If you can’t afford to go to the big game, you can definitely afford to party with the superstar athletes and rock stars coming into town. The game is in Glendale, but downtown Phoenix and Scottsdale have their share of events that are a must-attend.
Downtown Phoenix
1/31: Pepsi Hyped for Halftime Stage headlined by The Roots
The Roots are a hip-hop group also known for their jazz and soul elements. Jimmy Fallon’s house band is not new to the area and have headlined the McDowell Mountain Music Festival in Phoenix. The group is known for their heavy instrumental sound combined with rap that can bring out the energy of any crowd. They are one of the headliners for the Verizon Super Bowl Central, an ongoing concert series and Super Bowl block party, starting Wednesday Jan.28 until game day.
Verizon Super Bowl Central, Jefferson to Monroe Street and Central Avenue to 3rd Street., Phoenix, Saturday, Jan. 31, 8:15 p.m., Free
1/28: The Grand Canyon Experience
A 30-by-100 foot wide rock climbing station was built to emulate Arizona’s iconic Grand Canyon. This structure will have a waterfall streaming through it and an 18 foot screen. The canyon offers 20 different climbing positions that are kid-friendly and also doable by any professional.
Verizon Super Bowl Central, SW Corner of The Block between 1st and Jefferson streets, Phoenix, Wednesday, Jan.28,multiple dates and times, $5
1/24-2/1: 22nd annual NFL Experience
Ever dreamed of an NFL theme park? All week long in anticipation for the Super Bowl the NFL experience will offer free autograph sessions from NFL players, football displays, games and even a youth football clinics. A purchase of an NFLXtra wristbands will also allow unlimited times an attendant can participate.
Phoenix Convention Center, 100 N. 3rd St., Phoenix, Thursday, Jan.24, multiple dates and times, $20-$35
1/29-2/1: Puppy Bowl Café
Animal Planet and the Arizona Humane Society are teaming up to present the Puppy Bowl XI at the Corner restaurant in Cityscape. There will be a football field where puppies will complete and also photo opportunities for guests to take pictures with the “players”. The Corner will open at 6 a.m. as the restaurant continues to serve food and the puppies will arrive at 10 a.m.
The Corner, 50. Jefferson St., Phoenix, Thursday, Jan. 29 through Feb. 1, 10 a.m., free
Glendale
1/28-1/30: DIRECTV Super Fan Festival
Calvin Harris, Zac Brown Band, Snoop Dogg and Imagine Dragons are some of the headliners of this music festival right by the University of Phoenix Stadium. A zip line, a carnival-style shooting range and the opportunity for fans to test out new car are some of extra activities being featured. NFL Hall of Famer Lynn Swann of the Pittsburgh Steelers will hold a football skills challenge. Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen Experience,” will have contests and cash prizes as well.
Pendergast Family Farm, Bethany Home Road & N. 91st Avenue, Glendale, Wednesday, Jan.28 through Jan.30, 5 p.m., $99 and up
1/30 and 1/31: 20th annual Glendale Chocolate Affaire
About 40 chocolate makers will be there offering chocolate-covered strawberries, kettle corn, and cheesecake. The “Super Street” representing a Super Bowl celebration in old historic Glendale will be decorated with the colors of both teams and have NFL themed chocolate treats. There will also be live music, arts and crafts center and a rock climbing wall.
Murphy Park, 7010 N. 58th Ave., Glendale, Friday and Saturday, Jan. 30 and 31, free
1/28-2/1: Super Music Series
The Chainsmokers, Los Lobos and the Eli Young Band are some of the few names that are all having free concerts before the big game. Along with a beer garden, attendants will be able to enjoy 5 days of free music. “Fans can enjoy a different genre each day—from classic rock to EDM to country to 80’s hits,” says Westgate. Westgate provides a handful of bars and restaurants surrounding the grass area will the stage will be held.
Westgate Entertainment District, 6751 N. Sunset Blvd., Glendale, Wednesday though Sunday, Jan.28- Feb.1, 6 p.m., free
2/1: Club PrimeSport VIP Super Bowl Pregame Party
Emmitt Smith, Pro Football Hall of Famer and three-time Super Bowl Champion, will host the most popular VIP pregame party before the actual game. This exclusive party will have food, an open bar, NFL celebrity appearances, and entertainment.
University of Phoenix Stadium, 1 Cardinals Drive, Glendale, Sunday, Feb. 1., Time TBA, $625
Scottsdale
1/28: Moves Magazine Kick-off Party presents Night Moves feat. DJ Grandmaster Flash & The Ting Tings
The Moves Magazine party is a legendary pre-Super Bowl event. Its attendees are usually a mixture of A-listers and athletes. Former Super Bowl champion and Cardinal’s own Simeon Rice, accompanied by an unannounced starlet, will co -host. The Tings Tings will give a life performance in the retro Hotel Valley Ho said to have interactive art. This hotel is designed with the fun glamour of the 80s and reminiscent of Studio 54.
Hotel Valley Ho, 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale, Wednesday, Jan. 28, 9:00 p.m.,$250
1/31: Bootsy Bellows Arizona Takeover hosted by Drake
Drake can literally say, “I’m at the W, but I can’t meet you in the lobby,” as he did in the hit “Bed Rock.” This pop-up party location is based on the Los Angeles nightspot Bootsy Bellows on Sunset Boulevard. Drake will be accompanied by a DJ set from William Lifestyle and reality TV star gone DJ Brody Jenner.
W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, Saturday, Jan.31, 10:00 p.m., $300
1/30: Tiësto
In the EDM world, Tiësto is often referred to as “The Greatest DJ of all time.” Also, as one of the biggest earning DJs, Tiësto is expected to have packed house and for it to sell out quick. Expect the Maya Day & Nightclub to be full with people jumping up and down with a light show over head.
Maya Day & Nightclub, 7333 E. Indian Plaza, Scottsdale, Friday, Jan. 30, 9:00 p.m. $100
1/28: Suits and Sneakers
Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants will a fashion show dedicated to the Elevee Custom Clothing and Lifestyle line that makes custom wardrobes for celebrities and executives. Some of the models will be the NFL’s own football players like Patrick Peterson, Michael Floyd and Demaryus Thomas. This show will include a menswear line including custom suits and sneakers and definitely not one to be missed.
W Scottsdale, 7277 E. Camelback Road, Scottsdale, Wednesday, Jan.28, 9 p.m., $30
