TAMPA, Fla. — “You take any ladders away since you been here this morning?”
The crews at Tampa’s Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park are scrambling to put somewhat more than the finishing touches on the NFL’s Super Bowl Experience, an interactive companion event to the Big Game opening Friday, January 29. COVID-mandated reservations are all gone—fans had to download the OnePass app and RSVP for available time slots to visit the attraction—and there’s no standby list, and construction teams, technical specialists and security personnel are all working overtime to make sure everything is in place.
What You Need To Know
- The Super Bowl Experience opens in Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park on Friday, Jan. 29
- Reservations are full
- RSVPs are not needed for other events along the Tampa Riverwalk
- SEE ALSO: Spectrum Bay News 9's Angie Angers checks out the Experience
- SEE ALSO: More Super Bowl headlines, FAQs
The Super Bowl rings and Vince Lombardi trophy aren’t on display yet; the rings have arrived, but the trophy won’t be glimpsed until former Buccaneer, nine-time All Pro and 11-time Pro Bowl linebacker Derrick Brooks officially unveils it at 5 p.m. on Friday. He’ll appeal virtually, as the league’s medical professionals have put the kibosh on any in-person appearances by sports celebrities.
That doesn’t mean there won’t be plenty for fans to see and do, however. In addition to the main pavilion’s walk-through history of the NFL, including spotlights on the organization’s heroes and charitable efforts, attendees will be treated to a look at specially designed team helmets, a plethora of equipment and photos, and more. Outside, patrons can participate in activities like kicking and passing challenges and a timed 40-yard dash, as well as an obstacle course featuring tackling and blocking dummies and various classic training techniques.
According to Director of NFL Events Nicki Ewell, the entire operation will be in full compliance with Tampa’s recently mandated COVID protocols for outdoor public events, and the folks at the gate will be taking temperatures as well. Along with the in-person appearances, touchscreens have been abolished this year as well in an effort to keep visitors as safe as possible.
Across the river in Curtis Hixon Park, things are a little more lounge-y. White pleather couches are being spread around between corporate sponsor tents, while a bar heavily branded by exclusive spirits sponsor GameDay Vodka (a local company) dominates the center of the space, near a stage that will feature DJs and other live entertainment during the duration of the extended Super Bowl Week. Visitors don’t need a OnePass RSVP to gain entry to this or the other activities happening along Tampa’s Riverwalk, but organizers say the Tampa Police Department will be closely monitoring attendance, and when capacity is reached, it’ll become a one-out, one-in deal.
Things aren’t quite fully in place on this day before the Super Bowl Experience opens to fans, but there is already a hint of excitement, even among the assembled media and workers for whom it’s more of a job than an, ahem, experience. The real excitement comes, though, when thousands of football fans from across the Tampa Bay region and beyond get to celebrate for themselves.
Check out some more photos below.
