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Platinum Recording Artist Jordin Sparks to be Grand Marshall of Opening Ceremony of Verizon Super Bowl Central in Downtown Phoenix

Jordin Sparks

Verizon Super Bowl Central opens in less than 24 hours and fans from all over the world are in for a super-sized treat as Grammy Award nominee, actress and Arizona native Jordin Sparks serves as Grand Marshall of the Opening Ceremony. The World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales will parade the singing sensation down Washington St. as the beer wagon enters the ‘The Block’ on Verizon Super Bowl Central to deliver the hometown superstar to the Pepsi Hyped for Halftime Stage.

The electrifying singing sensation will be the first to illuminate key attractions such as the Verizon Power House, the Verizon #WhosGonnaWin Light Show, The Grand Canyon Experience presented by NB|AZ and iconic XLIX Roman numerals. The public is invited to the free opening ceremony, which will be held from 6:30 to 7 p.m. on Jan. 28.

Verizon Super Bowl Central is a free, football-themed, family-friendly, fan campus. It will be the epicenter of Super Bowl XLIX festivities with one million visitors expected to revel in Downtown Phoenix at no charge. Verizon Super Bowl Central opens on Wednesday, January 28 at 2 p.m.

The hours of operation are from 2 – 10 p.m. from January 28 – 30; 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. on January 31; and from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 1. Fan will enjoy a myriad of free activities throughout Verizon Super Bowl Central.

Attractions on Verizon Super Bowl Central:

  • XLIX Roman numerals

The iconic Super Bowl XLIX Roman numerals are located on 1st St. between the blocks of Washington and Jefferson. The numerals include a video projection show with a LED color changing graze lighting. The numerals are 39’ 6” by 116’ and weigh 160,000 lbs. with ballasting.

  • Verizon Power House

Revelers are engaged with the latest technology, products and services inside the Verizon Power House. Fans will learn about NFL Mobile from Verizon from the NFL’s best players and feel the intensity of the game with cutting edge virtual reality.

  • The Grand Canyon Experience Presented by NB|AZ 


The super-sized, one-of-a-kind rock wall climbing experience is the largest attraction inside Verizon Super Bowl Central. It features 20 climbing positions and a breathtaking 18-ft. waterfall that flows down the center of the attraction. It measures 30 feet tall by 100 feet wide and also features an 18-ft. video screen at the summit. The Grand Canyon Experience presented by NB|AZ is located on the corner of 1st St. and Jefferson. Tickets are $5 and available to purchase at www.azsuperbowl.com in advance to secure an appointment to climb. Tickets also will be available onsite on Verizon Super Bowl Central. Proceeds will benefit the Host Committee’s legacy grant program for Arizona nonprofits.

  • Pepsi Hyped for Halftime Stage 

Starting at 2 p.m. every day (10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday), fans can enjoy local talent and group performances on the Pepsi Hyped for Halftime Stage. Opening acts for the free concert series begin at 7:30 p.m. each night. Verizon Super Bowl Central comes alive when national recording artists hit the stage at 8:45 p.m. For a full performance line-up, visit www.azsuperbowl.com/verizon-super-bowl-central/live-entertainment.

  • Dignity Health Barrow Brain Ball Experience 


Play the newest Brain Ball game, hear from concussion experts, get properly fitted for football helmets and take photos with NFL alumni players.

  • Mexico Live It To Believe It 


A Mexico interactive experience that you have to “Live to Believe,” which includes 360 degree photo opportunities, high-tech displays, 3D video simulations, sand sculptures and augmented reality technology, where guests can experience various trips through Mexico.

  • TOSTITOS Party Boulevard


The official party destination on Verizon Super Bowl Central where guests can experience firsthand how TOSTITOS BRINGS THE PARTY.

The autograph stage offers FREE autographs from former NFL players from 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. daily. For a full list of players and times, visitwww.azsuperbowl.com.

  • Bud Light Beer Garden


Take a break from all the excitement, sip a cold Bud Light and relax. To enjoy, head to the Hanny’s parking lot on the southeast corner of Central Ave. and Adams.

  • Fireworks Show


The nightly festivities come to a close with a big bang. A fireworks show will take place every evening on Verizon Super Bowl Central at 10 p.m. The downtown campus and nearby restaurants will remain open until midnight.

For a full list of Verizon Super Bowl Central activities, visit www.azsuperbowl.com/verizon-super-bowl-central/fan-activities.