By Brandyn Campbell | Engagement Insider
The Super Bowl is the premier event on the NFL calendar, and Super Bowl XLIX in Phoenix, Arizona is no different. Every player on every team dreams about the singular goal of stepping on to the field that first Sunday in February, having a chance to be crowned the champion.
The big game is more than an athletic contest--it is a cultural phenomenon. Not surprisingly, the week of events leading up to the Super Bowl is a cultural extravaganza in and of itself. A spectacular mix of football, celebrities, parties, food, music and more, Phoenix is the target destination of hundreds of thousands of football fans.
Super Bowl week features an impressive array of cultural events created to complement the huge helping of football we will all receive on February 1. Verizon Super Bowl Central, an entertainment district covering 12 blocks in downtown Phoenix, is the epicenter of the Super Bowl week universe, featuring a jam-packed lineup of entertainment and activities for fans, players and their families. Events held at other locations around Phoenix present an opportunity to explore the host city and bask in the warmth of what it has to offer. Football-related events abound. Here is a guide to Super Bowl week-as-cultural-extravaganza, highlighting some of the best offerings in music, food and culture in the lead-up to the big game.
AAITA American Indian Festival
Thursday, January 29 – Saturday, January 31, All Day, Scottsdale Civic Park
The Arizona American Indian Tourism Association presents a family-friendly festival exploring cultures of Arizona’s indigenous Native American tribes through the senses. Meet tribal elders, see traditional dances, hear storytelling of ancient tales and taste authentic American Indian dishes. The free event will also feature the opportunity to purchase jewelry, paintings, pottery and more.
NFL Players’ Wives Fashion Show
Friday, January 30th, 11:00am, Fan Fest Scottsdale
Add a heavy dose of style to your Super Bowl experience at the 15th Annual NFL Players’ Wives Fashion Show. Watch over 40 wives strut their stuff, rocking spring’s chicest designs from participating stores at Biltmore Fashion Park, Kierland Commons and Scottsdale Fashion Square. Hosted by the Off the Field Player’s Wives Association, the show’s finale features football husbands walking side by side with their model wives. It’s fun and fashion for a good cause – proceeds from the event support local and national charities.
Glendale Chocolate Affaire
Friday, January 30 at 12:00pm & Saturday, January 31, 10:00am at Murphy Park, Glendale
Did someone say chocolate? Why yes, yes they did! Historic Downtown Glendale presents the 20th Annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire. Free admission grants access to 40 fine purveyors featuring confections like chocolate-covered strawberries, berry chocolate kabobs, and chocolate-covered cheesecake and bananas. Taste, indulge, enjoy, and take advantage of candy factory tours sure to feature some football-themed delights.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
Friday, January 30, 7:30pm, ASU Gammage Hall
Enjoy soaring voices and joyful sounds at the 16th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. This year’s headliner, the legendary Gladys Knight, will be accompanied by an all-star lineup of entertainers including Tichina Arnold, Anthony Hamilton, Fred Hammond, Dave Hollister, Israel Houghton, Natalie Grant, Mali Music, Donnie McClurkin and DeWayne Woods. The concert also includes the NFL Players Choir, comprised of current and retired players. The night will feature tributes to gospel music legend Andraé Crouch as well as beloved ESPN sportscaster Stuart Scott. A portion of proceeds from the concert benefit local and national charities.
Taste of the NFL
Saturday, January 31, 7:00pm, WestWorld of Scottsdale
The 24th annual “Party with a Purpose” assembles spectacular cuisine and renowned chefs from around the country with NFL players, coaches, legends and celebrities to unite in the fight against hunger. The star-studded fundraiser will feature entertainment by three-time reigning Country Music Association’s Vocal Group of the Year, Little Big Town.
Pepsi Hyped For Halftime Stage
Wednesday, January 28 – Sunday, February 1, Various Times
Starting on Wednesday, January 28, The Pepsi Hyped For Halftime Stage in Verizon Super Bowl Central will feature musical acts across a multitude of genres, ending each night with a dynamic fireworks display. Friday night, “Shut Up and Dance” hit makers Walk the Moon take the stage. On Saturday, Super Bowl eve will rock with none other than The Roots. The Grammy Award-winning group and “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” house band is sure to get the party started with their diverse musical stylings, expansive catalogue and legendary live performance.
Be sure to visit the Super Bowl XLIX official page for a comprehensive look at the entertainment and storylines leading up to the big game. Find out more about Super Bowl week events and the Phoenix area by visiting the Arizona Super Bowl Committee’s site.
Excited yet? See you in Arizona!