Tickets, traffic, ESPN: The ins and outs of surviving Super Bowl week in North Texas

Tickets, traffic, ESPN: The ins and outs of surviving Super Bowl week in North Texas

North Texas is poised to become the center of the sports world between Jan. 31 and Feb. 6. Thousands of visitors will be in the region, scores of Super Bowl-related events and parties are on tap.

Here are answers to your Super Bowl questions:

How can I get a ticket to the game?

Hope you have deep pockets. Reputable ticket websites such as NFL Ticket Exchange, run by Ticketmaster, and Stub Hub are among those that have tickets available, but be prepared for sticker shock. You'll pay at least $2,000 per ticket, and those are the "cheap seats." If you are game, hang out near Cowboys Stadium on game day and you may be able to score tickets from a scalper, although you risk running afoul of the law since scalping is illegal.

What events are open to the public?

The NFL Experience at the Dallas Convention Center is the most popular event for fans, young and old. Former and current players will be on hand to sign autographs, and you'll be able to participate in a number of interactive games and activities to test your football skills. There are clinics, chats with coaches and memorabilia on display. It begins on Thursday, Jan. 27. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for children 12 and under. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit www.superbowl.com or call 866-849-4635.

ESPN is making Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth its broadcast home during Super Bowl week, and it doesn't cost a dime to come on down and see some of the sports network's top radio and TV personalities. Plenty of celebrities will make appearances on ESPN shows, and it's a great chance to ask for autographs and see some of your favorite players in person.

ESPN The Magazine is hosting the Next Tailgate interactive event at River Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards on Feb. 5. Admission is free and festivities are scheduled to begin at noon.

If you are a gourmet, tickets might be to the Taste of the NFL charity food event on Feb. 5 at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Sample food from 32 chiefs representing each NFL city and eight area chefs who are preparing signature dishes for the Flavors of North Texas. It will cost $500 per ticket. For more info visit www.tasteofthenfl.com or call 952-835-7621.

Can I watch the teams practice?

No. Super Bowl practices are closed to the public.

Where can I get an autograph?

Your best chances to meet a current or former player will be at the NFL Experience in Dallas, which will hold several clinics and autograph sessions with players; Taste of the NFL in Fort Worth, where high-profile former players sign autographs at their team’s food booth; and in Sundance Square, where celebrities and players will come and go to appear on ESPN broadcasts.

Some fans stand in a roped-off area near the Super Bowl Media Center (Sheraton Dallas), which sees a constant stream of players and celebrities, but that’s more likely to be a people-watching spot than an autograph opportunity.

Will bars and restaurants extend their hours of operation to accommodate the Super Bowl crowds?

No. The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission says regular closing times for serving alcohol will be enforced, with no exceptions. That goes for Sunday as well. Last call is 2 a.m. for establishments with a late-hours permit. Liquor stores will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and closed on Sunday as usual. TABC officers and police will also strictly enforce underage drinking and DUI laws. For more info, visit www.tabc.state.tx.us and click on Super Bowl Resource Guide.

Will I be able to get to work in downtown Fort Worth while ESPN is in town?

Streets will close around Sundance Square, meaning some commuters might be a little inconvenienced, but local transportation and law-enforcement officials have said that traffic flow is a priority and that they will do what is needed to minimize congestion. Houston and Main Streets will be closed between Third and Fifth, as will Fourth Street between Commerce and Throckmorton. These streets frame the footprint for ESPN, which is making Fort Worth its base of operations for the week.

Signs will direct motorists to alternate routes and detours, and police officers may direct traffic during peak hours.

How can I avoid crowds and still enjoy the Super Bowl experience?

The biggest crowds are anticipated starting Thursday, Feb. 3. Locals who want to visit the NFL Experience in Dallas or ESPN in Sundance Square should plan on coming out early in the week and either in the morning or early afternoon. ESPN officials say their visitor traffic usually peaks late in the afternoon, coinciding with happy hour.

Can I get to the NFL Experience or ESPN's set without driving?

The Trinity Railway Express will have service to the Dallas Convention Center, and riders won't have to worry about traffic jams or parking fees. If you live in the Mid-Cities, consider taking the TRE into downtown Fort Worth to watch ESPN's live programming. The city will provide transportation on Molley the Trolley to the Stockyards and the Stock Show for those who want to experience Fort Worth's Western heritage.

How safe will I be in downtown Fort Worth during Super Bowl week?

Mayor Mike Moncrief and Police Chief Jeff Halstead have made public safety their mantra. There will be an obvious police presence at all hours, they said, with police officers acting as ambassadors to direct visitors to area attractions and restaurants as well as ensuring their safety. ESPN and Sundance Square will add their own security staff. Visitors are encouraged to be alert because pickpockets target crowds where people might be jostled.

Does that mean the rest of the city will have less police and fire protection than usual?

City officials say that providing ample public safety measures in Sundance Square and other entertainment districts will not compromise the rest of the city and its residents. Police officers will be working 12-hour shifts with no days off, vacations or leaves during the Super Bowl.

Which areas in Arlington should I avoid during Super Bowl week and the day of the game?

The best advice is to avoid Cowboys Stadium and Rangers Ballpark. Two weeks before the game, Cowboys Way and Legends Way will be closed and, starting Jan. 28, Randol Mill Road and Collins Street around the stadium will be reduced to one lane in each direction. On Super Bowl Sunday, Collins Street will be open to southbound traffic only, Melton said. Those who live near Cowboys Stadium will be able to get in and out of their neighborhood, but patience is recommended. As for Super Sunday, the best advice is to hunker down and stay indoors if you can.

How do I go about renting my house during Super Bowl week?

Don't be blinded by dollar signs. Even if you rent through a property management company or use a lawyer to draw a proper rental agreement contract, remember that you are letting total strangers stay in your house. If the guests are boisterous, inconsiderate and/or disrespectful of your property, you may regret renting in the first place. The longer lasting damage may be the relationship you have with neighbors.

Officials advise caution for anyone who plans to rent his or her home and then jet off to Cancun for fun in the sun. Brandon Bennett, the Fort Worth code compliance director, said absentee owners or a hands-off approach will create the greatest risk that something will go wrong. Before you set a price, find out the going rate for hotel rooms and other rental properties that are equivalent to yours. If you have questions, contact the code compliance office in your city.

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/12/24/2726298/tickets-traffic-espn-the-ins-and.html#ixzz19aroGx7g