Super Bowl Boulevard is Open

Posted on by Marcia Mayne

If you know New York City, you know it’s got energy and excitement all its own but with the first Super Bowl in 42 years just four days away, the buzz is even more palpable. 

Broadway between 34th and 47th Streets has been transformed into a pedestrian-only thoroughfare, called Super Bowl Boulevard, where football fans who have registered, can join in the revelry which started on Wednesday.

Even though I love the parties and the commercials, I never got into American football. Learning 30-odd years ago that the football that I grew up watching in Jamaica, and playing recreationally, wasn’t the same game that’s played here made me lose interest, I think. But walking through midtown on Monday, I couldn’t dismiss the excitement in the air over the match up between two stellar teams – the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos.

So despite the cold – it was in the 20s when I left yesterday morning and with the wind chill, it felt like 8 F — I grabbed my camera, bundled up as warmly as I could and headed out to Super Bowl Boulevard.

Though it wasn’t as windy as the previous day, I knew I should limit the time I left my fingers exposed so I switched the settings on my I set my camera to automatic and started snapping quickly, trying to get in as many shots as possible. I did fine for about 10 minutes, then the cold began to chill my fingers. Note to self: need to find thin and warm gloves.

At least I could move around or go into a store to get warm up. The crew that will be managing the Boulevard will be out in the open working 12-hour days. And the people who have to stand on line to register for all-access passes can’t move around or they’d lose their place. Still, it’s no fun when your fingers are so cold you can’t sense the shutter button. 

Are you ready for some football? 

Linking to Travel Photo Thursday, which is organized by Nancie at Budget Travelers Sandbox. Be sure to head over and check out more photos from locations around the world.

23 comments on “Super Bowl Boulevard is Open”

  2. I know absolutely zero about the Super Bowl! It’s obviously a die hard supporter who will even sit out in the cold to watch it let alone queue up! Surely they’d take the TV option in this weather! You were brave to even pop out for the photos!

  3. Oh, I love this Super Bowl post! As you might suspect, it is killing us to be in Hawaii and missing our Seattle Super Bowl Hype (Go Hawks!!!!!!) But will will wear our blue and green and cheer on our team and thanks for adding to the excitement!!!!

  6. Me either, Tonya. I was surprised when I happened upon it on Monday when they were just putting it up.
    Lots of money will be spent in NY/NJ this week, you can bet on it!

  7. I didn’t even know who was playing in the Super Bowl! I think one would have to be a pretty big fan to sit outside in that kind of weather to watch the game though! Fortunately for me I have theatre kids and this Sunday we’ll be indoors and warm for the final performance of a production of Annie that has kept us very busy for the last few months!

  8. Having theater kids doing a production of Annie sounds like the perfect way to spend a Sunday, Lisa.
    The Super Bowl isn’t my usual but being in this area, it’s difficult to ignore it.
    Have fun on Sunday!

  9. Thanks so much for sharing this via photos, because in this weather I’m a huge wimp and will not be making it in person to see the Blvd, lol:-) But I’m sure all the football fans are loving it!

  11. I’m not a big football fan but my husband is a die-hard fan of the San Diego Chargers and football in general so he will be parked in front of the TV this Sunday. I didn’t know there was such a thing as Super Bowl Blvd. Glad you got to see parts of the pre-celebration, Marcia. I’m looking forward to shopping and running errands this Sunday – crowd free.

  12. I’m not a football person – and prefer to ski on Superbowl Weekend when I know the slopes are empty.

    If you find super warm thin gloves let me know!!
    Should be interesting to see how the game unfolds in the cold.

  13. Actually, they predict much better weather on Sunday.
    Will definitely let you know if I find those gloves, I doubt it though.
    Skiing’s definitely a better alternative to football. Enjoy!

  17. Very exciting, Marcia! I have no vested interest in this year’s matchup. But, bring on the commercials! That is soooo cool you were able to stroll down The Blvd. Oh hey hun, get a pair of polypropylene gloves. They will do the trick 🙂

  18. I also prefer soccer (football to the rest of the world) to american football, but the Super Bowl, like any big sporting event is always fun to attend or view for the atmosphere. Nothing compares to the Olympics or the World Cup, but things like the Super Bowl, UEFA Champion’s League Final, World Series, etc. are all the biggest competition for their respective fanbases and it’s awesome to watch. Great perspective and article. Thanks for sharing!

  19. maybe it’s just me, but I don’t think I would like to pay to see the Super Bowl OUTDOORS while it’s so cold! I rather go to a big house party that’s warm and full of food haha ;D

    -Maria Alexandra

  20. You’re not the only one, Maria. I can’t imagine standing in the cold to watch any game — it’s just not fun — not when you can be indoors and warm.

  23. I know absolutely zero about the Super Bowl! It’s obviously a die hard supporter who will even sit out in the cold to watch it let alone queue up! Surely they’d take the TV option in this weather! You were brave to even pop out for the photos!
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