A Local’s Guide to Everything Super Bowl LIV

Super Bowl LIV

This Super Bowl blog may cost me my Black card!

For the past several years, there has been a lot of tension between the NFL and race relations among Black people.

In support of former NFL player Colin Kaepernick’s right to kneel during the national anthem, Black Americans were implored to boycott the NFL.

2019/2020 marks the NFL’s 100^th season.

I came to Miami at the age of 9.

A close relative introduced me to football through his love of the game.

He was a huge San Francisco 49’ers fan and I became one too.

This was during the prime era of the franchise with Joe Montana at the helm.

Though they were rivals, Emmitt Smith and The Dallas Cowboys held the second spot in my heart!

As I got older, my love turned to basketball.

The Superbowl became the only time I partook in an NFL game.

I wore the only NFL item I owned to the Super Bowl experience at Bayfront Park.

Its a Cowboys jersey dress I bought to attend a sports-themed party a few years back.

It was easy to boycott an organization that I wasn’t supporting.

Now, Kaepernick and the NFL have reached a settlement.

Ironically, our former team is now in the Super Bowl! Let there be no doubt who I’m rooting for.

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The Chiefs vs The Gold Rushers

According to Google, the San Francisco 49’ers are named after candidates who arrived in California during the 1849 Gold Rush.

They will come face to face with the Kansas City Chiefs.

The last Super Bowl held in Miami was ten years ago.

Miami is tied at 11 Superbowls with my favorite city  New Orleans.

I haven’t contacted the ‘Black delegation’ for approval of this blog.

As we speak, my membership card could be getting revoked!

That quite alright! All this melanin was never based on a card anyway!

Whether you are in my city for the game or just to be a part of the celebrations, I would love to provide my local expertise!

While you’re here, don’t leave without experiencing the culture!

Super Bowl LIV is taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.

Miami Gardens has a population that’s 67% Black/African American.

It is home to St. Thomas University and Florida Memorial College.

Miami Gardens (Oliver G. Gilbert), San Francisco (London Breed) and Kansas City (Quinton Lucas) are all led by Black mayors. London Breed is the first Black mayor in her city.

The city is often shed in a negative light with high crime reports.

It has come a long way to become the Miami Gardens of today.

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Airfare, Lodging, and Tickets

The game will be held on Feb 2nd.

If you haven’t locked in your air and hotel by now, be prepared to pay the maximum amount. Sites like Expedia had Super Bowl weekend rates starting in the mid $300 range (per night).

As of January 26, 2020, Airbnb had some Miami Gardens properties in the $250 nightly price range. After taxes and fees, the total was almost $800 for Friday, January 31^st to Monday, Feb 3^rd.

TIP: Be prepared to rent a car since most hotels aren’t near the stadium.

Super Fest Miami’s website has general parking starting at $250.

TIP: No tailgating is allowed at the stadium.

The lowest Super Bowl ticket quote I received from Ticketmaster was around $4000.

TIP: 27^th ave is the nearest main intersection near the stadium

Directions to Hard Rock Stadium:

From the south: I-95 North, to North on the Florida Turnpike, to Exit #2X (Dolphin Toll Plaza), to Hard Rock Stadium.

East: I-75 East to I-595 East, to South on Florida Turnpike, to exit #2X (Sun Life Stadium Toll Plaza), to the east side of Hard Rock Stadium

North: Florida Turnpike South to Exit #2X, proceed through the Hard Rock Stadium Toll Plaza, to the east side of Hard Rock Stadium

TIP: Check Miami-Dade Transit for route changes/schedules for public transportation to Hard Rock Stadium.

Where to eat in Miami Gardens:

If you’re one of the privileged fans with a Super Bowl ticket, check out one of our local Haitian restaurant franchises: Chef Creole.

The menu features Creole and Bahamian inspired dishes such as oxtails, jambalaya, and conch salad.

I’m not sure if they ‘re on the Hard Rock menu, but my favorites at the Miami Airport and other locations are griot (fried pork) with fried plantains and fried shrimp with red beans and rice.

Chef Creole is on the 100 level (117) at Hard Rock Stadium.

There is a Sonics across from the stadium.

A super Wal-mart (plus McDonald’s) is within a mile west of the Stadium. The walk is about 11 minutes.

TIP: Avoid ATM fees with cashback on purchases.

The food choice options near the Wal-mart are endless!

• Dunkin Donuts
• Starbuck’s

Check out my blog on the World Famous egg rolls.

*Across the street from Wal-mart

• Lorna’s (Caribbean and American Restaurant)

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• Denny’s
• Pollo Tropical (Caribbean fast food known for grilled chicken, rice and beans)
• Subway
• Golden Crust (Jamaican bakery and restaurant)

Sunday’s Eatery (Soul food) Local music legend Trick Daddy owns this new spot. It’s famous for fried ribs.

The location is 1.3 miles north of the stadium, (19-minute walk).

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Caribbean Kitchen 305 (Haitian food) 2.7 miles from Hard Rock Stadium (8-minute drive). The food is much better than the service.

The Licking (Soul food) 2 miles from Hard Rock Stadium (7-minute drive).

TIP: Check Grubhub, Postmates and Uber Eats to confirm delivery options.

It’s out of the way, but worth an honorable mention since you can get delivery: Check out my blog on Leroy’s BBQ.

Free Super Bowl Events:

Super Bowl Live Presented by Verizon: Bayfront Park

Jan 27^th (4pm-9pm), 28^th (4pm-9pm), 30^th (4pm-11pm), 31^st (11am-11pm)

Feb 1^st (11am-11pm)

TIP: Street parking. Lots across from the park are reserved. Or Check Bayside’s garage next door.

January 25, 2020, was the kickoff to all things Super Bowl LIV! I was able to attend this event and it was very successful.

Though I went with a friend, it’s a perfect event for a solo traveler who enjoys photos. The staff was well trained in offering to take pictures.

TIP: Camera lenses over 6” not allowed.

The park’s main area was transformed into a beautiful football field adorned with fake palm football tree posts.

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Frito-Lay was the most generous sponsor with free bags of chips and popcorn. There was a video booth and several IG worth photo backdrops.

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Super Fan Fest Presented by At&T: The Wynwood Marketplace

Jan 30^th (4pm-2am), 31^st (4pm-3am)

Feb 1^st  (12pm-3am ) , 2^nd (11am-2am)

Guest appearances (photo/autograph ops) by Brett Favre, Ricky Williams, Dennis Rodman and more.

Ticketed Super Bowl Events

Super Bowl Opening Night Presented by Bolt 24 Jan 27^th Marlins Park $25+

Superfestmiami.com has all of the events near the Hard Rock Stadium.

Super Bowl Music Fest at American Airlines Arena (January 30^th-Feb 1^st) featuring DJ Khaled, Dababy, Meek Mill, Guns and Roses, Snoop Dogg, Maroon 5 and more.

Visit Ticketmaster.com or the arena ticket box to avoid online fees.

The Faith Center $10 Super Bowl party on game day (4:30 pm).

Stuff to do in Miami

Check out this link for free and paid Super Bowl events.

Eventbrite.com is also a great tool to search for other Super Bowl events such as The Uncle Luke Superbowl Parties and Concerts.

If you’re new in town, welcome to the magic city and enjoy!

For locals and honorary residents, turn up! May the best team (49’ers) win!

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If you have any other parties or activities to add, let me know in the comments. Who are you rooting for?

~Poof…Bee Gone

© 2020, Poof Bee Gone, All Rights Reserved

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