MetLife Stadium will be rocking for Super Bowl XLVIII thanks to the Broncos and Seahawks, and a halftime show headlined by Bruno Mars. (Photo courtesy of MetLife Stadium)
Story by Waheeda Harris
Vacay.ca Senior Writer
When the Seattle Seahawks take on Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos on Super Bowl Sunday, there will be lots of Canadian content — and not just from the northern cold. The first cold-weather outdoor game in Super Bowl history takes place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey (6:20 pm ET, TSN, FOX). Temperatures are expected to plunge below freezing by halftime.
According to TSN, 7.33 million viewers watched the Baltimore Ravens defeat the San Francisco 49ers, 34-31, in Super Bowl XLVII last year. This year’s broadcast is expected to be garner even higher ratings because of the star power of Manning and the unique confrontation of the NFL’s top-ranked offence (Broncos) against the game’s No. 1 defence (Seahawks). Here is some of the details football fans heading to the New York City area for Super Bowl XLVIII can expect.
Canadian Content
For Canadian fans, there’s Cancon in this Super Bowl. Regina native Jon Ryan, a punter for the Seahawks, will have 15 members of his Saskatchewan family cheering him from the stands. But don’t think it’s just family members, the Seahawks have a rabid fan base north of the border in Vancouver, and the 12 North contingent may also be making themselves visible within MetLife Stadium.
Broncos offensive linesman Orlando Franklin, who grew up in Toronto and went to the University of Miami, will have his own Scarborough/Miami contingent rooting for his Broncos to win the coveted Vince Lombardi Trophy.
And there’s also another Canadian addition to the festivities — the song “New York” by Mississauga band Daylight for Deadeyes. A fave of the New York Rangers, New York Yankees and the New York Jets, the catchy rock tune will be included in the official Super Bowl playlist.
Current Predictions?
With identical 13-3 regular-season records, both teams have plenty reasons to be called the Super Bowl favourite. It appears the Super Bowl odds will lean toward Denver, which is favoured by 2.5 points with less than 24 hours to go before game time. The outcome, though, may very well come down to the weather. A possible snowstorm may leave a few centimetres of white stuff on the ground in New Jersey, with weather reports predicting temperatures at kickoff to be at the freezing mark.
How to handle the cold? Seahawks fans sporting their blue and green or Broncos fans showing off their orange and blue will want to take advantage of all of that team-branded gear in their lockers. Dressing in layers may be tip No. 1 for this Super Bowl.
The Rules
For lucky Canadians making the trip to New York to go to the big game, listen up. Fans bringing bags larger than 4-by-6 inches and smaller than 12-by-12 inches will need to use clear plastic bags for their personal items to pass through security. Plus, revised rules put in place in 2013 state that no seat cushions are allowed.
Unlike just about every other American football game, there’s one tradition that won’t be happening — tailgating. The pre-game celebrations in the parking lot are forbidden for this Sunday’s game day because of security reasons.
Fan Benefits
The Super Bowl Boulevard — located on Broadway between 34th and 47th Streets in Manhattan — is all things for fans. This zone has featured Seahawks and Broncos players signing autographs, and gives fans the opportunity to be photographed with the Vince Lombardi Trophy. There are also giveaways, complimentary food and drink, and the ability to bond with many like-minded fans obsessed with the gridiron championship battle for bragging rights.
Tech-obsessed fans can track the latest Super Bowl news with the official app, NFL Mobile International — free from the Apple app store, Google Play, Windows Store and BlackBerry World.
Getting to the Game
The Fan Express picks up and drops off Super Bowl fans at nine different locations in New Jersey and New York for $51 round trip. You can also use the New Jersey Transit Super Pass, which is an unlimited ride ticket for an entire week, on all modes of NJ transit, for $50. For those fans who must take their cars, there’s only 13,000 parking spots available at the stadium and cars must have parking passes.
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MORE ABOUT SUPER BOWL XLVIII
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
When: Sunday, February 2 at 6:20 pm ET (TSN, FOX)
Tickets: Due to the frigid weather, tickets are still available for the 48th Super Bowl. Prices start at $1493.
More Info: http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/48
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