowl weekend.
Super Bowl Opening Night, February 6
The Super Bowl week festivities officially get underway on Monday, February 6, with Super Bowl Opening Night. The event will take place at the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix. This will be the only official public appearance from players and coaches on both teams during the lead-up to the Super Bowl. Fans in attendance will be able to seek autographs and photos from players and mascots from the two Super Bowl participants, as well as other NFL legends. Super Bowl Opening Night is also a media event, although fans in attendance can also enjoy live entertainment and a few surprise guests.
Super Bowl Experience, February 4, 5, 9-11
Every year, the main event for fans during Super Bowl week is the Super Bowl experience. This is the place for fans to see the Lombardi Trophy and have their picture taken with it. The Super Bowl experience is also filled with interactive games and activities. It’s also filled with current and former players hanging out and signing autographs for fans. On top of that, there will be live music and plenty of great food and drinks, meaning there will be plenty to do for fans of all ages. The Super Bowl Experience will take place at the Phoenix Convention Center and actually gets started on February 4 and 5, the weekend before the Super Bowl. After a few days off, it gets started again on Thursday, February 9, and will continue on Friday and Saturday, the week of the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl Music Fest, February 9-11
Believe it or not, the Super Bowl isn’t just about sports and parties. There is also a lot of great live music incorporated into the event. Obviously, Rihanna is set to perform during the halftime show, but in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, fans in the Phoenix area will also be able to enjoy Super Bowl Music Fest. This is a three-night event taking place at the Footprint Center on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during the week of the game. On Thursday night, Paramore will be the headlining act. They will be followed by the Dave Mathews Band for Friday’s show. Finally, on the eve of the game, Imagine Dragons will headline the Super Bowl Music Fest concert.
FanDuel FanFest, February 10
With the state of Arizona recently legalizing sports betting, it’s only natural that FanDuel will get to host a party the weekend of the Super Bowl. Tempe Beach Park, on the shores of the Salt River and not far from the Arizona State campus, will be the site of what’s been described as a “nonstop party.” This FanFest event will take place on the Friday before the Super Bowl and will mimic a carnival atmosphere. It will feature celebrity appearances, music, games, and more, all at a gorgeous waterfront setting.
Big Game Party, February 11
The night before the Super Bowl, Maxim will be hosting one of the best parties of the weekend. The Big Game Experience has become one of the premier events of Super Bowl weekend over the last few years. The Southwest Jet Center, a private airport hangar in Scottsdale, Arizona, will be the site of a party that tends to take things to another level. The party’s theme will reflect the host city and be filled with athletes, celebrities, and influencers. It’s truly a VIP event and promises to be an unforgettable night for anyone in attendance.
Taste of the NFL, February 11
Fans of both food and football should head over to Chateau Luxe in Phoenix the evening before the game for the Taste of the NFL event. Chefs from some of the best restaurants in the Phoenix area and stars of the culinary world will be present to offer some amazing delicacies. At the same time, celebrities and NFL players will be mingling amongst the crowd, enjoying exquisite food and drinks along with everyone else. The event lasts from 4:00 to 8:00 on Saturday, February 11, with the NFL donating all proceeds to help fight student hunger.
Super Bowl Watch Party, February 12
Anyone in the Phoenix area who can’t get their hands on Super Bowl tickets will still be able to attend an official NFL Watch Party. Hance Park in Phoenix will welcome not going to the game to watch on a big-screen TV. It won’t be the same as being at State Farm Stadium, but the watch party has the potential to be just as fun.