‘It’s a beautiful thing.’ Fans flock to Miami Beach for the Super Bowl Experience
The big game is still eight days away, but Super Bowl week has officially kicked off.
Fans representing their favorite teams journeyed to the Miami Beach Convention Center Saturday morning to get a first look at the Super Bowl Experience, complete with everything from NFL memorabilia to training camp-themed obstacle courses.
“It’s a family-friendly environment,” said former Florida State wide receiver and Super Bowl 47 Champion Anquan Boldin. “I think there’s something for everybody to enjoy.”
Take Bernardo Duarte, for example. Taking a picture as a Baltimore Ravens player was the 8-year-old’s favorite part.
“I’m going to buy a Ravens [shirt] ... because of Lamar Jackson,” Duarte said.
For the more seasoned NFL fans, the nostalgia was intoxicating. Blown up images of past Super Bowls tickets lined the walls surrounding a stage where this year’s Vince Lombardi trophy sat. Cleats and jerseys from NFL players past and present adorned the booths.
“Just seeing the history of football and interacting with everything, it’s been great,” said Shannon Napolitano, 47.
The day seemed particularly special for families. Gabriel Fortune’s son was 6 the last time the Super Bowl was here in Miami. Enjoying the festivities with him now made all the difference — even if it was crowded.
“It’ll be 10 or 12 years the next time it may come out here,” Fortune, 46, said. “[We] just basically came to take the festivities in.”
Retired baseball player Nyjer Morgan felt the same way.
“Being able to just watch my boy run around down here and get the experience itself; it’s a beautiful thing.”
IF YOU GO
What: Super Bowl Experience presented by Lowe’s
Where: Miami Beach Convention Center (1901 Convention Center Dr.)
When: Saturday, Jan. 25 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.); Sunday, Jan. 26 (10 a.m.-8 p.m.); Wednesday, Jan. 29 (3 p.m.-8 p.m.); Thursday, Jan. 30 (3 p.m.-10 p.m.); Friday, Jan. 31 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.); Saturday, Feb. 1 (10 a.m.-10 p.m.).
Cost: $20 for adults through Jan. 29, $40 for adults Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Kids under 12 are free.
This story was originally published January 25, 2020 at 2:48 PM.
