There are many festivities surrounding the 2012 Super Bowl that lead up to the big game on Feb. 5. Fans can get an entire week celebrating all things football as the most popular team sports league in the United States wraps up its 2011-2012 season.
Here’s a look at some of the many events fans can attend with the purchase of tickets. The VisitIndy.com website and the city’s Super Bowl website have comprehensive lists of events.
Jan. 27, Super Bowl Village
The massive Super Bowl Village kicks off the party at 3 p.m. on Jan. 27. Open every day until after the Super Bowl concludes, the Super Bowl Village will be the place where everyone hangs out until the game starts. Fans can experience tailgating, broadcasting, gaming, ice sculpting, interactive games and even meet celebrities. The world’s longest temporary zipline will give fans a chance to fly through downtown Indianapolis.
Hours run from 11 a.m. to midnight on weekends and 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. Be sure to check out the action on Pennsylvania, Georgia and Meridian streets. There will be live music throughout the venue.
Jan. 27, NFL Experience
The NFL Experience is a fully immersed event at the Indiana Convention Center. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for kids 12 and under. Fans can get autographs, participate in kid’s clinics and view some NFL football memorabilia. You can even see the actual Vince Lombardi trophy up close and personal before it is awarded to the winning team.
Hours of the NFL Experience begin at 3 p.m. Jan. 27. The venue runs every day until Saturday, Feb. 4 until 10 p.m. For true football fans, the NFL Experience is one-of-a-kind.
Jan. 31, Media Day
The NFL is allowing 5,000 fans to sit in Lucas Oil Stadium during Media Day on Jan. 31. The media interviews players and coaches on that day as the teams are in the middle of workouts and practices leading up to the big game. It is quite an interesting sight to view thousands of media members talking to players from both teams across the field.
Feb. 2, Fan Jam
VH1 and Pepsi sponsor the pre-game Super Bowl Fan Jam at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Bands such as Gym Glass Heroes, B.o.B. and the All-American Rejects headline the musical showcase starting at 5 p.m. Feb. 2. Celebrities and NFL players will also make appearances at the event.