Super Bowl Live Day 1: Idina Menzel and friends at Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis (26 Jan 2018)
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BOLD NORTH KICKOFF
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The reality of Super Bowl LII coming to Minneapolis has begun in full swing as the downtown outdoor stretch of Nicollet Mall has been transformed into an entertainment mecca with nightly concerts on the Verizon stage called Super Bowl Live.
The ten or so blocks of Nicollet Mall (starting at the 5th Ave light rail stop) include numerous ice carvings, life-size snow globes for photo ops, several corporate displays including a 40ft stack of Schwan’s delivery trucks, the transported –from-Wisconsin Birkebeiner bridge, and an ice skating rink on Peavey Plaza.
Security is already tight downtown with numerous police and hired guards about, as well as the National Guard with Humvees (though it doesn’t resemble the lockdown of the 2004 RNC Convention) and volunteers from the 10,000-strong Crew 52 were everywhere to help people find their way.
On the corner of 8th and Nicollet Mall, sets the performance stage, a trapezoid-shaped raised platform with girders on all corners, challenging visibility and initially making it hard to determine which side the front is. The immediate area near the stage is controlled by limited entrances (which often crowd and bottle neck) with bag and coat searches before being allowed in.
The kickoff show began with a DJ set from Timberwolves/Lynx DJ Mad Mardigan and MC Tonez and got officially going with the national anthem sung by former MN Viking/Voice contestant Esera Tuaolo, who was also joined by local choir VocalEssence.
At just after 6pm, singer Idina Menzel took to the stage for her four-minute signature song, ‘Let it Go’ from the Disney film, Frozen, the moment so many that had brought their shivering kids to see. Shortly following, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (who curated the talent lineup for the series) reunited with their original band Flyte Tyme for a version of Lipps. Inc 1980 classic, ‘Funkytown’ featuring original vocalist Cynthia Johnson.
Other acts on opening night included local bands Trailer Trash and Lost Highway, with the Chris Hawkey Band closing the evening by 10pm. The crowd on this first evening was plentiful, helped by mild temps in the low 40s, plenty of things to see and do, and being able to drink in the streets, with Bud Light bottles in a lot of hands. One night down, nine to go for Super Bowl Live.
Tips If You Go:
2) Arrive early– crowds on the first day are already large and overflowed enough near the stage, that they capped the number allowed in that area. Arriving early allows a better chance of a good vantage point. The stage front points diagonally toward 9th.
3) Parking– ramps are already charging $25+, so be strategic with street parking, available for little to no cost. Event rates aren’t yet in effect and some outlying meters are free after 6pm, if you don’t mind walking a few blocks.
4) Free hot chocolate– head to the Target lounge across the street from their flagship downtown store to warm up, see some exhibits and grab a free beverage.
SUPER BOWL LIVE Schedule
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Saturday, January 27, 2018 |
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Sunday, January 28, 2018 3:15 pm Bailey Bryan 4:00 pm Sara Renner 5:00 pm The Steeles 6:00 pm Twin Cities Community Gospel Choir 7:00 pm Sounds of Blackness with Big Jim Wright & Ann Nesby |
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Monday, January 29, 2018 SALUTE TO PRINCE 4:00 pm DJ Dudley D |
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Tuesday, January 30, 2018 4:00 pm Minnesota Special Olympics Polar Plunge |
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Wednesday, January 31, 2018 4:00 pm DJ Brother Jules and MC Tonez |
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Thursday, February 1, 2018 |
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Friday, February 2, 2018 2:00 pm DJ Howard “HK” Kessler |
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Saturday, February 3, 2018 11:30 am DJ Dudley D, MC Tonez & Katie Andres |
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Sunday, February 4, 2018 BOLD NORTH GAMEDAY 12:00 pm DJ Dudley D, Katie Andres & Jon Berry |
Photo Gallery for Friday, January 26, 2018
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Cynthia Johnson with Flyte Tyme |
DJ Mad Mardigan |
Esera Tuaolo Vocal Essence |
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis |
Idina Menzel |
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