I wonder how many New York Giants fans are scrambling to find tickets to Super Bowl XLII? I actually have a few friends in Green Bay, Wisconsin who would be more than happy to unload their Super Bowl travel packages…
Since the Packers froze themselves out of a chance to play in the NFL’s biggest game things have quieted down quite a bit around here. But for fans across the Northeastern portion of the United States I suspect travel plans to Arizona are just beginning to heat up.
And they aren’t alone, business owners in the Phoenix area have been waiting 12 years for the Super Bowl to return to their city. Tourist officials in Glendale, Arizona–home of the state-of-the-art University of Phoenix Stadium–where the NFL showdown will take place on February 3rd estimate more than 150,000 visitors will travel from around the world to watch the Giants try to fend off Tom Brady and the rest of the New England Patriots.
Those visitors will reportedly pump an anticipated $200 million into the local economy. If you happen to be one of the lucky ones headed to balmy Phoenix during the first week in February here’s what you can expect to find:
FOOTBALL
As it has for the past 17 years the Super Bowl’s host city will erect an interactive theme park for visitors. The NFL Experience opens this weekend next to the University of Phoenix Stadium. Only Super Bowl ticket-holders will be admitted February 3rd so if you want to participate in the hands of activities, but don’t have a ticket to the big game your only chances to do so are Jan. 26-27 and Jan. 31-Feb. 2.
Among the activities included in the NFL Experience are the chance to record a voice-over commentary of memorable NFL plays, score a touchdown while tethered to a bungee harness, kick a winning field goal through inflatable uprights and throw passes at a target. For older “kids” the NFL is sponsoring an adults-only nighttime party, NFLX After Dark, which will take place January 31st.
I’ve had the chance to visit the NFL Experience on three occasions and can say it is worth visiting especially if you have kids 7 years or older. Some of the activities have height requirements so younger kids miss out on the chance to participate. Otherwise, it’s a great place to let children live out their football dreams… and capture some incredible Kodak moments at the same time.
If you are in town on January 27th, consider heading over to Copper Canyon High School in Glendale. That’s where some NFL players will be signing autographs at an international youth football clinic. Students from schools in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico, will then compete in the Arizona-Sonora Bowl II football game.
Finally, if you are looking to make your trip a bit educational head over to the Sports Career Expo & College Fair on January 31st at the Herberger Theater Center in Phoenix. Professionals from different aspects of the sports industry will discuss various career opportunities with high school students.
In my next blog I will list some non-sports related activities you might consider participating in while you are in town for the big game.
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