MINNEAPOLIS — Today, the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee (MNSBHC) announced a week of events and excitement to celebrate 'Handoff Week' — the start of the 52 week countdown to Super Bowl LII in the Bold North.
To help start the countdown, the MNSBHC today unveiled a downloadable digital clock that Minnesotans can follow along as we tick closer to Feb. 4, 2018, the date of Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The digital clock is available today for download to a computer or mobile device at**www.mnsuperbowl.com**.
"The world will be watching Super Bowl LI in Houston and, after the confetti drops, all eyes turn to Minnesota," said Maureen Bausch, CEO of the MNSBHC. "Once Minnesota gets the game ball, that excitement and anticipation will only grow as we countdown 52 weeks to Super Bowl LII. During Handoff Week, we are inviting all Minnesotans to join in the celebrating as we prepare to host one of the world's biggest events in the Bold North."
On Monday, Feb. 6, the day after Super Bowl LI, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell will join the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee at a press conference to officially hand the game ball to Minnesota. At that press conference, the MNSBHC will debut its 'handoff video,' where hundreds of Minnesotans who answered the call to record themselves catching and passing the ball will help virtually bring that game ball to Minnesota.
While the game ball makes its formal transition in Houston, events simultaneously kick off back home in the Bold North. The Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee will unveil billboard countdown clocks around the metro area that will count down the 52 weeks until Super Bowl LII.
'Handoff week' will also feature the kick-off of the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee's "52 Weeks of Giving Campaign," with a press conference to unveil the first of 52 Legacy grants that will be awarded to communities and organizations across the state, that are committed to building a healthier and more active future for Minnesota's children.
The week will culminate with a "Show Us Your Bold" rally at the Mall of America's Rotunda featuring Minnesota Vikings players and community leaders. Minnesotans should look out for other surprises during Handoff Week to help build excitement for Super Bowl LII in the Bold North!
"This is so much more than a game – it's an opportunity for all Minnesotans to make their own Super Bowl memories; to showcase the Bold North to the world; and to create a positive economic impact on our community for years to come," said Bausch. "We are ready to receive the game ball and start the final drive toward a safe, secure, and successful Super Bowl LII for our visitors and Minnesotans alike."
Details for Handoff Week activities are below.
HANDOFF WEEK: Minnesota is on the clock for Super Bowl LII
Monday, Feb. 6, 2017
Handoff Press Conference, NFL Media Center, Houston, TX
Time TBA
Commissioner Goodell and the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee officially pass the game ball to the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee, starting the 52 week countdown
Billboard Countdown Clocks, Across the Twin Cities Metro (Locations Forthcoming)
*30 digital billboards displaying a countdown to game day
*
Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017
Celebrate the Bold North, *U.S. Bank Stadium Plaza, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. *
Minnesotans are invited to embrace the Bold North with ice sculptures, complimentary coffee or hot chocolate, and other surprises
Wednesday, Feb. 8, 2017
*52 Weeks of Giving Kickoff *
Press conference celebrating the launch of 52 weeks of charitable grants to communities across our state, focused on the health and wellness of kids and families
Thursday, Feb. 9, 2017**
Surprise & Delight, Various Locations
Crew 52 will surprise Minnesotans at locations across the Metro area with gifts celebrating the countdown to Super Bowl LII* *
Friday, Feb. 10, 2017
"Show us Your Bold" Rally, Rotunda, Mall of America, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
*Join the Minnesota Vikings and celebrate the 52 week countdown until Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium *
Additional details about times and locations of Handoff Week activities are forthcoming.
