Monthly Extra

The anticipation is building!  After all the planning and the hype, Super Bowl XLV takes place here in the metroplex in just two weeks.  In addition to the game itself, the myriad of events for residents and visitors alike will crescendo between now and game time on February 6th. 

Experts have estimated the hospitality industry in host cities brings in roughly $200 million in direct spending for the Super Bowl.  Other past host cities have reported that this amounts to about $3000 per visitor.  But, some experts believe the North Texas Super Bowl will bring in a record amount of economic impact compared with other Super Bowl games.  We've read figures of upwards of $500 and $600 million.  Suffice to say, not all of this money, whatever the figure will be, remains in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  We do anticipate that almost everyone in the hospitality industry will be busy in some way.  Hotels, restaurants and car services are the most obvious, but the ripple effect goes right down to our local food suppliers, rental companies, caterers and car parkers.  Many events during the time preceding the Super Bowl will appeal to those who are not going to the game but who may want to participate in some of the fabulous parties connected to the game. 

Rumors of sold-out restaurants and private parties throughout the Metroplex are rampant.  Many venues around town are being rented for parties to entertain the out-of-towners.  Our landmark Fair Park has been one of the most sought-after destinations, which helps its profile as a venue site.  A tented Cotton Bowl will see three nights of entertainment, with VIP events that include the popular band Duran Duran one evening and the Village People on another.  Another invitation-only event features the Black Eyed Peas, the headliners for Super Bowl half-time.  (Those lucky guests!)  The Hall of State, one of our top area venues, will be the scene of another fabulous private party and, how conveniently, the Remembering Tom Landry exhibit will still be there. 

The Texas theme is consistent with many of the events surrounding the big game.  Events include a "Super Soirée Super Bowl Party" featuring celebrity Clint Black, one of Country and Western's biggest stars.  The $400 per person event is sure to enliven the Dallas Design District on the eve of the Super Bowl.  Texas icon Willie Nelson entertains the same evening at the Palladium Ballroom at Gilley's Dallas, which can accommodate 1500 at $200 a person.  Authentic garb and line-dancing will make great watching for the out-of-towners.  Perhaps less thematic will be "Super Bash," billed as an athlete-and-celebrity-packed event hosted by Pamela Anderson, which takes place at the F.I.G., the Fashion Industry Gallery, on Friday evening before game time.  Tickets start at $250 and go way up.  Probably the most exclusive party will be the one at Texas Stadium on February 3 when Gene and Jerry Jones host their fellow NFL owners.

Opting for real Fort-Worth local color, visitors can catch a performance of the 106 year old Fort Worth Rodeo and Fat Stock Show, which holds its three-week-run finale on the eve of the Super Bowl.  Also on the same evening, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, the Taste of the NFL – an annual fundraiser for Kick Hunger in America--showcases both local and national celebrity chefs coming from across the country.  Our local team is headed by perennial community champion Kent Rathbun of Abacus and Jasper's, and includes pals Dean Fearing of Fearing's, Fort Worth's Jon Bonnell of Bonnell's and cowboy-turned-chef Grady Spears of Grady's Restaurant and David Holben of Del Frisco's.  Information for these events and many others, with ticket availability and prices, can be found on the www.northtexassuperbowl.com website.  Last but not least, by now, we all know that the Black Eyed Peas will highlight the Super Bowl's half-time show.  No one will want to miss the high-energy, LA-based hip hop group.  This will not be the time to take a TV break.  What a show and a game too! And then, there are the commercials, which can delight the most jaded members of your viewing party.  There is something for everyone.

We anticipate the caterers, rental companies, car services, floral and event designers will all be working non-stop – and are preparing right now – for the big event and satellite events.  When all is said and done we want those who visit Dallas and the Metroplex to come away with a "feel-good" opinion and will return to take advantage of all our amenities

And so -- "where will you be on Super Bowl Sunday?"

Information indicates that only about 20 percent of the tickets sold have been bought locally.  Twenty thousand of us might be there, unless we are inviting clients and friends from out of town to share our largess.  That means a lot of us (almost 80 percent of the area's population, minus those leaving town) will be watching the game on television, and likely sharing the game at a party at a private home or a club or other venue. 

According to statistics, the Super Bowl is the Number One at-home party event of the year, even bigger than New Year's Eve.  An estimated $55 million will be spent on food alone. Parties will not be the fine dining type, nor will the good china, silver and crystal come out.  This is the occasion for causal setting and a menu of chili, chicken, ribs and bar-b-que.  Lucky if you are at the party where prime tenderloins will be on the grill.  This is a big meat and snack day. Sandwich trays and pizza are also popular.  Hopefully there will be some carrot and celery sticks and salads to cut the calories of dips and chips.  With the game starting at 6:30, it will be peak eating time. 

If you are considering a casual party with some friends, and have not yet finalized your plans, we recommend that you make your pick-up reservations NOW at Sonny Bryan's,  Bubba's Cooks Country, eatZ'i's or Kuby's (see our Source section on Take-Out) and consider catering from Eddie Dean Catering, Blue Mesa Grill and Big Al's Smokehouse (see our Source section on Catering).  Needless to say, the food markets will be packed on the days leading up to game day and beverage sales will be higher than New Year's – and heavy on beer.  It will be interesting to witness the stocking up at the food markets.

Indulge us!
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