10 Things to Do in Minneapolis Before the Super Bowl
Those who have tickets to Super Bowl LII have an exciting weekend in the Twin Cities ahead of them! For those of you without tickets, you still have an awesome opportunity to enjoy the energy and momentum in Minneapolis. Numerous companies and local organizations banded together to develop unique events for NFL fans. Here are 10 things to do before the Super Bowl.
‘Sota Pop Interactive Art Installation
Stadium
Curated by Explore Minnesota, this interactive pop-up experience showcases a gallery of shareable #OnlyinMN photo ops. Experience the full spectrum of what Minnesota has to offer through this installation that was created by local artists. Minnesota is far more than cold—it’s cool—and ‘Sota Pop shows it. Open from 12–10 pm on Saturday and 12–3 pm on Sunday, this exhibit is close to the U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis’ Nicollet Mall, near other Super Bowl LIVE attractions.
Built Ford Tough Sleigh Ride
Hop on a free sleigh ride through downtown Minneapolis, pulled by Ford trucks. Fans can register for the Built Ford Tough Sleigh Ride at stops on 8th Street at Marquette, and 12th Street at 2nd Avenue. At the 8th Street location, there will be special appearances by NFL players and legends, along with a lineup of Ford trucks to check out. At both locations, you can sign up for the Toughest Ticket Sweepstakes for the chance to win 2018 season tickets to your favorite NFL team’s home games.
Bold North Arts & Entertainment Pass
Friday, January 26–Sunday, February 25, 2018
Experience world-class arts and entertainment with the Bold North Arts & Entertainment Pass. Minneapolis is known for having two of the 10 largest art museums in the country, and for having more theater seats per capita than anywhere outside of New York City, and this pass is designed for both locals and out-of-town guests to soak it all in. Offers associated with this pass include 50% off of backstage tour tickets at Guthrie Theater, 20% off of select performances and gallery admission at Walker Art Center, 15% off of Minnesota Orchestra concert performances and more. Use the pass found here.
The Fan Gallery at Radio Row
Monday, January 29–Friday, February 02, 2018
The Mall of America is the largest mall in the United States in terms of total floor area, so it’s a fitting location for another Super Bowl LII event. Park on the mall’s north side, then take the escalator up to the third floor to check out the Fan Gallery at Radio Row. The free gallery gives fans the opportunity to watch radio broadcasters, professional athletes, and guest celebrities talk it up during Super Bowl week.
Mall of America, 60 E Broadway, Bloomington, MN, USA, +1 952 883 8800
Smocks & Jocks
On Saturday, the National Football League Players Association is hosting Smocks & Jocks, an event that showcases the art of active and former players. The jazz brunch and silent auction run from 10:30 am–1:30 pm, and at the event, guests can mingle with players, observe art, and enjoy food and drinks.
Taste of the NFL
This strolling wine and food event originated in Minnesota during Super Bowl XXVI. This year, it returns to its home city for the first time. The “27th Annual Party with a Purpose Brought to You By General Mills,” also known as Taste of the NFL, features celebrity ambassadors Jeff Bridges, Alyssa Milano, and Bobby Flay and a chef from each NFL city serving their signature dish. Current and former players also get involved, leading to more than 35 food stations to visit while guests listen to the band O.A.R. perform. There’s also a silent auction, and money raised helps fight hunger. Tickets run about $700, and the event begins at 7 pm.
Polaris UpsideDowntown’s Freestyle Snowmobile Stunts
From 10 am–10 pm, watch thrilling snowmobile stunts, meet snow athletes, and enjoy outdoor fun in the #BoldNorth. The Polaris UpsideDowntown’s snowmobile stunt show begins at 1:30 pm and features native Minnesotan Levi LaVallee’s signature snowmobile backflip, where he’ll be launching nearly 100 feet between two ramps. LaVallee, a seven-time gold medalist at the ESPN Winter X Games, holds the world record for snowmobile distance jump. Professional snowmobile athletes Justin Hoyer and Fred Rasmussen will perform stunts alongside LaVallee.
Northern Clay Center’s 100th Annual Chili Cook-Off
Saturday, February 03, 2018
Minnesota is cold in winter, and what’s a better way to warm up than enjoying a bowl of piping hot chili? Check out Northern Clay Center’s 100th Annual Chili Cook-Off from 1–5 pm on Saturday. Featuring special guest potter and former NFL player Chris Cooley, visitors will have the chance to make your own chili bowl, taste whiskey, and try out more than 20 different chilis. The $5 entrance fee comes with a $5 coupon to purchase a new chili bowl or whiskey cup from the sales gallery.
Frosty Fat Tire Festival
Aimed at raising more than $40,000 for families in need, the Frosty Fat Tire Festival features 50 fat tire circuit bike riders. Participants round a one-half-mile circuit to raise money to fund a medical grant that will help children access health services. The event runs from 9 am–2 pm and features a brunch buffet, hot chocolate bar, s’mores, reindeer sleigh rides, and Hammer-Schlagen, a game where participants drive nails into wood.
St. Paul Winter Carnival
Thursday, January 25–Saturday, February 10, 2018
St. Paul Winter Carnival has a long history in the Twin Cities, as it began providing family-friendly events in 1886. The 2018 Carnival offers four dozen events and new attractions that take place in downtown St. Paul and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds, most of which are free. Events include the EcoLab Ice Palace, a giant snow slide and more. During Super Bowl week, the hours are 10 am–10:30 pm except on Sunday, February 4th when the hours are 10 am–8 pm for the Rice Park activities and 10 am–4 pm for the Ice Palace.
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