If you’re a football fan, you probably know that Super Bowl LVII will be played in Glendale, Arizona. As the date for the Big Game rapidly approaches, anyone who wants to attend needs to make plans as soon as possible. As event photography experts, we certainly can’t overlook the biggest sporting event to come to Arizona in a long time. Let’s look at some of the top considerations for fans who plan to make the pilgrimage to Phoenix in February.
Facts to Know About the Big Game
Arizona has a long history of hosting Super Bowls. 2023 will be the fourth time the game is held in the state. 1996, 2008, and 2015 games were all held in the Grand Canyon state. As of this writing, we don’t know the teams that will be facing off with each other in the game. We do, however, have plenty of other details about the event.
- When — The Big Game starts at 4:30 PM MST on Sunday, February 12, 2023.
- Where — State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, which is about 17 miles northwest of downtown Phoenix.
- Cost of tickets — If you’re buying tickets, you can expect to pay close to $5,000 for the cheapest seats and up to $40,000.
- Halftime Performance — The halftime show, sponsored by Apple Music, will feature Rihanna. Backup performers, including the National Anthem singer and pre-game entertainment, have not yet been announced.
Attending the Big Game
The Super Bowl is America’s most popular sporting event. For many fans, attending in person is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Others make it a point to attend as many Super Bowls as they can. If you want to attend, you need to start planning as soon as possible.
The first thing you need to do is buy tickets. Super Bowl tickets are available from a number of online vendors. You can also find packages with VIP perks such as food, drinks, and entertainment. As tickets sell out fast, you should buy them now to avoid missing out on the big event.
If you’re coming from outside the local area, you will also need to arrange your accommodations as soon as you can. Hotels and Airbnb’s in the Glendale area will sell out quickly as the date approaches. You may also want to consider packages that bundle tickets, accommodations, and possibly other perks. Some packages, for example, include Players Tailgate Pre-Game Party, which features food from renowned chefs and a chance to meet players and other celebrities. Packages may also include transportation from the hotel to the game, and receptions.
Things to do in the Area During that Week
There’s plenty going on in Glendale and the Phoenix area aside from the Big Game. As long as you’re in town, you may as well check out some of the other events as well as year-round attractions.
The biggest event, aside from the game itself, is the Super Bowl Festival, which will be offering all kinds of entertainment during the entire weekend at multiple locations. The festival is free and you don’t need tickets to the big game in order to attend. Schedules and entertainment will be announced as the date approaches.
NFL Experience
This popular annual event that takes place the entire week leading up to the Big Game, will be held at the Phoenix Convention Center. Highlights include autographing signing sessions with players and seeing NFL memorabilia such as the Vince Lombardy trophy. Historically, there are several exhibits and interactive games. Tickets are $20 for adults and free for kids under 12.
Waste Management Phoenix Open
For those who are fans of golf as well as football, this is the most popular annual event on the PGA Tour. The tournament runs from February 6-12, ending on the day of the Super Bowl at TPC Scottsdale Course located in Scottsdale. You can attend this event for free on Monday and Tuesday. You’ll need to buy tickets for the rest of the week, and prices are highest during the last two days.
Super Bowl Watch Party
Not everyone is able to get tickets to the Super Bowl. That doesn’t mean you have to stay home, though. The Super Bowl Watch Party at Hance Park, which will allow thousands of fans to watch the game for free, is the next best thing to being at the game.
Other Events Happening That Week
- Super Bowl Experience – at the Phoenix Convention Center February 4-5 and 9-11, presented by Lowes.
- Opening Night – at Footprint Center, presented by Fast Twitch, February 6.
- Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at Mesa Center For the Arts, February 8.
- Historic Old Town ESPN Main Street Tailgate in Old Town Scottsdale, February 8-12.
- NFL Honors at Phoenix Symphony Hall, presented by Invisalign, February 9.
- Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest at Footprint Center, February 9-11.
- FanDuel Party at Tempe Beach Park, February 10.
- Taste of the NFL at Chateau Luxe, February 11.
Enjoy All the Phoenix Area Has to Offer
Aside from the Big Game itself and the many special Super Bowl-themed events, Phoenix has plenty to offer visitors. There are many great restaurants, museums, and outdoor attractions such as Desert Botanical Garden, Camelback Mountain, and Papago Park to explore in your spare time. If you want to attend the next Super Bowl, start making plans so you can look forward to being part of this massive event.
