MINNEAPOLIS – Super Bowl LII is now less than a week away, and a variety of activity options are available for fans in the days leading up to the big game.
Vikings.com visited Super Bowl Experience Driven by Genesis on Monday to check out the unique event. Held at the Minneapolis Convention Center, Super Bowl Experience offers a full afternoon or evening of fun for all ages, from travelling exhibits that showcase the NFL to hands-on activities.
Here are five of my favorite aspects of the Super Bowl Experience, an event that began when Minneapolis hosted Super Bowl XXVI in 1992:
1. Pro Football Hall of Fame Display
This exhibit topped the list for me. The Pro Football Hall of Fame display gives fans a close-up look at snapshots of all-time great NFL players, past and present.
Vikings fans will be able to see a number of their favorite players' Hall of Fame busts, including Cris Carter and Alan Page. The artifacts are accompanied by text that provides casual followers and hardcore football fans alike an educational experience.
Included next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a sub-exhibit for "My Cause, My Cleats," where custom-designed cleats from players across the league are on display.
2. Bridgestone Punt, Pass and Kick
Just like it sounds, this Bridgestone activation gives fans of any age the opportunity to practice punting (with some brief coaching beforehand), passing a regulation football and kicking an imaginary field goal off a tee.
The Punt, Pass and Kick station is just one of many activations on the main floor that give fans a chance to practice their football skills, including drills to mimic the annual NFL Scouting Combine. I especially appreciated that there were various age levels that made the area extremely family friendly.
3. Chronology of Pro Football
Similar to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Chronology of Football is a great exhibit for fans looking to do a deeper dive on the history of the game.
A number of panels are set up that walk fans through the different eras of the NFL and defining moments of those time periods.
4. NFL Draft Set
The NFL Draft Set was a quick visit and unique photo opportunity.
Jerseys from all 32 teams are available, and fans can pose with the jersey of their choice next to a replica of the NFL Draft stage and podium.
Other replica sets that offer fun photos opportunities include the NFL Locker Room and NFL Network Stage.
5. NFL PLAY 60 Zone
Located in the lower level of the Convention Center is the PLAY 60 Zone, which offered a wide array of activities perfect for the younger fan population. The space allows children to learn various football drills, participate in the NFL PLAY 60 Challenge, pose in front of a green screen and "gear up and go" as their favorite NFL player.
The area also features the PLAY 60 Field, which gives young fans the opportunity to feel like they're on real NFL turf.
Don't forget that a number of Vikings players – former and current – will be appearing at the Super Bowl Experience. To see a full list of player appearances and times through Wednesday of this week, click ****here***. *
Tickets to Super Bowl Experience Driven by Genesis are available ****here***. People wearing Vikings gear will receive $5 off admission on tickets purchased at the box office on Wednesday.*
