MINNEAPOLIS – Every day features a new development on Nicollet Mall, as downtown Minneapolis continues to prepare for the kick off of the Super Bowl LIVE festival in nine days.
“Each day is going to start to feel more like the Super Bowl for everyone,” said Michael Howard, Communications Director for the Minnesota Super Bowl Host Committee.
On Wednesday, workers swarmed the street as they continued building a stage – just the latest part of the transformation that is required before the Super Bowl LIVE presented by Verizon begins Friday, Jan. 26. Other details include: several “activations” – or exhibits – sponsored by local companies; the American Birkebeiner International Bridge; and Super Bowl 52 banners and lights.
“Really this whole area is going to be a corridor for Super Bowl visitors to just come, stay outside, get a flavor of the bold north,” Howard said.
And while the host committee encourages people to check out the daily developments on the Mall, they also strongly encourage people to check out the free, 10-day festival.
Meantime, those strolling along the mall this week say they’re already pleased by what’s been built so far.
“It’s beautiful. The new lighting, the lamps… everything. It’s very nice,” raved Melanie Gardner of Minneapolis.
“A lot of people coming into town, and we want to present ourselves the best way ever,” boasted Ingeborg Sorensen, also of Minneapolis.
“I’m looking forward to the fat tire racing. I’m looking forward to music. I’m looking forward to the fun. And I’m looking forward to the Vikings winning the Super Bowl, too,” predicted Lee Maguire, of Minneapolis.