Overview
When it comes to Super Bowls, this isn’t our first rodeo — for Houston nor for Walter P Moore! Houston’s first Super Bowl (VIII) was held in 1974 at Rice Stadium, which was also Walter P Moore’s first of more than 150 major sports facilities.
Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 was Houston’s second time to host the big game, this time at the NFL’s first retractable-roof stadium — Reliant Stadium (now NRG), which coincidentally, marked Walter P Moore’s second major sports facility to feature an operable roof.
Now just days away, Super Bowl LI will return to NRG Stadium as the New England Patriots take on the Atlanta Falcons, the teams’ ninth and second attempts respectively at earning the coveted Lombardi Trophy. But until the big game, Houston is abuzz throughout Super Week, hosting events all over the city but heavily concentrated in the downtown and midtown areas.
Walter P Moore is proud to have worked on several such facilities and urban redevelopments. Here’s a summary of activities being held at those venues:
Super Bowl LIVE // Discovery Green // Sat 1/28 – Sun 2/5
Super Bowl LIVE is the Host Committee’s signature nine-day fan festival leading up to Super Bowl LI in Houston. The festival, a free event with music, food, games and attractions, is located in and around Discovery Green Park in downtown Houston from Jan. 28 through Feb. 5, 2017. The Host Committee is anticipating attendance of 1 million people over the nine days.
NFL Experience // George R. Brown Convention Center // Sat-Sun 1/28-29 and Wed-Sun 2/1-5
NFL Experience Driven by Genesis is pro football’s interactive theme park. This event offers fans a unique chance to get involved in the festivities surrounding Super Bowl LI, offering interactive games, youth football clinics, merchandise from NFL Shop presented by Visa, player autograph sessions, and more.
NFL Opening Night // Minute Maid Park // Monday 1/30 7-10 pm
Super Bowl Opening Night, which debuted at Super Bowl 50 in the San Francisco Bay Area, will be the first time the players and coaches meet with the media in Houston. Fans will sit in the stadium stands and watch thousands of media interview the Super Bowl players. In addition, the event will feature live musical performances from premiere talent, special appearances and autographs by NFL Legends, cheerleaders and team mascots, and a Red Carpet fan photo opportunity.
Super Weekend Block Party // Bagby Park // Thur-Sat 2/2-4
Midtown Houston presents the SUPER Weekend Block Party at Bagby Park (415 Gray St), a three-day concert series February 2nd – February 4th 2017 from 4pm to 8pm each day. The SUPER Weekend Block Party is sponsored by Bud Light and Stella Artois, and supports Midtown Parks Conservancy.
Midtown Park Super Block Party // Midtown Park // Sat-Sun 2/4-5
The Midtown Park Super Block Party on Feb. 4 and 5 will feature an athletic activation with NFL players and area youth. The event will showcase local and national entertainment, food, art and fun for all. It will also serve as an opportunity for locals and visitors to preview the new Midtown Park, which was created by transforming a 3-acre vacant space found in the heart of Houston’s Midtown District.
Super Bowl LI // NRG Stadium // Sunday 2/5 5:30 pm CST
Read more about the Falcons vs. Patriots match-up in “Texas tussle: Patriots, Falcons face off in Super Bowl LI.”
