Wednesday, January 29, 2014

NYC: Super Bowl Avenue-- WNYC


Super Bowl Boulevard: An Explainer

Tuesday, January 28, 2014 - 02:49 PM

Sliding down the 'Super Bowl Toboggan Run,' set up as a part of Super Bowl Boulevard (Andrew Burton/Getty)
The big game is in New Jersey, but the pre-game activities are happening on thirteen blocks of Broadway in midtown Manhattan. Here's what you need to know about Super Bowl Boulevard.
What is it?
Broadway, from 34th Street to 47th Street, will be entirely closed off to traffic for a four-day long celebration of all things football. (This is not as dramatic as you might think—several of those blocks are already pedestrian plazas.)
What kinds of things can you do on Super Bowl Boulevard?
Gaze upon the Vince Lombardi Trophy! Take pictures in front of giant Roman numerals that spell out '48!" Try your hand (well, foot) at field goal kicking! Concerts! Autographs! But the big draw this year is the 60' tall toboggan ride.

The Vince Lombardi Trophy (Rodrigo Varela/Getty)
What are the hours?
Noon to 10pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
Not on Super Bowl Sunday??
Presumably the NFL wants you to be watching the game by then (kickoff time: 6:25pm Eastern.)
Where can I find the list of events?
Right here!

How much is this going to cost me?
It's all free, with one exception: the toboggan ride. That will cost you $5—and if you're interested, you should sign up online ASAP, as tickets are going fast.
Do I need to sign up for anything ahead of time?
Nope, you can just show up—but the NFL is suggesting that you pre-register for a Super Bowl Boulevard badge.
How do I get there? Can I drive?
Why would you? It's located in the city's most transit-rich neighborhood, within easy walking distance of Penn Station, the Port Authority Bus Terminal, Grand Central Terminal, and 15 separate subway lines. Plus if you take the subway, and need to buy a new MetroCard, you might score a Super Bowl-themed one. Downside: because there are road closures, some buses have been rerouted and ground traffic could be slow going. More transit info can be found here.

Super Bowl MetroCard (Kate Hinds/WNYC)
What streets are closed?
Check here for the list.
I want to engage in football-themed events, but I don't want to be anywhere near Times Square. Help!
Walk in the footsteps of Brooklyn-born Vince Lombardi. Play the original John Madden Football game on an Apple II at the Museum of the Moving Image. Teach your kids how to be an NFL official at the Children's Museum of Manhattan. Get your culture on at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has an exhibition of vintage football cards. More topical events around the region can be found here.
I can handle Midtown, but by God I want to see cute animals and I'll pay for the privilege.
Three words: Puppy Bowl Experience. Four more: at Discovery Times Square.
Why is this happening in New York, if the game is being played in New Jersey?
Don't get New Jersey politicians started.
I'm getting pumped. Is there a map?
Why, yes there is!  

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