HOUSTON – Super Bowl LI is the main event in Houston in February, but there are many other fun things to do in the city leading up to the big game for both locals and out-of-towners.
Three of the main events are the NFL Experience, Super Bowl LIVE and the Houston LIVE exhibition.
The NFL Experience will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. The fan-focused event will begin the weekend before the Super Bowl, Jan. 28-29. Locals may want to attend this weekend to beat the crowds. The NFL Experience will also be open from Feb. 1-5.
Fans will get the chance to participate in NFL-themed games and activities at the event, including an opportunity to test their football skills, view live game action using virtual reality technology, get a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy and take part in other football-themed experiences.
Tickets to the NFL Experience can be purchased online through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $35 for adults and $25 for children ages 12 and younger. An NFLXtra Fast Pass is available for $55.
Super Bowl LIVE will be held from Saturday, January 28, through Sunday, February 5. The free festival in Discovery Green Park features music, food, games and attractions. Some of the highlight acts include Solange Knowles, Robert Glasper and Lizzo, Leon Bridges, Shakey Graves and Robert Ellis, ZZ Top, Gary Clark Jr. and The Suffers.
Houston-based performers will also be on the main and secondary stage throughout the week, including bands The Tontons, Wild Moccasins, Los Skarnales, Nick Gaitan, Fat Tony, and Buxton.
Houston LIVE focuses on the history of the city with three major themes: "Celebrate," "Inspire" and "Energize." It will showcase the spirit, ingenuity and drive that makes Houston a diverse, dynamic and exciting city of the future.
The Host Committee also showcased the space industry by partnering with NASA and leading aerospace companies to create Future Flight, which combines a virtual reality experience with a 90-foot drop tower that takes passengers on a trip to Mars and back, landing just in time for Super Bowl LI.
The host committee will also make extensive use of Houston-area food trucks to feed the crowds at Super Bowl LIVE. The trucks will be located in several areas throughout the festival.
Here is a breakdown of the events surrounding the Super Bowl in Houston. We'll be updating this list with more events as the game nears.
Saturday, January 28
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Super Bowl LIVE in Discovery Green Park.
Sunday, January 29
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Super Bowl LIVE in Discovery Green Park.
Wednesday, February 1
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Super Bowl LIVE in Discovery Green Park.
Thursday, February 2
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Super Bowl LIVE featuring Solange Knowles, Robert Glasper and Lizzo on the main stage.
- Ditka/Jaws Cigar Party at Irish Cowboy.
- The Big Texas Party featuring barbecue, beer and bourbon at Silver Street Studios.
- Bulls and Blackjack Celebrity Poker Tournament and Casino Night at a private manor in River Oaks.
Friday, February 3, 2017
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Off the Field Players’ Wives Fashion Show at Tootsies.
- Leather and Laces at Hughes Manor.
- Gospel Celebration at Lakewood Church.
Saturday, February 4
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- Super Bowl Live featuring ZZ Top, Gary Clark Jr. and The Suffers.
- Taste of the NFL at the University of Houston.
- Leather and Laces at Hughes Manor.
- Big Game, Big Give - Athletes in Action Breakfast at Marriott Marquis.
- Playboy Party with Tao Las Vegas at Spire.
- The Professional Football Players Mothers Association Gala at DoubleTree by Hilton at Greenway Plaza.
Sunday, February 5
- The NFL Experience at the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
- NFL Alumni Official Game Day Brunch at Del Frisco’s Steakhouse.