I’m a bad Texan. I do not care enough about football to muster up much enthusiasm for the actual ‘game’ part of Super Bowl weekend. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these are the (at least somewhat) related events worth your while in the days leading up the Biggest Day in Professional Football in the Biggest Freaking Stadium, Ever. And if you are new to Dallas, don’t miss our Super Bowl Visitors Guide.
Go
The NFL Experience at the Dallas Convention Center is an affordable not-quite-alternative to the astronomical cost of tickets to the actual main event. This gigantic, week-long festival featuring interactive games, locker-room style chats with NFL coaches, and football clinics, continues right on up until kickoff on Sunday. Can’t make it during the day? On Thursday, the experience is open until 11:45 pm.
Eat
Football foodies, Taste of the NFL 2011 will blow your mind. Held every Super Bowl Eve, the charity event boasts a restaurant station for each of the 32 cities in the league with a current or alumni player standing by to enhance your gastronomic experience. Expect celebrity chefs like Todd English and Stephan Pyles, Miss America, and Martina McBride. Best of all, proceeds go to local food banks.
On Sunday, Nana offers s a pre-game brunch. Enjoy a spectacular view of Dallas with your meal, as well as unlimited mimosas.
Art
Seems like everyone wants in on this game-day madness. Neil Leifer, veteran sports photographer, has always been there — the man was present at the first Super Bowl in 1967. The Photographs Do Not Bend Gallery, in collaboration with Sports Illustrated, hosts an exhibit of his most iconic shots.
For those who feel like their connection to the sport is a little more abstract, there’s Big New Field at the Dallas Museum of Art, exhibited in conjunction with the Cowboys Stadium Art Project. FrontRow’s Peter Simek wonders if any Super Bowl attendees will actually be inspired enough by the contemporary work hanging in Jerryland to venture over to the Arts District for a closer study, but let’s not forget that the museum is open late Thursday night.
Music
These bizarre concert combos are killing me. Kid Rock, Duran Duran, and Jason Derulo? Weirdness aside, I’ve listed a few shows that you can catch without needing divine intervention (AKA everything at the “Bud Light Hotel“) or spending more on a concert than a year at a very expensive private university (Ahem, P. Diddy and the Black Eyed Peas).
On Thursday, Feb. 3, the Flaming Lips play with local favorite Neon Indian at Palladium Ballroom. Officially, this is part of the Jack Daniel’s Kick-Off Party, and tickets are holding steady at $55. If you remotely enjoy either band (and/or booze), I say go for it.
I’d love to tell you to check out Passion Pit on Friday at the XLV Party because I really enjoy seeing them live. But I cannot responsibly tell you to pay more than $100 for a show that I’ve never paid more than $30 for. Lucky for you, D is giving away 300 tickets. Another sane option is the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration (further proof the football really is Jesus’ favorite sport). Really insane option? Prince. Need I say more?
On Saturday, Maroon 5 is playing a free (for real) show after the DirectTV Celebrity Beach Bowl. Later, there’s the Crystal Method DJ set at Lizard Lounge — 20 bucks gets you in and dancing. If you’re an animal lover, Willie Nelson is playing a benefit concert at Palladium Ballroom for the SPCA. Tickets are $200.
Last but not least, if you’re a Glee fan, you might want to at least tune into Sunday’s pregame show, if only to hear Lea Michele sing “America the Beautiful.” Whether you like her or loathe her with the fire of a thousand suns, girl can sing.
Give
If I had a spare $300 and some sort of phenomenal bowling ability, I’d sign up for the Super Bowl Celebrity Bowling Tournament. It takes place over two days, at 300 Lanes in Addison and Main Event in Fort Worth. Proceeds go to NFL charities. Bonus: all participants get their own Super Bowl XLV bowling ball. How awesome is that?
Behold the 2nd annual Snuggie Pub Crawl. Donate to the Make a Wish foundation, don the world’s most foolish looking blanket, and drink in good conscience.
Where to Watch
No ticket? No problem. Besides the comfort of your own couch, there are plenty of places to catch the game around town. Trust me, wherever you wind up, your view is going to be better than the one from these seats. Think of all the money you’ve saved on parking alone, and rejoice.
We’re so far from finished with this weekend. Click here for many, many more ways to celebrate.
1 comment
Wow – great post! I didn’t realize there were so many entertainment options in Dallas besides the Superbowl this weekend. And I agree that some of those concert combos are odd, but sometimes they work out well. So we’ll see. Thanks again!