TAMPA, Fla. — There’s just 20 days to go until the arrival of Super Bowl LV, but Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park started its transformation on Monday. The park is on its way to becoming the NFL’s interactive football theme park.
The park is closed to the public as the NFL is working to turn the riverfront space into the Super Bowl Experience. The event opens on January 29 and will run select days through Super Bowl Sunday.
With 20 days until #SuperBowlLV things are starting to come together at Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park!
— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) January 18, 2021
This will be the site of the ‘Super Bowl Experience’ where you can see the 54 past rings, play games, and take 📸 with the Vince Lombardi Trophy @BN9 pic.twitter.com/YdnolmO4Nc
While the event will span a good portion of the Tampa Riverwalk, Julian B Lane Park will serve at the main hub of Super Bowl activity.
At the park, guests can compete against the virtual pros, play a number of games, see the 54 Super Bowl rings on display and take a photo with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
Organizers say the museum portion of the experience will include memorabilia from the Football Hall of Fame in Canton, as well as a ‘locker room’ where fans can see their favorite player’s gear.
Other Super Bowl party events will take place at Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park and at various places along the Riverwalk.
“Our community is no stranger to hosting during challenging times, whether it was 1991 during the Gulf War, or 2009 in the recession, we’ve hosted and we’ve stepped up,” said Rob Higgins, president of the host committee.
This year, admission to the Super Bowl Experience is free but due to capacity restrictions visitors must reserve their spot ahead of time. That can be done by downloading the NFL OnePass app.
Fun Fact: The ‘Super Bowl Experience’ isn’t outside at the Tampa Riverwalk because of #COVID19 - that was actually their plan all along. But all of the NFL policies for the virus apply at their outdoor events too. Masks and health checks are mandatory for entry @BN9 pic.twitter.com/ssvKQdoHwq
— Angie Angers (@angie_angers) January 18, 2021
Anyone visiting the Super Bowl Experience must follow all NFL COVID-19 safety guidelines. Masks must be worn at all times while in the event and guests must sign a ‘health promise’ before entering the grounds. There will also be designed staff members patrolling fans to make sure they are social distancing and wearing masks.