Super Bowl Survival Guide

by | Jan 24, 2017 | Sports Sundries, The Brat Vault

I am so excited to be heading to Houston for Super Bowl LI…aka the Big Game!  This year the Patriots are taking on the Falcons…or maybe I should say the Falcons are taking on the storied Patriots.  Either way, we’re set for the Big Game and since I’ve been to a few of these I figured I would offer my ultimate survival guide for the Super Bowl.  I’m talking what to wear, where to stay, how to get invited to the parties, etc.  Everything you need to know!  So let’s get started with travel.

I have a major secret to share with you guys…the major hotels are blocked off until the two teams select where they want to stay.  At that point, the rooms will be released and may appear to be expensive at first.  If you can hold out until the week of, you can find MAJOR deals.  I’m talking MAJORLY nice hotels for $100.  So if you were looking for rooms recently you may have noticed the big guys weren’t even on the list, but they soon will be.  With a little guts and some patience you can stay somewhere great for a very reasonable price.

Thank brings me to my next point, nothing will be central.  There’s no such thing.  At the Super Bowl there are so many events all day every day that they have to be spread out.  Therefore, I would say pick a location close to one of them and suck up the uber or taxi fee for the rest.

Speaking of uber and taxis, these prices can go way up during peak times like Friday/Sat night before the Super Bowl.  If you’re traveling in a large group, getting a car service to take you around the parties will be far more economical, plus you can negotiate.  But book them now!

Ok now let’s talk events…Many athletes, celebs and influencers will head down early to do press all week.  If you want to have a better opportunity to rub elbows with all the famous faces, head down early! These events are free, plus you can probably see them out at restaurants, bars, etc.  A lot of them will not stick around for the actual game.

So here’s the line up of major events I recommend:

Super Bowl LIVE: Jan. 27 to Feb. 5 – Discovery Green

Family friendly!  Super Bowl LIVE is a FREE 10-day festival with concerts featuring some of the biggest local names in the music business. Houston-based performers will appear on the main and secondary stage throughout the week, including bands The Tontons, Wild Moccasins, Los Skarnales, Nick Gaitan, Fat Tony, Buxton and many more. For the line up: housuperbowl.com.

Future Flight: Jan. 28 to Feb. 5 – Discovery Green

The local Super Bowl LI Host Committee partnered with NASA and leading aerospace companies to create Future Flight. This signature attraction at Super Bowl LIVE will combine a virtual reality experience with a 90-foot drop tower that will take passengers on a trip to Mars and back, landing on the field just in time for Super Bowl LI. So cool!

Texans House: Feb. 2-4 – The Grove at Discovery Green from 10 a.m. – 2 a.m.

Family friendly!  Texans House will transform The Grove at Discovery Grove into a Houston Texans hospitality venue for Super Bowl LI fans and guests. The Texans House will feature daily interactive opportunities, cigar rollers, DJs, live bands, food and autograph sessions and photos with former and current NFL players, cheerleaders and special guests.

The NFL Experience: Jan. 28 to Feb. 5 – George R. Brown Convention Center

Family Friendly!  The NFL Experience offers fans with the opportunity to experience all the Super Bowl LI festivities. Visitors can experience interactive games, youth football clinics, autograph sessions, virtual reality technology, see the Vince Lombardi Trophy and more!  Tickets are $35.00 for adults and $25.00 for children 12 and under. An NFLXtra Fast Pass may be purchased for $55.00. Hours are as follows.  Tix are here.

  • Saturday, Jan. 28 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Sunday, Jan. 29 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, Feb. 1 (3 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Thursday, Feb. 2 (3 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Friday, Feb. 3 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Saturday, Feb. 4 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.)
  • Sunday, Feb. 5 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

Now for the fun stuff 😉

Club Nomadic

  • Thursday, Feb. 2 – Sam Hunt
  • Friday, Feb. 3 – Bruno Mars
  • Saturday, Feb. 4 – Taylor Swift
  • Sawyers Yard on Edwards Street
  • 8 p.m.

Club Nomadic, a 3-story collapsible nightclub entertainment center, will be located at Sawyer Yards in the Washington Avenue Arts District, two miles from Downtown Houston.

This 62,500-square-foot nightclub will host events Feb. 2-4 including Sam Hunt, the Chainsmokers, Bruno Mars, and Taylor Swift on Super Bowl eve. Seating options include floor-level general admission, tiered mezzanines and a private experience for VIP ticket holders. Tix here.

Leather & Laces Party: Friday, Feb. 3 and Saturday, Feb. 4 – Hughes Manor Campus

The 14th Annual Leather & Laces two-night party at Super Bowl LI will be held at Hughes Manor Campus on Washington Avenue. This party will be one of the hottest places to be during Super Bowl Weekend with more than 3,000 guests expected. Guests will enjoy hand-rolled sushi, open bars with premium liquors and champagne, hors d’oeuvres and desserts.

16th Annual Celebrity Flag Football Challenge: Saturday, Feb. 4 -Rhodes Stadium, Katy

Celebrity Flag Football schedule:

  • 8 a.m. – City of Katy Tailgate Chili Cook-off
  • Celebrity Chef Cook-off
  • 12 p.m. – Pregame Show Featuring Katy ISD
  • 1 p.m. – Celebrity Flag Football Game featuring pro athletes, celebrities
  • Purchase tickets

The 2017 MAXIM Party: Saturday, Feb. 4 – Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land

Party guests will experience an immersive experience with art, fashion and music celebrating the big game. The event will feature headline performers and special guest talent and will be filled with A-List celebrities, VIPs, tastemakers and athletes. By invitation only.

The Super Bowl Taste of the NFL: Saturday, Feb. 4 – University of Houston

You don’t want to miss the 26th Annual Taste of the NFL on Saturday, February 4th at the University of Houston. Enjoy a night of food, football and fun. All proceeds of the event benefit the Houston Food Bank. Guests can purchase tickets here.

Rolling Stone LIVE: Houston Big Game Bash: Saturday, Feb. 4 -Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

Rolling Stone will host one of the hottest, most exclusive events on Super Bowl weekend. Rolling Stone’s sixth annual big game bash will be held at the Museum of Fine Arts (MFAH) in Houston’s Museum District. The event will host celebrities, athletes, and influencers with performances by some of today’s hottest artists. Will welcome A-List talent, such as Grammy nominated producer Diplo and hip-hop legend Nas.

If you’re not headed to the big game, make sure you try to swing by one of these events:

 

The Players Tailgate Houston 2017: Sunday, Feb. 5 – Mike Calvert Toyota

Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri is the 2017 Players Tailgate chef at the Super Bowl in Houston. The Players Tailgate is destined to be one of the hottest pre-game VIP parties and is located 1.5 blocks from the main entrance of NRG Stadium.

Tailgate guests will enjoy a pavilion lined space filled with tables and white leather furniture. Watch ESPN’s pre-game coverage on large LED monitors while enjoying this great social event. It is an amazing experience for football fans young and old!

Ultimate Big Game Watch Party: The Square at Memorial City Mall

  • 3-9 p.m.
  • FREE

Family friendly. Guests are welcome to bring their blankets, chairs and friends to cheer on their favorite team.

The Biggest Super Bowl Watch Party

  • Sunday, Feb. 5
  • Ballroom @Bayou Place
  • Door open 2:30 p.m.
  • Tickets start at $25
  • More information

Watch the game on big screen TVs, drink specials, celebrity Djs, special invited surprise guests and NFL players, balcony view of the city.

AND if you’re into sports and want more than just football the Rockets are in town along with UFC fight night:

Houston Rockets Game

Houston Rockets Game

Houston Rockets Game

UFC Fight Night 

Ok now that the event portion is out of the way…what should you wear?!

First up…for the parties!

SB Evening Party Looks

The Super Bowl parties are the perfect time to try fun trends and some these are very affordable! Here are the shopping details:

  1. Ali & Jay Yoke Mini Dress
  2. Satin Cowl Neck Slip Dress
  3. Velvet Mini Dress
  4. Selfie Leslie Cropped Jumpsuit
  5. Flynn Skye Memphis Mini Dress
  6. Parker Savina Dress

Last bit of advice for the parties, you won’t be sitting much so make sure to wear comfy heels.  These are pricey but I’ve worn them so many times and they’re not only comfy but they’re timeless.

OK now if you’re headed to the daytime events then here are my picks.  Keep in mind Houston can be humid even during February.  I’m a big fan of the layer so if you can’t go wrong with jeans, a tee and a light jacket or sweater and comfy booties or sneakers.  Or even a comfy dress!  Because of bag restrictions I would carry a small bag all week. (I’m pining for that bag!)

Here’s some inspo for you!

OK let’s talk finally about how to get the invite to these events.  Take a listen to the podcast this week because it’s kind of a long story but my dear friend Allison and I had the most insane luck at the Super Bowl in Tampa simply because we were nice and we talked to everyone.  Be kind, be open and magical things can happen at the Super Bowl!

I’ll be sharing my looks and a behind the scenes tour for you all while I’m down there so make sure to follow along for a front row seat.

If you’re staying at home and attending or hosting a watch party at someone’s home, check out my post on hosting a watch party and my DIY post for ideas! AND if you’re planning on PARTYING I highly recommend stocking up on Resqwater. It’s tough to find in stores but its the only way I was able to make it to work on Mondays after Super Bowl celebrating.  Give it a try!