All the field action will take place in New Jersey, but most of the big buzzworthy events leading up to the 48th Super Bowl will be held in New York. From interactive exhibits for kids to star-studded parties, getting into the Super Bowl spirit could not be easier.
We’ve scoped out some of the best festivities below. Regardless of what team you’re rooting for, you’ll be sure to find an event to cheer about.
KID-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
SUPER BOWL BOULEVARD
To celebrate all things football, NYC is transforming 14 blocks of Broadway into a giant outdoor attraction. This free event takes place Jan. 29 to Feb. 1, noon to 10 p.m., along Broadway between 34th and 27th streets. Snap a photo with the current Vince Lombardi Trophy, collect autographs with past and present NFL players, listen to live music and race down a 60-foot toboggan run. Kids ages 6-13 can experience the animated world of “NFL PLAY 60 Field” and participate in interactive games.
For more information, visit the official Super Bowl XLVIII website.
PUPPY BOWL
For more information, click here.
#PEPCITY
Taking place at Bryant Park for three days, #PEPCITY will be presenting a free celebration with stage performances, sample snacks from top chefs such as David Burke, and works by artists and playwrights. This family-friendly event will include musical performances from Austin Mahone (Jan. 29), Prince Royce (Jan. 30) and headliner Ziggy Marley (Feb. 1). These concerts are free, but require advanced ticket registration.
For more information, visit the PepsiCo website.
VINTAGE FOOTBALL CARDS AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART
In honor of the Super Bowl, the MET will display about 150 vintage football cards dating back to 1984. The exhibit is called “Gridiron Greats” and will feature the first football cards ever produced as well as cards with Hall of Famers like coach Knute Rockne and football player Frank Gifford. The exhibit is open from Jan. 24 to Feb. 10.
Other museums to check out: The Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the NFL have teamed up to display a kids' interactive multimedia exhibit, “You Make the Call: Learn to Be an NFL Official” (Jan. 8 to Feb. 28). The Museum of the Moving Image is exhibiting “Madden NFL: 25 Years and Running," which shares the history of the world’s most popular video game (Jan. 9 to Feb. 23).
For more information, visit The MET museum, The Children’s Museum of Manhattan and The Museum of the Moving Image websites.
The Scene
FOR FOODIES:
FORTY ATE
Taking its name from the 48th championship game, Forty Ate is the NFL’s first Super Bowl-themed pop-up steakhouse. Throughout the week, NFL players will stop by to meet and greet fans. Football artifacts like a collection of 47 Super Bowl rings will be on display. The restaurant is open from Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 for lunch, dinner and bar snacks. It will be located at the Renaissance New York Times Square Hotel. Reservations are available by calling 212-450-2014.
For more information, visit the official Super Bowl XLVIII website.
TASTE OF THE NFL
In support of hunger relief, Taste of the NFL pairs up 35 of the country’s best chefs (one from each NFL market) with an NFL player to whip up local signature dishes. The evening includes food and wine pairings, meet-and-greets with athletes, live music and a silent auction. Net proceeds are donated to food banks in each of the NFL cities. It will be held at Pier 12 of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal on Feb. 1.
For more information, visit the Taste of the NFL website.
THE 50 YARD LOUNGE
Combining high-end foods and traditional football, 50 Yard Lounge is offering a series of food-focused events at its VIP space at One Penn Plaza. Leading up to the Super Bowl, there will be appearances by top-tier chefs (including “Iron Chefs” Alex Guarnaschelli and Marc Forgione) and NFL legends. Tickets include all you can eat and drink.
For more information, visit the 50 Yard Lounge website.
PC RICHARD & SON BIG GAME KICK OFF PARTY
For more information or to make reservations, click here.
BOUNCE'S "WE ARE ALL GIANTS"
Sunday Funday mecca Bounce Sporting Club will be hosting several events leading up to game day, kicking things off with their “We Are All Giants” party. Big Blue may not have made it to the playoffs this year but they are still celebrating a hometown Super Bowl in style. On Friday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m., GMen Jason Pierre-Paul and Justin Pugh will host a music-filled night featuring two international deejays spinning hip hop and house music. Tickets are $50-75. On Saturday from 2-8 p.m., the swanky sports bar will host an exclusive event for high rollers when it transforms into “The Players Club.” Think Las Vegas meets Playboy mansion with a celebrity poker tournament, and a room chock full of athletes and VIPs. $350 to roll. Dates: Jan 31 - Feb 1 || Bounce Sporting Club / 55 West 21st St btwn 5th & 6th Aves
For more information, visit Bounce's website.
DIRECTV CELEBRITY BEACH BOWL
See your favorite former NFL players such as Joe Montana and celebrities like Guy Fieri play flag football in a heated tent. Following the game, Paramore will perform. This free event takes place at Pier 40 in Hudson River Park on Feb. 1. It’s first-come, first-serve and expected to sell out – so, arrive early.
For more information, visit the Celebrity Beach Bowl Facebook page.
MAXIM MAGAZINE’S “BIG GAME WEEKEND”
For two nights, celebrate the biggest weekend in football with signature drinks, music and celebrities
such as Jamie Foxx, Kendrick Lamar, Alyssa Milano and many more. Presented by TalentResources Sports, MAXIM Magazine’s “Big Game Weekend” will be hosted by EDM DJ Sebastian Ingrosso and Grammy-nominated artist, Kendrick Lamar. The event will take place at Espace and will kick off Jan. 31.
For more information, visit MAXIM’s website.
SUPER BOWL GOSPEL CELEBRATION
In anticipation of the big game, this gospel celebration rounds up the NFL Players Choir and Grammy Award-winning artists such as Patti LaBelle to share soul-stirring music. The annual event will be hosted at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 31. Proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
For more information, visit the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration website.
VH1’S SUPER BOWL BLITZ
Leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, six artists will perform at six different venues. Five concerts will take place in New York’s five boroughs with artists J. Cole, Janelle Monae, Fall Out Boy, TLC, and Goo Goo Dolls. The last concert, featuring Gavin DeGraw, will be held in New Jersey. The concerts begin Jan. 27 and run through Feb. 1. To score tickets, you must win them. But don’t worry, the event will be shown on TV and streamed online.
For more information, visit VH1’s website.
LEATHER AND LACES
Leather and Laces is a two-night party featuring celebrities, high-end desserts, sushi and pricey tickets. This year’s party will be hosted by supermodels Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrosio, Brooklyn Decker and Bar Refaeli at the Liberty Theater in Times Square. Tickets start at $950.
For more information, visit the Leather and Laces website.
CELEBRITY SWEAT ULTIMATE WORKOUT CHALLENGE
Spend the morning of Super Bowl Sunday working off tailgate calories with Billy Banks (Tae Bo creator) and Celebrity Sweat’s “Eric the Trainer." There will be appearances by other fitness consultants and celebrity trainers. This three-hour fitness challenge will take place at City College of New York at 9 a.m. Admission is free, but you must reserve a spot by calling 1-800-725-9423 ext. 818.
For more information, visit the Celebrity Sweat website.