Couldn’t get tickets to MetLife’s big game? Don’t sweat it—there are plenty of fun-filled, football-inspired events happening throughout New Jersey (and New York) that will get you and your family in the Super Bowl XLVIII spirit.
New Jersey:
Gridiron Glory: The Best of the Pro Football Hall of Fame
Experience the history and vigor of football with artifacts, including the Tiffany’s-crafted Vince Lombardi Trophy, the 1917 game ball used by Jim Thorpe, objects from the famed “immaculate reception game,” and jerseys worn by Mean Joe Green, Johnny Unitas, and many others. Participate in interactive activities where you can try on vintage and modern football gear, step into an authentic NFL Instant Replay Booth, and examine the communications equipment that is used in the huddle. Don’t forget to check out the Local Heroes exhibit, featuring the Giants and Jets teams.
Ridgewood’s Pre-Game Celebration
Get ready for the big game by stopping by one—or all—of Ridgewood's four Huddle Zones. Stop by the Ridgewood Library (Huddle Zone 1) for arts and crafts, famous football movies, and trivia, or head to the Ridgewood YMCA (Huddle Zone 2) for a magician and football raffles. A halftime show featuring the Ridgewood High School Marching Band, Maroon Chorus, cheerleaders, and football team will be hosted at Building 54 (Huddle Zone 3), along with arts and crafts, a treasure hunt, and a chili cook-off. If you're itching to get outside, check out Graydon Park (Huddle Zone 4), where bonfires, snow fun, vendors, ice skating, and ice sculptors will be abundant.
Barker Bowl Tailgate Party
Celebrate the big game with man's best friend by stopping by the Morris Animal Inn for an action-packed game of dog football, where pups can race down the field to score touchdowns and become Most Valuable Pooches. While your pet is running for first downs, owners can enjoy stadium snacks and win prizes.
Winter Blast at Buchmuller Park
This three-day, action-packed celebration is located just three miles from MetLife Stadium, and features 30 award-winning food trucks, music and giveaways from top radio stations, and an ice rink, where local hockey teams will play and former NJ Devils Bruce Driver, Gary Marshall, and Ken Daneyko will be present to meet with fans on Friday. Don't forget to stop by the Vendor Village for shopping, games, and prizes.
Big Game Winter Festival
While the Montclair Center Stage pumps up the crowd's spirits for Sunday's game, enjoy a multitude of activities for attendees of all ages, ice sculptures, magicians, great food, and a bouncy house.
Meadowlands Tailgate Party
Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday at this pre-game party, and enjoy delicious food from over 12 food trucks, winter-themed boardwalk games, a cannoli eating contest, games with the NJ Devils’ mascot and dancers, and a children's play section, which includes a giant, blow-up football toss.
Family-Friendly Big Game Party
Dress in your favorite football team's paraphernalia and join in the fun at this Super Bowl Sunday party. Participate in pool and PlayStation tournaments, enjoy dinner and game day snacks, and, of course, watch the big game.
New York:
You Make the Call: Learn to be an NFL Official
Get a rare, behind-the-scenes look at what it means to be a NFL referee and a professional football player. Learn what it means to work as a team in the Play 60 obstacle course, make your own play calls at the instant-replay station, and meet NFL officials, executives, and current and former players.
Madden NFL: 25 Years and Running
If your kids love video games, plan on checking out this Museum of the Moving Image exhibit. Learn all about the history of Madden, one of the biggest football video game franchises, and play five versions of the game, including the 1988 John Madden Football on Apple II and the most recent 2013 Madden NFL 25 on Xbox One.
Super Bowl Boulevard Engineered by GMC
For four days leading up to the big game at MetLife Stadium, GMC will be hosting 13 blocks worth of Super Bowl-themed activities. The event's biggest attraction, the toboggan run, is a staggering 60-feet-tall and 180-feet-long, and resides between 40th and 41st Sts. Between 34th and 35th Sts., Play 60 will offer children the chance to experience the animated world of the NFL, and between 35th and 36th Sts., where they can play interactive football activities. The Xbox One Tailgaming Zone between 36th and 37th Sts. will feature new football video games, and the NFL Extra Points Kick between 45th and 46th Sts. will give visitors the opportunity to attempt a field goal kick.
