Super Bowl week, and the festivities that go along with it, are a lot like Las Vegas: there's always something happening somewhere. The Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex will see dozens of parties and events in the days leading up to the Super Bowl, and if you are in town, chances are you will see just as many celebrities as cowboy hats.
Whether you are looking for family-friendly events, or something to satisfy your inner sports nut, there is an event to suit your tastes. Here are some of the key events being held in DFW leading up to the big game.
The NFL Experience
Runs from Wednesday, February 2 through Sunday, February 6. Times vary (see website)
Dallas Convention Center, 650 S. Griffin St., Dallas 75202
Tickets: $25 for adults, $20 for children
www.nfl.com/superbowl/story
THE must-attend Super Bowl event, other than the game itself. The Dallas Convention Center will be the hub for all things football, from Q&As with coaches and experts, to hands-on demonstrations for kids, to autograph sessions with current and former NFL players. A massive exhibit area will provide more than a football fan could want. My particular favorite: the Wilson booth, where fans can see footballs being made by hand. It's also the only place to see the Lombardi Trophy before game day. The Dallas train (DART) stops at the convention center, but if you drive in, use the underground parking. It provides easy access to the event floor.
Aces and Angels: A Salute to the Troops
Wednesday, February 2, 7:00 p.m.
Centennial Hall at Fair Park, 3430 Grand Ave., Dallas 75210
Tickets: $475 and up
www.aces-angels.org
Billed as the "Kickoff Event" for Super Bowl week, legendary KISS frontman Gene Simmons and his wife Shannon Tweed welcome home over 500 soldiers from Iraq and Afghanistan with dinner, live performances from Five for Fighting and Little Texas (among others), and a poker tournament. Dozens of current and former players will attend. Tickets are pricey, but the event benefits the USO and the Wounded Warrior Project.
Winners and Wine
Wednesday, February 2, 5:00 p.m.
Milan Gallery, 505 Houston St., Ft. Worth 76102
(817) 338-4278
Admission: Free
www.milangallery.com
Steve Sabol, the man behind the incredible NFL Films, will exhibit his unique sports-themed artwork, and legendary NFL coach Dick Vermeil will be on hand to present his line of Napa Valley Wines, Vermeil Wines. The event is free, and attendees will be able to meet both Sabol and Vermeil, with a signing scheduled as well.
Super Football Trains
Friday, February 4-Sunday, February 6, Trains leave at 10:00 a.m.
Grapevine Vintage Railroad, 705 S. Main St., Grapevine 76051
(817) 410-8136
Tickets: $10 for adults, $8 for children
Event website: www.grapevinetexasusa.com
This one hour ride on a steam-powered vintage train will take you back to the days of the Old West, but this special trip is Super Bowl-themed. Football trivia and prizes will be awarded, video of classic Super Bowl moments will be shown, and anyone wearing Packers and Steelers gear gets a free treat. The train ride takes you to the Stockyards in downtown Ft. Worth. You can also catch the train from Ft. Worth to Grapevine in the afternoon.
Sports Kings Superbowl Rally
Friday, February 4, 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
Boston's Pizza and Sports Bar, 2501 E. Lamar, Arlington 76006
Cost: Free, food is extra
www.bostons.com/locations/restaurant/?sc=5210
Local fans who may not follow the Packers or the Steelers but just want to get in on the Super Bowl festivities can stop by this free event. The event promotes the Brighter Tomorrow Organization, which provides shelter and assistance to victims of violence and sexual abuse.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
Friday, February 4, 7:30 p.m.
The Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First Ave., Dallas 75210
(214) 565-1116
Tickets: $85 and up
www.superbowlgospel.com
Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winans, Marvin Sap and Mary Mary headline this gospel music tribute that is one of only a handful of NFL-sanctioned events. Former NFL MVP Kurt Warner will be among the many current and former NFL players participating in the event.
Duke's XLV Pregame Parties
Friday, February 4, and Saturday February 5, 9:00 p.m.
Duke's Original Roadhouse, 2250 Airport Freeway, Bedford 76022
(817) 354-1002
Admission prices: Vary. Call for information.
www.psndallas.com/xlv-2011
Duke's Original Roadhouse in Bedford, a suburb just north of Arlington, will host Super Bowl parties on Friday and Saturday nights, each hosted by current and former Dallas Cowboys. Running back Tashard Choice hosts the Friday night party, while legendary cornerback Everson Walls takes the reins on Saturday.
ESPN NEXT Big Tailgate
Saturday, February 5, Noon
River Ranch, Ft. Worth Stockyards, 500 NE 23rd St., Ft. Worth 76164
ESPN is headquartered in Ft. Worth, so many of their activities will be around Cowtown. This tailgate party will feature a number of interactive games and other activities, and will even have a seven-ton belt buckle made out of steel from Texas Stadium.
Super Sunday Morning Hope Walk
Sunday, February 6, 7:30 a.m.
Sundance Square, 5th Street and Throckmorton, Ft. Worth
Cost: $35 entry fee
thehopewalk.org
Pro football Hall of Famers Tony Dorsett and Darrell Green host a 5K walk and fun run in downtown Ft. Worth. The event benefits the Ft. Worth Cook Children's Hospital and the Ft. Worth Independent School District. Anyone can participate and finish well ahead of the Super Bowl kickoff.
Details on each event are subject to change. Contact event organizers for the latest information.
