The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers will storm the field at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on February 2 for their shot at bringing home the Vince Lombardi Trophy as the 2020 Super Bowl champions.
In preparation for the momentous match, thousands of NFL fans are expected to descend on the city. Roughly 65,000 people will attend the Super Bowl, and an estimated 200,000 visitors will flock to Miami for events and parties in the week leading up to the game, according to Miami Super Bowl Host Committee chairman Rodney Barreto.
Even if you’re not a football follower, you’ll find plenty to see and do. We’ve got the play-by-play on how to make the most of your Super Bowl LIV experience, from the game to the musical acts and every blitz in between.
The Big Game
At press time, game-day tickets were starting on secondary markets at more than $4,000 a seat. A recent $755 million, multi-year renovation to Hard Rock Stadium, however, promises to make the fan experience better than ever. The refreshed venue now features four large scoreboards, an assortment of local vendors and the stadium’s most luxurious seating to date, the 72 Club (think double-padded, mid-field seats and access to an on-field private club). And for you social media MVPs who need dependable Wi-Fi, the game also promises to be the first 5G Super Bowl.
At halftime, megastars Jennifer Lopez and Shakira will grace the stage for what certainly will be an energetic show — previously, Gloria Estefan and Enrique Iglesias were the only Latin artists to headline the Super Bowl halftime show.
Besides the on-field affair, the main draw will be the Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The family-friendly event celebrates the history of football and heightens the game’s buzz in the days leading up to kick-off. Highlights include the interactive NFL Play 60 Zone, close-ups with the coveted Lombardi trophy and autograph sessions with past and present NFL personalities.
The Players Tailgate at the Super Bowl has also earned a top spot as the ultimate pre-game fest, where you can rub elbows with stars (Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and L.A. Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey are both expected to make appearances) and other A-list guests, and fill up on all-you-can-eat gourmet bites and drinks from an open bar.
Where to Stay
Though you may have thought you needed a Hail Mary to find a hotel to stay at in this late stage of the reservations game, there are still a few rooms available, with over-the-top extras to boot.
Experience the weekend in style with one of Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star 1 Hotel South Beach‘s The Big Game at 1 packages, which start at $200,000 for a four-night stay, Super Bowl tickets, spa treatments and other VIP perks.
For something a little more low-key, Four-Star Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club is offering The Touchdown Experience at The Marybelle Penthouse, a promotion that includes a four-night stay in the elegantly appointed Marybelle Penthouse Suite, game tickets, in-suite dining and personalized jerseys for your whole crew.
North of the city, and about 20 minutes from the stadium, The Diplomat Beach Resort has special rates and family-friendly fun planned all weekend long. The Hollywood, Florida, property also plays host to the 29th annual Taste of the NFL food and wine fest.
Viewing Parties and Game-Day Bites
If you’re staying in South Beach, head to Dragon Lounge at vibrant SLS South Beach, where the Chiefs and Niners faithful without tickets can cheer on their favorite team in a swank setting or call an audible and venture just up the beach to ultra-chic W South Beach for a viewing party complete with game-day bites.
You also could soak up the sun at Forbes Travel Guide Recommended Fontainebleau Miami Beach, enjoying a football-inspired cabana package with wings and beer buckets.
Five-Star The Setai, Miami Beach will offer a special Big Game Brunch over Super Bowl weekend. Also score February 2 specials at Lure Fishbar at Four-Star Loews Miami Beach Hotel and the rooftop pool at Four-Star The Betsy — South Beach.
Of course, Super Bowl time is also peak stone crab season. For a truly Miami culinary moment, arrive early to Joe’s Stone Crab (the legendary joint doesn’t take reservations) to snag a seat (and a bib) for some of the most succulent stone crab in town.
Inland, Boulud Sud’s Mediterranean-inspired menu of small plates and entrées won’t disappoint, either.
Also check out CVLTVRA (adjacent to Bayfront Park), a fairly new Latin-Mediterranean spot with Instagram-worthy décor.
The newly opened Osaka in Brickell has been receiving high marks, and will host a viewing party and specials for the game. And speaking of that buzzy neighborhood, its three-level, live-play-work haven, Brickell City Centre, will host The Pre-Game at BCC, a community-inspired festival with skills challenges, an oversized football pit and 4D photo opportunities from January 30 through February 1.
Non-Football Fun
If sports aren’t your thing, there’s still plenty of other excitement to huddle around. The Super Bowl Live fan village will be set up at Bayfront Park with free concerts, fireworks and activities on the water.
Lady Gaga will headline AT&T TV Super Saturday Night on February 1 at Meridian Island Gardens marina. Cardi B is a main act at Vewtopia Music Festival (January 31) at Marlins Park. The Chainsmokers will lead the 2020 Maxim Big Game Experience lineup. American Airlines Arena also will host the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest (January 30-February 1) featuring DJ Khaled and friends, Guns N’ Roses and Maroon 5. And Mr. 305 himself, Pitbull, will join Diddy, DaBaby and others at Shaq’s (as in Shaquille O’Neal) Fun House on January 31 in Mana Wynwood.
Miami’s club scene also will be rolling out the red carpet for world-renowned DJs, celebrities and party revelers alike. Look for hot spots like E11EVEN Miami, LIV at Fontainebleau Miami Beach, STORY nightclub and Hyde Beach at SLS South Beach to be bumping with high energy day and night. The former will even cast the game on its mega LED screen and 52 TVs. Basement at Four-Star The Miami Beach EDITION will get in on the action with parties all weekend long and a viewing party on Super Bowl Sunday.
There’s even something for moviegoers on tap with Universal Pictures hosting a premiere party (and Cardi B-led concert) for the Fast & Furious 9 trailer — yes, the trailer — on January 31.
