posted on February 1, 2017
Super Bowl LI * — that’s fifty one for anyone rusty on roman numerals — already has a lot to boast: Matt Ryan vs. Tom Brady, the Lady Gaga halftime show, and, of course, the city of Houston itself. It’s grown immensely since its last Super Bowl — that was XXXVIII in 2004 — and the city is expecting over a million visitors in town to take part in the nine-day Super Bowl experience, which began on January 28 and will roll all the way until game day: Sunday, February 5.
To make sure you catch the best of Houston and the game, we’ve collected a few highlights to keep in mind as you get swept up in the Super Bowl spirit.
Super Bowl LIVE by Verizon
Held in and around Discovery Green, Super Bowl LIVE is the free fan festival packed with activities and entertainment. You’ll find an ice skating rink, live music and performances, the city’s best food trucks, interactive exhibits (including Future Flights, a NASA-sponsored attraction that combines a drop tower with virtual reality to simulate a trip to Mars), and an exhibit called Houston Live, that gives visitors a look into the city’s history.
Get your bearings with the Super Bowl LIVE map and it would be wise to consult the event’s official list of prohibited items before making any big plans.
The Host Committee is proud to present a star-studded Super Bowl LIVE concert series, with headliners who all hail from the great state of Texas.
Wed, Feb 1: Ryan Bingham
Thu, Feb 2: Solange
Fri, Feb 3: Leon Bridges
Sat, Feb 4: ZZ Top
Sun, Feb 5: Los Skarnales
NFL Experience Driven By Genesis
This is the official NFL Super Bowl theme park, and while it is ticketed, it’s an attraction that true football fans won’t want to miss. Fans will be treated to youth clinics, interactive games and challenges, virtual reality exhibits, Super Bowl paraphernalia, and autograph sessions with NFL legends.
Transportation tips
If it’s not obvious, driving in and around the downtown Houston area will not be a walk in the park. The city is offering bike valet for cyclists during Super Bowl LIVE hours on Caroline Street between Clay and Dallas, and they’ve extended the METRO to get fans where they need to go, including to NRG Stadium on game day. However, if driving is a must, make sure to the check out the designated parking map for the downtown area and other travel tips by the Host Committee.
Watching the game elsewhere
We get that crowds and mania are not for everyone. If you didn’t get a ticket to the game, there are plenty of super places to revel and watch:
- D&T Drive Inn (1307 Enid St.)
- Grotto Downtown (1001 Avenida de las Americas, Suite A)
- Coaches Pub (2204 Louisiana St.)
- Hops Meet Barley (2245 W Alabama St.)
- Nick’s Place (2713 Rockyridge Dr.)
- Springbok (711 Main St.)
- 8th Wonder Brewery (2202 Dallas St.)
And if you need more tips on exactly where to eat, drink, and watch, Eater and Houstonia have a more than a few suggestions for you.
Houston owners: prep your cars
With the influx of visitors, there is bound to be extra interest in a handy car to explore the best of Houston. If you haven’t updated your calendar recently, now’s the time to pull your team together and map out a winning strategy of your own.
*Turo Inc. is not associated, endorsed by, or connected to The Super Bowl, the NFL, the New England Patriots, or the Atlanta Falcons.
Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
