It’s been 12 years since the Super Bowl came to South Florida and it shows. The NFL reports double-digit increases in all events leading up to football’s biggest night. And there’s a lot of people reaping the rewards.
The Super Bowl Experience at the Miami Beach Convention center - which runs through Saturday has seen double the attendance compared to the Super LIII Experience last year in Atlanta. Approximately 20,000 people attended opening weekend. The top NFL players and legends who appeared this week included Dan Marino, Lamar Jackson, Jerry Rice, Joe Montana and Deshaun Watson.
“I wouldn’t have come out because I don’t have any kids - but it’s very appealing,” said Manny Sosa.
It’s the same energy at Super Bowl Live a free week-long music and food festival that also ends Saturday.
”It’s different communities - it’s Miami beach, Miami Gardens and downtown Miami,” said Nicki Ewell, NFL Director of Events. “It’ll be a great opportunity to participate in the Super Bowl if you’re not lucky enough to have a ticket.”
Getting to all the festivities this weekend can be tricky and ride-sharing drivers from places like Jacksonville are in town for it.
”It’s a working trip for me,” said O.C. Kromby, a rideshare driver from Jacksonville. “You got to take advantage of these type of events.”
A spokesperson for Uber, for example says there’s a 20-percent increase in business because of the Super Bowl.
“You got to take a chance,” said Kromby.
He’s also a die-hard Seahawks fan and has a tattoo from Super Bowl XLIX proclaiming the Seattle Seahawks “champions” to prove it. If you recall, the Seahawks actually lost against the New England Patriots.
But he’s not afraid to make predictions about Super Bowl LIV.
“I’m 100-percent Kansas City Chiefs,” Kromby added.
The festivities end Saturday. The Super Bowl Experience runs until 8 p.m. on Saturday. Visit here to learn more: super-bowl-experience-2020
Super Bowl Live runs until 11 p.m. on Saturday. Visit here to learn more: https://www.miasbliv.com/events/
