The Caesars Superdome will be the center of Super Bowl excitement in New Orleans next month, but Verizon is making sure that the excitement extends beyond the city.
On February 9, Verizon will turn stadiums and venues in 30 NFL cities into a huge event called FanFest. This nationwide celebration will include on-field access, live music, local chefs, and meet-and-greets with current and former NFL players like Marshall Faulk, Jason Witten, Tiki Barber, Derrick Brooks, and Thurman Thomas.
Eli Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP and Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist, will be the FanFest ambassador. He said, “This is a new way for fans to enjoy the Super Bowl.”
Verizon customers can get free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis starting Friday by visiting VerizonFanFest.com. Customers can also bring guests to the events, which are expected to attract about 150,000 people.
Manning, who played as quarterback for the New York Giants, described the nationwide event as the “largest simultaneous Super Bowl party ever.” He compared the Super Bowl’s appeal to the feeling of a national holiday and believes this event will be a success.
“This is a chance to give fans a unique way to enjoy the whole day,” Manning said. “It’s not just the game. It’s music, food, things for kids and families. It’s about enjoying the experience while watching the game.”
Local entertainment will include the Los Angeles Rams’ Mariachi band, the Houston Texans Gameday presentation team, and appearances from deejays like DJ Infared, DJ Jay Ejercito, and DJ Split Second Sound in select cities.
Fans will have the chance to take selfies on the 50-yard line, spike a football in the end zone, tour the locker rooms, enjoy tailgate games, and join football-themed activities on the field. They’ll have access to stadiums at MetLife, SoFi, Nissan Stadium, Empower Field at Mile High, and other NFL sites.
Leslie Berland, executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Verizon, explained that the company wanted to create “something that’s truly once-in-a-lifetime.” She said the idea started in September, with the company working closely with the NFL and its teams.
“Relatively few people get to experience the Super Bowl live in the stadium,” Berland said. “We wanted to do something that’s absolutely never been done before and bring that magic of the Super Bowl to fans across the country.”
For colder cities like Chicago and New York, fans will have the option to warm up in the stadium’s premium or field club lounges.
Nick Kelly, head of partnerships at Verizon, mentioned that each location will offer unique experiences, taking the weather into consideration.
Manning also said the players are excited to participate, as it allows them to reconnect with the cities where they became football legends. About 120 players are expected to attend.
“It’s an opportunity for them to be a part of something special,” Manning said. “This involves great players, and they get to be in their local city with fans who love the game of football. It’s special. It’s unique.”
