Arizona is about to feel a little like the center of the universe as professional athletes, celebrities and football fans converge on metro Phoenix in the final countdown to the 2023 Super Bowl at State Farm Stadium.
An array of star-studded Super Bowl-themed events will take place in the lead-up to the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs‘ showdown in Glendale. That’s not to mention Rihanna’s halftime show or the pregame performances from Chris Stapleton, Babyface and Sheryl Lee Ralph.
This live blog will be updated through Sunday, Feb. 12, with celebrity sightings, fan events, autograph signings, concerts, parties — all the coolest things you could possibly do in the days ahead of the big game.
Check back for updates throughout the week.
Going to a Super Bowl event in downtown Phoenix? Light rail is free
Valley Metro is offering free light rail rides to and from Super Bowl week events in Phoenix at the Footprint Center (including Monday’s Super Bowl Opening Night event), Phoenix Convention Center and Margaret T. Hance Park.
The light rail stops at Third Street/Jefferson and Third Street/Washington are closest to the Footprint Center and the convention center. The Roosevelt/Central Avenue and McDowell/Central Avenue stops are closest to Hance Park.
The free ride offer is only valid for light rail, not the bus.Here are all the details on the free rides.
— Michael Salerno
The ultimate guide:Everything to know about Super Bowl 2023
How to see the AFC and NFC championship trophies in Scottsdale
Chances are you will never hoist an NFC or AFC conference championship trophy in real life. (Apologies to J.J. Watt; that’s got to hurt.)
However, you can gaze upon the trophies in person. They are on display daily through Sunday at Tiffany & Co. at Scottsdale Fashion Square, 7014 E. Camelback Road. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday — also known as game day.
— Bill Goodykoontz
We like it like that:What to know about Cardi B’s Super Bowl Party in Scottsdale
Say hello to the 2023 Super Bowl commercials
Every year someone says they only watch the Super Bowl for the commercials.
Well, now you don’t have to bother with the Super Bowl part. Cashing in on instant gratification, many — though not all — companies now release commercials before the game. Adweek magazine is compiling them on a site as they’re released. Some big ones, too, like Alicia Silverstone reprising her Cher role from “Clueless” for Rakuten. Or Jon Hamm and Brie Larson for Hellmann’s mayonnaise. Ham and cheese, get it? Pete Davidson shows up, too. (“He really is everywhere,” Hamm says.)
USA Today will once again rate Super Bowl commercials with its Ad Meter. You can register as a panelist beginning Wednesday.
— Bill Goodykoontz
Let’s go:Your guide to Super Bowl 2023 parties and celebrity experiences in Phoenix
Dave Matthews Band’s first 2023 concert is Super Bowl Music Fest
Every Dave Matthews Band concert is special if that’s what you’re into. But there’s something especially special about their appearance Friday, Feb. 10, at Footprint Center, where they’re scheduled to headline the second day of the Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest. It’s the band’s first concert of the new year – a fact they found relevant enough to share in a Facebook post that ended with: “We can’t wait to see you all again.” They’ve been off the road since mid-November, when they played a two-night stand at Madison Square Garden.
— Ed Masley
Where are the Chiefs and Eagles staying? These swanky hotels
Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, the Kansas City Chiefs are staying at the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch on Doubletree Ranch Road in Scottsdale. With the McDowell Mountains as a backdrop, the resort has a spa and fitness center, an adults-only pool with a bar and a water park with a three-story water slide and a sandy beach. Among the restaurant options are six-seat Noh for sushi and sashimi and SWB, a Southwest Bistro, with wood-fired ovens and an open kitchen.
The Philadelphia Eagles are staying at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on the Gila River Indian Reservation just south of Phoenix. The design of the hotel reflects the history and culture of the Pima (Akimel O’otham) and Maricopa (Pee Posh) tribes. The menu at the award-winning Kai restaurant changes frequently and incorporates Indigenous and traditional ingredients. The resort includes four pools, golf, tennis and an equestrian center, plus kayaking, paddleboarding and boat rides on a 2.5-mile river.
— Jill Cassidy
Is Kevin Jonas rooting for the Chiefs or Eagles?
The Republic caught up with the eldest of the Jonas Brothers, Kevin, who was in Glendale to unveil Courtyard by Marriott’s sleepover suite inside State Farm Stadium.
Jonas recently celebrated his legacy being cemented on a Hollywood Walk of Fame star — an emotional event, he said — with his brothers, family members and bandmates. The band is also releasing their sixth studio album, “The Album,” on May 5. He calls it “the best body of work, in my opinion, we’ve ever put together.”
Though he was unsure whether he and his family would be in town for the Super Bowl, he did have a take on whom he’d like to see win the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 12.
“I’m gonna have to go with the Kansas City Chiefs because I’m a Giants fan and can’t pick the Eagles,” Jonas said. “Our good friend Pat Mahomes, you know, he’s our boy. So we’ll see.”
— KiMi Robinson
Chiefs vs. Eagles:How to watch Super Bowl 2023 live on TV
What to expect at Super Bowl Opening Night at Footprint Center
Footprint Center is the place to be on Monday, Feb. 6, when the players and coaches for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs will make their first public appearance of the week at “the national kickoff to Super Bowl LVII.”
It’s the only time this week that the teams will be in one location ahead of Super Bowl Sunday.
Starting at 6 p.m., Super Bowl Opening Night will also feature live entertainment, special appearances and autographs by NFL Legends and team mascots. Attendees can expect fan photo opportunities and the chance to see Super Bowl players and coaches up close and listen to players answer questions from the media.
Fans will also have the chance to win prizes, including two tickets to Super Bowl LVII by checking in with the Super Bowl OnePass app. Tickets are $20, available at ticketmaster.com.
— Ed Masley
