The NFL Experience
is a temporary theme park operated by the National Football League during the week of the Super Bowl. It is a combination of interactive attractions and special events.
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NFL EXPERIENCE TICKETS
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Attractions
The Experience's attractions simulate the elements that are found in the NFL, including:
- Throwing a football for accuracy at a target
- Simulating a short run to the goal line while being restrained by a bungee cord
- Making extra point and field goal attempts
- Running a pass pattern among the sidelines
- Leaping over pylons that substitute for defenders and landing into an "end zone"
- Calling the play-by-play of a famous event or game
- Dancing to celebrate a touchdown
Elsewhere at the Experience are a large "NFL Shop" and an
autograph table at which current and former players make appearances.
Most attractions carry the names of
corporate sponsors. Also, some vendors sell products in temporary storefronts.
Special events
On the Saturday before the Super Bowl, the Experience hosts "NFL PLAYERS LIVE," which is produced by the
NFL Players Association. This event features autograph sessions and
video game tournaments.
Also generally held on the grounds are a clinic for
cheerleaders and
Punt, Pass, and Kick, a recreational event for young people.
In 2007, the Experience is the new venue for
Pepsi Smash, a series of
concerts in which famous
recording artists perform to celebrate the Super Bowl.
In 2008, a new event called NFLX After Dark will take place on Thursday, January 31. The attraction will close at 9 p.m., separate admission will be required, and attendees will have to be adults (it's not yet clear if the age limit will be 18 or 21).
History
The first NFL Experience was held at the
Minneapolis Convention Center in January 1992 prior to
Super Bowl XXVI. The NFL's interactive theme park was followed by
Major League Baseball's first
FanFest in
San Diego, California six months later. Since then, every major
professional sports league in the United States and many major
college sports events have added a version of the NFL Experience.
NFL YET
Proceeds from the sale of NFL Experience tickets go to fund the
NFL's Youth Education Towns (YET). The league's official
afterschool program was launched in 1993 in
Compton, California, and ( s of
[]) had 15 locations built or planned. Each new Super Bowl brings the building of another YET location.
See also