Come February 3, everyone is a football fan as the eyes of the world focus on Atlanta and the Big Game. Will you be there?
Even if you think a tight end is something you get after hours of Pilates, a trip to Atlanta during game day weekend is the ultimate party for fans and for many a bucket-list item. Here’s how to do it right.
NFL Experience
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ALL ACCESS, VIP FOOTBALL
We don’t know which two teams will be at the big dance, so some people are still sitting, literally, on the sidelines, deciding to go or not to go based on who is playing. That means a significant number of tickets are in play, if you know where to go.
On Location Experiences is the official, NFL-sanctioned hospitality partner that provides luxury packages with VIP access and beyond to pre-bowl events and the game itself, with packages that vary by price but can even get you to a VIP Tailgate or on field to celebrate under the confetti during the presentation of the Lombardi trophy.
The St. Regis, Atlanta
Working with OLE seamless, and people can get the total experience with one contact. Pricing for packages is based on access and exclusivity, ranging from $5,000 to $17,000 per person for the best of the best. OLE is placing guests in hotels around the city, but to be in the heart of the action, The Omni Hotel at CNN Center is their top pick, and for most luxe, the group recommends The St. Regis Atlanta.
OLE offers access to tickets and NFL-blocked rooms directly to sports fans looking to enjoy the game, and all the details are arranged for you including VIP club access to the Delta Sky360 Club, Mercedes Benz Club and SunTrust Club, preferred seat selection and the opportunity to meet more than 19 NFL Legends. Fans can engage with this year’s brand ambassador Emmitt Smith and hosts Jesse Palmer, Marcus Allen and Akbar Gbajabiamila.
College Football Hall of Fame
Let the excitement build for the big game by visiting the ten-day festival leading up to the game featuring fun, food and concerts in Centennial Olympic Park. For more football immersion visit the College Football Hall of Fame, featuring more than 50 exhibits and interactive experiences. For an adrenaline-filled adventure head to the Porsche Experience Center where you can careen around a track at breakneck speed in your favorite Porsche.
High Museum – Photo by Jonathan Hillyer
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HIGHBROW HIGHLIGHTS
When you need a break from sports, soak up culture at the High Museum, the Southeast’s premiere art museum highlighting decorative arts, photography, American, European and African art, and one of the largest civil-rights era vintage print collections in the country.
National Center for Civil and American Rights
The birthplace of Martin Luther King, Jr., Atlanta has always been at the forefront of the civil rights battle. Visitors can learn more about that time in American history, and the struggle today for human rights worldwide at the National Center for Civil and American Rights.
Center for Puppetry Art
For a lighter look at popular culture visit the Center for Puppetry Art, which includes the collection of Muppets’ creator Jim Henson.
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MOVIN’ AND GROVIN’
Let the NFL players inspire you to work in some fun wellness activities in Atlanta. The Atlanta Beltline is a massive project that converted unused railroad tracks into usable walkways, bikeways and green space throughout the city. Currently 22 miles of trails and paths are open to people watch, enjoy the public art scattered throughout, or to stop at one of the many cafes located along the way.
For a wintery activity head to the rooftop of the Ponce City Market to glide your way across the ice rink towering above the city. Warm up in a heated igloo while sipping your libation of choice.
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GOOD EATS
Besides a skating rink, the Ponce City Market boasts a culinary-rich food market that includes restaurants from three James Beard Award-winning chefs. It’s a great stop for breakfast or lunch.
Opened at the end of 2018, Aix brings the south of France to Atlanta with a Provencal menu featuring classics like Bouillabaisse and Foie Gras Torchon. Have a pre-dinner glass of wine in its adjacent Tin Tin wine bar.
For more than 20 years, Horseradish Grill has served classic Southern cuisine with an upscale twist. Don’t miss the shrimp and crab hushpuppies or the HRG skillet fried chicken.
The Varsity, Atlanta
Sure, it’s touristy, but a trip to the 90-year-old iconic Varsity diner is a classic Atlanta experience. One of the best-known employees, Erby Walker, worked there for 55 years and was known for getting people through the line quickly by saying “have your money out and your food on your mind, and I’ll get you to the game on time.” Presidents Jimmy Carter, George W. Bush and Barak Obama all enjoyed its famous hot dogs. You can’t go wrong ordering a chili dog and a frosted orange.
No matter who wins the big game, simply being in Atlanta during game day weekend is a winning play.
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