Kicking the winning field goal, testing out a new Xbox One, getting a picture with the Lombardi Trophy and racing down a 60 foot slide, you can do it all in the center of the world-famous Times Square leading up to Super Bowl Sunday.
Super Bowl Boulevard officially opened Wednesday to thousands already taking part in the activities, most of which are free. But the most talked about attraction is the toboggan run.
Fans can pay $5 at kiosks around Times Square to check out the ride. The tickets are timed and early Wednesday riders said they barely waited 20 minutes in line. All ticket proceeds will benefit MillionTreesNYC.
The 60-foot drop done on a small mat takes just a few seconds, and the gleeful screams could be heard through the block between 40th and 41st streets and Broadway. The white, wavy slide it lined with flashing NFL first down markers and snow is dusted onto the slide for added effect, many riders challenged friends to races.
Riders barreled down to a sea of onlookers and cheerers below with iPads, iPhones and video cameras in hand to capture the unique experience.
Jessica Schoenstein, 21, from The Bronx was the first general admission ticket holder in line for the Toboggan opening run. “Seeing all the cool stuff like the toboggan, it’s really cool because I’ve lived here my whole life and to be a part of it is a once in a lifetime event.”
She was in line with her parents who made it half way up the steep ramp, then turned around from fear of heights. But the best part of being at the top if you make it? Schoenstein says the views of Times Square and Super Bowl Boulevard are top notch.
“I would do it again in a heartbeat, it was amazing,”
The feeling along the boulevard Wednesday was one of excitement and happiness, fans donning gear from many different NFL teams soaking in the experience of being part of the biggest week in football.
Other Super Bowl Boulevard activities include an XBox One tent full of the newest games
The chance to see what you’d look like as a Bronco, Seahawk, Jet or Giant
Visit the autograph stage to meet some of the biggest names in the game
Get your picture taken with the Lombardi Trophy
And be a part of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, 13 blocks of Manhattan filled with NFL-themed activities
Super Bowl Boulevard was made official with a ceremony Wednesday night hosted by New York Giants’ David Tyree and speeches by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. The event featured performances by the Boys Choir Of Harlem, The Rockettes and the cast of “Jersey Boys.”
The night was complete when the iconic Super Bowl Roman numerals were revealed.
See more on Super Bowl Boulevard in the video below