Planning a vacation to the super bowl

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

The Super Bowl is unquestionably the years biggest football event, and to an avid football fan, it is the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation. Even though the competing teams are not certain of their Super Bowl invitation until two weeks before the game, each team begins training, practicing, and strategizing long before the regular season begins. Similarly, a dedicated football fan should begin coordinating a Super Bowl vacation long before the playoffs.

Super Bowl cities are announced nearly four years in advance, so no matter which teams will eventually meet at the fifty-yard line, the location is predetermined. This gives fans a distinct advantage when planning a Super Bowl vacation, because booking accommodations and transportation is less expensive when it is done far in advance. Furthermore, booking early gives travelers the greatest choice of when to travel and where to stay. To avoid the majority of congestion around Super Bowl weekend, it is wise to arrive several days early and remain in the host city a day or two after the game. Booking early is also necessary because many hotels near major events sell out quickly, as do the most convenient flights and other travel arrangements.

Travelers should consider staying further away from the center of Super Bowl festivities to avoid the worst congestion. While hotels are likely to sell out even dozens of miles away, rates will be lower and they may not sell out as quickly. Bear in mind, however, that the further you are from the center of the festivities, the more you may be forced to drive through heavy traffic while avoiding closed streets and other obstacles.

Before leaving home, double check that you have packed all travel necessities. In addition to standard items, include good walking shoes, appropriate team apparel and colors, a camera with sufficient film, and sunblock. While it may seem odd to need sunblock in early February, many Super Bowl events are outdoors and continuous sun exposure can create painful burns despite a low ambient temperature. Many Super Bowl games are played in Florida or other southern locations because of the temperate climate, but it can still be quite chilly in the evenings, making sweaters, sweatshirts, or light jackets necessary. Raingear is another useful item, since most events will continue despite poor weather.

Long before the game, spend time investigating the host city. The official Super Bowl website as well as the host citys website will provide details about scheduled events, road closures, hotline assistance numbers, and other vital visitor information. Writing to the citys Chamber of Commerce can be helpful in procuring a detailed city map or other information to help you navigate the tremendous crowds with ease. Guide books are available for most major cities, and they provide a wealth of information about local attractions, restaurants, night life, accommodations, and transportation. Being well prepared to visit the city will help you enjoy the Super Bowl festivities because you will not be as lost or uninformed as a more casual visitor.

Once your vacation has begun and you have arrived in the host city, consider using public transportation instead of renting a car or paying for taxis. Many hotels will offer complimentary or reduced-rate shuttles to Super Bowl events and area attractions, and you can therefore avoid the frustration of coping with never-ending traffic. If you do decide to drive, the local newspaper and news stations will provide frequent updates about road closures, unexpected delays, and alternate routes to make your travel easier.

During the week prior to the game, evenings are filled with football-oriented events. Concerts, comedy shows, street parties, firework shows, and other exciting activities abound for residents and visitors alike. The NFL Experience is a popular Super Bowl attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to try out the latest versions of football video games, catch a pass, experiment with training equipment, and participate in other themed activities. Both participating teams host pep rallies before the game, and while most of the players may not be on hand, it is an opportunity for steadfast fans to mingle with kindred spirits. Visitors may even have the opportunity to view the Vince Lombardi trophy itself in a secure location, along with other football memorabilia. Be aware, however, that pickpockets enjoy the Super Bowl as much as the fans, so take care to safeguard wallets, cash, cell phones, and other valuables in crowded locations.

One thing fans will not have the opportunity to do is to visit the teams practices. For security reasons, both for the players safety and to protect their game strategy, practices are closed to the public. The teams arrival is well broadcast, however, and several dozen fans are usually on hand to welcome the players to the city. Many players make appearances at nightly events or hot nightclubs, so there is always a chance to catch a glimpse your favorite players off the field.

During the week before the game, NFL festivities do not start until the evening. This gives visitors the opportunity to explore other attractions, including theme parks, zoos, museums, golf courses, shopping venues, historical sites, and more. This is perfect for family vacations, giving everyone something different to enjoy, especially if all family members are not die-hard football fans. Visitor guides as well as the citys website offer abundant information about attractions, local events, and other hot spots.

Super Bowl game tickets are extremely limited. In fact, the only way for the general public to purchase tickets is through an official NFL lottery that takes place over six months before the game. If your name is drawn in that lottery (you must enter via mail), you have the opportunity to purchase tickets, which typically cost between three and four hundred dollars a seat. Many radio and news stations sponsor promotions featuring Super Bowl tickets, however, so there is a variety of ways to secure your seat inside the stadium.

On game day, fans will be allowed into the stadium several hours before the kickoff. Because of heightened security, there are many restrictions on what may be brought into the stadium. Items such as camcorders, seat cushions, umbrellas, banners, coolers, drinks, noisemakers, and camera cases are not permitted, and all attendees are subject to a thorough search. A good rule of thumb is to bring as little as possible to the game itself in order to pass through security quickly and easily, without risking anything being confiscated. After that, sit back, cheer, and enjoy the game!

With careful planning, a Super Bowl vacation can be an exciting pilgrimage for any football fan. Not only can they experience unique Super Bowl festivities, concerts, and official events, but all family members can enjoy the attractions and activities offered by the host city. No matter which teams are playing or who emerges victorious that Sunday, a Super Bowl vacation is a winning getaway.