With Super Bowl LI about to kick off, the hoopla surrounding the nation's biggest sporting event is revving up. While the game is the big focus, the parties are just as important to many Houstonians and visitors. Many of the most glittery events are sponsored by corporations seeking to burnish their image, and unless you know someone important, it's hard to gain entrance to the most exclusive parties.
However, a number of the biggest, most boisterous, happenings are open to those willing to spend big bucks to gain admission. Here are some of the jazziest and snazziest parties we've heard about, along with breakfasts, concerts and other events where celebrities will likely be out in full force.
Keep in mind there will also be free opportunities to mingle with large crowds at Discovery Green, where a number of outdoor concerts will take place January 27 through February 5, and at Midtown Park, where ESPN will originate more than 45 hours of television and radio programming from outdoor studio stages February 1 - 5. (UPDATE: ESPN has moved its broadcast center to a lot adjacent to Toyota Center in downtown Houston.)
Also, some Las Vegas clubs are taking over Houston's prime nightspots with top DJs for the "Big Game Weekend." The lineup at Club Clé, which will be dubbed "Marquee Houston Takeover," includes Vice on February 2, Tiesto on February 3, Skrillex on February 4 and DJ Snake on February 5, with Nghtmre as the after hours DJ. At the new Club Spire, which is being labeled "Tao Houston Takeover," the lineup includes Carnage on February 2, the Playboy party on February 4, and LIV with Stevie J on February 5.
Here's what we know so far. Check back, as we'll update with the latest party and event info as soon as we find out (we will mark them as NEW ADDITION or UPDATED INFO)
Luminaires of the Game
When: February 1
Where: Houston Marriott Marquis
What: The Houston Super Bowl Host Committee's signature event is an exclusive evening of dinner and superstar entertainment. The evening will honor Houston Texans owner Bob McNair and wife Janice. Honorary chairs are Lynn Wyatt and James A. Baker, III. The event hopes to raise $1 million, with an additional $1 million to be matched by the NFL Foundation. All proceeds benefit the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee’s charitable giving program, Touchdown Houston.
Entry: Tables are $75,000 and $150,000. For more information, contact Marshall Bush Rossi at mbushrossi@housuperbowl.com.
Kitchen Throwdown — NEW ADDITION
When: February 1
Where: Conservatory Underground Beer Garden & Food Hall, 1010 Prairie Street
What: Billed as "the ultimate cooking challenge," Kitchen Throwdown pits Houston Texans outside linebacker Whitney Mercilus and chef Sabin Lomac, co-founder of Cousins Maine Lobster, against a team to be announced. They will have 45 minutes to create a mouthwatering dish with unknown ingredients, with the winners earning $25,000 for their favorite charity. The original Houston Texan, radio/television personality Chester Pitts will host.
Entry: $500 - $30,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Big Game
When: February 1
Where: Saks Fifth Avenue
What:Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado, who is known as the "Insurance Czar To The Stars" with dozens of celebrity sports clients, is teaming with luxe retailer Saks Fifth Avenue for a pre-Super Bowl at the new Galleria store. It benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Entry: By invitation only.
Glazer Palooza Super Bowl LI Kickoff Party
When: February 1
Where: To Be Announced
What: FOX Sports personality Jay Glazer hosts an annual Super Bowl kickoff party that brings together some of Hollywood and the NFL’s biggest names in anticipation of the big game.
Entry: By invitation only.
The Big Texas Party, presented by CultureMap, ESPN Radio, and SB Nation — UPDATED INFO
When: February 2
Where: Silver Street Studios, 2000 Edwards Street
What: The Big Texas Party, presented by CultureMap, ESPN Radio and SB Nation, is a celebration of Houston, with the city's best barbecue, Texas beer, spirits and wine, major musical entertainment, athlete and celebrity sightings, and lots of great party tricks. Chow down on BBQ from Killen's Barbecue, Pappa Charlies Barbeque, El Burro & The Bull, Feges BBQ. Harlem Road Texas BBQ, Pinkerton's Barbecue, Ray's Real Pit BBQ Shack, Roegels Barbecue and Tejas Chocolate Craftory. Dallas Cowboys greats Ed "Too Tall" Jones and Randy White will serve as hosts, along with Houston Oilers stars Cris Dishman and Gregg Bingham. Special guests include Ricky Williams, Vince Young, Jamaal Charles, T.J. Glover, Cory Redding, Gerome Sapp, Eric Warfield, and Roy Williams. Texas country star Bart Crow will perform.
Entry: $125 - $1,250. Tickets can be purchased here.
Bulls & Blackjack Celebrity Poker Tournament and Casino Night
When: February 2
Where: Private home in River Oaks
What: Former Texans player Wade Smith, Dr. Quang and Staci Henderson, and Elevate Management Group host a celebrity-filled poker tournament and casino soiree with Vegas-style entertainment, co*cktails and hors d'oeuvres. Proceeds benefit the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Texans' linebacker Whitney Mercilus' WithMerci Foundation and The Wade Smith Foundation.
Entry: $500 - $10,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
Ditka Jaws Cigars with the Stars
When: February 2
Where: Irish Cowboy, 2300 Louisiana Street
What: Join former football greats Mike Ditka, Ron Jaworksi and friends at this VIP party featuring premium cigars from the industry's top brands, single-malt Scotch, and many football celebrities.
Entry: $500 - $20,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
Pastorini's Super Party
When: February 2
Where: Redneck Country Club, Stafford
What: Former Houston Oilers star quarterback Dan Pastorini hosts a party with gourmet Texan fare, cash bar, mechanical bull rides, dancing, silent auction items, and hand-rolled cigars, featuring such celebrities and fabled athletes as Mean Joe Greene and Bob Lilly. Proceeds benefit Be An Angel, Bum Phillips Charities, and Gridiron Greats.
Entry: Sponsorship packages range from $15,000 to $100,000; a limited number individual tickets may be available, starting at $85. For more information, visit the website.
EA Sports Bowl — UPDATED INFO
When: February 2
Where: Club Nomadic, 2121 Edwards Street
What: The successor to the EA Sports Madden Bowl, which has been a Super Bowl party fixture for 23 years, the EA Sports Bowl will feature pro athlete tournaments in both EA Sports Madden NFL 17 and FIFA 17, showcasing the talents of some of the world’s best athletes. Sam Hunt and The Chainsmokers will perform.
Entry: Tickets available on Ticketmaster, beginning Friday, January 20, at 10 am CST. Floor level general admission tickets are $100; second-level standing VIP tickets are $275 and include open bar and hors d'oeuvres.
The Houston Power Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 2
Where: Houston Museum of Natural Science
What: Art, fashion, music, and sports collide with interactive areas, access to one-of-a-kind exhibits, celebrity appearances, drinks, heavy hors hors d'oeuvres and dancing. The party is hosted by Houston City Council member Larry Green and benefits the Santana Dotson Foundation and the Moran Norris Foundation.
Entry: $100 - $250. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Superwomen & Men of HBCU Fashion Show — NEW ADDITION
When: February 2
Where: Buffalo Soldier National Museum, 3816 Caroline Street
What: Fashion, music and sports come together when HBCU alumni, representing the organization of 104 historically black colleges and universities, walk the runway showcasing Houston boutiques and designers. The fashion show is part of a two-event celebration that also includes the Glitz & Gridiron Party on February 4 at the same location.
Entry: $30 - $75. Tickets can be purchased here.
Off The Field Players' Wives Fashion Show — NEW ADDITION
When: February 3
Where: Tootsies, 2601 Westheimer
What: Forty NFL wives will walk the runway in fashions from Tootsies as their spouses and significant others look on and participate in the finale in the 16th annual event that was created to support local and national charities supported by the NFL Wives' charity organization Off the Field.
Entry: $100 - $50,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
Bayou City Blitz!
When: February 3
Where: LifeHTX, 2512 Woodhead Street
What: The Big Game Weekend’s Biggest Party, hosted by the Bayou City Blitz host committee (by Houston and for Houston!), will bring out the fun and crazy side of H-Town, with entertainment by Kalkutta and 12 South Band, an open bar, late night bites and midnight food trucks. See the three venues and video wall of LifeHTX come to life with 500+ of Houston’s most interesting people celebrating our city until the sun comes up.
Entry: By invitation only. Inquire via host committee at www.bayoucityblitz.com.
Bruno Mars at Club Nomadic, presented by LIFEWTR
When: February 3
Where: Club Nomadic, 2121 Edwards Street
What: The superstar singer will perform at the temporary venue for 9,000 constructed in Houston's Arts District exclusively for Super Bowl activities.
Entry: Sold out. Tickets available on Ticketmaster resale site range from $260 to $1,145 each.
"Just the Truth" Super Bowl Extravaganza — NEW ADDITION
When: February 3
Where: Hotel ZaZa
What: The star-studded event features singers Eric Benét and Leela James, with celebrity guests including Cynthia Bailey of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, actress LisaRaye McCoy, comedian Nephew Tommy, DJ Biz Markie, and athletes Greg Briggs, Victor Green, and Larry Brown, with additional music provided by 93.7 The Beat's DJ SupaStar and Houston's very own DJ Good Grief. Proceeds will go to nonprofits continuing the fight against HIV/AIDS, including The T.R.U.T.H. Project and American Foundation for Children with AIDS (AFCA).
Entry: $250 - $10,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
When: February 3
Where: Lakewood Church
What: The annual NFL-sanctioned celebration, in its 18th year, brings together key NFL players, top Gospel/Contemporary Christian and mainstream Grammy Award-winning artists and special guests all on one stage for an evening of uplifting music and inspirational messages. The highlight is the Players Choir, featuring current and former NFL players.
Entry: Tickets are $15, $25, $50 at Ticket Servant and Ticketmaster.
ESPN The Party Houston — UPDATED INFO
When: February 3
Where: Warehouse near downtown Houston
What: Fergie and DJ Khaled are the headliners at the 13th annual ESPN Super Bowl party, which promises to be an over-the-top affair, with the decor resembling a chic construction site, complete with bulldozer wrapped in LED lights.
Entry: By invitation only.
Leather and Laces (Friday edition) — UPDATED INFO
When: February 3
Where: Hughes Manor Campus, 2811 Washington Avenue
What: A favorite of Victoria's Secret models and Hollywood celebrities, the Leather and Laces party is always one of the hottest, chicest and sexiest places to be during Super Bowl weekend from its inception in 2004 in Houston. The star studded extravaganza will be hosted by NKOTB member and Blue Blood star Donnie Wahlberg with Sirius XM/iHeart Radio Host and actress Jenny McCarthym along with special guest Sprint Cup Winner Kyle Busch and a Celebrity DJ performance.
Entry: Tickets range from $375 to $20,000 for a celebrity cabana. Tickets can be purchased here.
Pre-Super Bowl 2017 VIP Meet and Greet Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 3
Where: Hermann Park Golf Course Clubhouse, 2155 MacGregor Way
What: The third annual celebrity VIP Super Bowl Party will feature a red carpet entrance, celebrity guests, including Houston's own (and San Diego Charger defensive end) Damion Square, live entertainment, a lavish buffet, drinks, and raffles.
Entry: $25 - $200. Tickets can be purchased here.
The Ticket, The Show Like No Other — NEW ADDITION
When: February 3
Where: The Corinthian, 202 Fannin
What: Busta Rhymes headlines the party hosted by Ty Ryan Sports Group, with guests NFL players Justin Bethel and Jarvis Landry, Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George and actress Eva Marcille. DJ D-Nice will spin tunes.
Entry: Tickets start at $250 and can be purchased here.
Athletes in Action Super Bowl Breakfast
When: February 4
Where: Marriott Marquis
What: CBS sportscaster James Brown, host of The NFL Today,will emcee the breakfast, now in its 30th year. Guests include Super Bowl champions Tony Dungy and Roger Staubach, along with Bruce Matthews, Anthony Munoz, and Derrick Brooks. The 2017 Bart Starr Award will be awarded to the NFL player who represents exemplary character and leadership on and off the field.
Entry: Ranges from $200 per seat to $2,500 for a table of 10. Tickets can be purchased here.
Michael Vick's Celebrity Day Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: Bella Rinova salon, River Oaks District
What: Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick hosts an afternoon party with music by DJ Rob G as the co*cktails flow on the patio.
Entry: $250 - $2,400. Tickets can be purchased here.
Leigh Steinberg's 30th Annual Super Bowl Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: Hughes Manor, 2811 Washington Ave
What: The iconic sports sports agent and founder of Steinberg Sports and Entertainment (SSE) hosts an array of only party NFL owners, general managers, coaches, entertainers, politicians, media personalities, athletes, and entrepreneurs.
Entry: By invitation only.
Taste of the NFL — UPDATED INFO
When: February 4
Where: University of Houston
What: The 26th annual Super Bowl fundraiser dedicated to hunger relief pairs top chefs from the 32 NFL cities with current Hall of Fame and alumni players from each of the NFL franchises as they serve over 45,000 tastings for 2,500 guests. Cafe Annie owner/chef Robert del Grande represents Houston. The Bank Perry will headline a concert and other special guests include include Fox sports broadcaster Daryl Johnston, Miss America 2017 Savvy Shields, and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern. A silent auction with more than 250 unique sports and celebrity memorabilia, vacation packages and other coveted items add to the fun.
Entry: $700 each, VIP table is $10,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
Extravanganza of Stars
When: February 4
Where: Blackburn Estate
What: Joanne Herring and Buzz Aldrin host the extravanganza featuring George Foreman, Clay Walker, Booker T and American Idol winner Jordin Sparks as headliners; plus performances by a number of talented Houston artists and accomplished Haras Dos Cavalerios horsem*n Carmina Zamorano and Rafael Chavez.
Entry: $1,500 each; a portion of the ticket price is tax deductible. Tickets can be purchased here.
The 2017 Maxim Party — UPDATE INFO
When: February 4
Where: Smart Financial Centre, Sugar Land
What: Art, fashion, music, and sports collide at the Maxim party, which has become a Super Bowl staple, drawing celebrity VIPs and high rollers. Travis Scott and DJ Khaled are headliners.
Entry: Tickets are $750 each, VIP packages range from $8,500 to $38,500. Tickets can be purchased here.
Rolling Stone Live Super Bowl Party — UPDATED INFO
When: February 4
Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
What: Diplo, Nas, and DJ Cassidy will perform as Rolling Stone magazine kicks off a celebration of its 50th anniversary.
Entry: By invitation only. Sponsorship and corporate hospitality opportunities are available.
DirectTV's Super Saturday Night
When: February 4
Where: Club Nomadic, 2121 Edwards Street
What: Mark Cuban hosts one of Super Bowl weekend's biggest parties, this year featuring a performance by superstar Taylor Swift.
Entry: By invitation only. Swift fans will have access to tickets through a series of AT&T promotions and campaigns that should be coming in the next few weeks.
Leather and Laces (Saturday edition) — UPDATED INFO
When: February 4
Where: Hughes Manor Campus, 2811 Washington Avenue
What: A favorite of Victoria's Secret models and Hollywood celebrities, the Leather and Laces party is always one of the hottest, chicest and sexiest places to be during Super Bowl weekend from its inception in Houston in 2004. Victoria Secret Angels Adriana Lima and Sara Sampaio will host along with live special performances by Cirque USA, DJ Michael Jerome, DJ Avi and DJ Automatic.
Entry: Tickets range from $450 to $25,000 for a celebrity cabana. Tickets can be purchased here.
Glitz & Gridiron Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: Buffalo Soldier National Museum, 3816 Caroline Street
What: Fashion, music and sports come together when HBCU alumni, representing the organization of 104 historically black colleges and universities, celebrate the Super Bowl with music from national and local DJs and appearances by NFL players and celebrities. The Glitz & Gridiron party is part of a two-event celebration that also includes The Superwomen & Men of HBCU Fashion Show on February 2 at the same location.
Entry: $40 - $1,250. Tickets can be purchased here.
6th Annual NFL Honors Awards Show
When: February 4
Where: Wortham Theater Center
What: The National Football League honors its best players from the 2016 NFL season in this awards show, which will be broadcast on FOX. More than 100 active and former NFL players are expected to attend the event, which features gourmet food stations, open bar and musical performances.
Entry: By invitation only.
Playboy Super Bowl Party — UPDATED INFO
When: February 4
When: Spire Nightclulb., 1720 Main Street
What: Celebrities and high-profile athletes are expected to jam the new Spire Nightclub for what is annually one of the Super Bowl's buzziest events. Singer/rapper Flo Rida will be the featured performer.
Entry: $250 to $1,000 each. Tickets can be purchased here.
Big Game Big Give Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: Home of Lisa and Michael Holthouse.
What: Actor Josh Brolin hosts a party benefiting The Giving Back Fund, with a performance by Common, live and silent auctions and food prepared by a celebrity chef. An after-party features a celebrity poker tournament hosted by Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps and World Series of Poker champion Jamie Gold. Participants will compete for six months of private coaching by Gold and a place at the table for the World Series of Poker. The experience is open to the first 160 players with an initial buy-in of $2,000 each.
Entry: Tickets for the poker after-party can be purchased at www.biggamebiggive.org. Tax deductible sponsorships for both parties range from $50,000 - $300,000.
Texas Size Pre-Super Bowl Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: DoubleTree Hotel, Greenway Plaza
What: Join actor Morris Chestnut for a big party on the night before the Super Bowl featuring food, drinks, and live entertainment.
Entry: $175-$250. Tickets can be purchased here.
Fanatics The Big Game Weekend Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: The Ballroom at Bayou Place
What: Flo Rida will headline the annual pre-Super Bowl afternoon party hosted by the sports merchandise giant Fanatics.
Entry: By invitation only.
Exotic Sneakers and Tuxedos — NEW ADDITION
When: February 4
Where: Le Colonial, River Oaks District
What: Latin correspondent Andrea Gomez hosts the red carpet as guests arrive decked out in black tie showing off their favorite exotic kicks. NFL players Ty Montgomery and Melvin Gordon, actor Terrence J, and social media guru Peter Shankman and expected to attend. TV and radio personality Big Tigger hosts; DJ Kid Capri spins in the VIP Lounge; pioneer feminist of hip hop MC Lyte performs.
Entry: $250 - $10,000. Tickets can be purchased here.
NFL Alumni Official Game Day Brunch
When: February 5
Where: Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse
What: In addition to great food, the brunch features chalk talk sessions, game analysis from NFL legends and personalities, stories from past Super Bowls, autograph sessions and more. It supports the organization's "Caring for Our Own" and "Caring for Kids" missions and benefit 10 youth services charities.
Entry: $500 each. Tickets can be purchased here.
2017 Players Tailgate Houston
When: February 5
Where: Mike Calvert Toyota, 2333 S Loop W
What: The Players Tailgate features an open premium bar, all-you-can-eat dining with gourmet dishes created by a celebrity chef team headed by Food Network star Guy Fieri, and plenty of celebrity spotting. Hosts are converting the auto dealership into a plush venue with an indoor/outdoor pavilion lined with tables and soft white leather furniture to watch ESPN’s pre-game coverage broadcast on large LED monitors.
Entry: $699 each. Tickets can be purchased here.
Texas Tailgate 51 — NEW ADDITION
When: February 5
Where: Crowne Plaza NRG Stadium Hotel, 8686 Kirby Drive
What: Enjoy all-you-can eat gourmet buffet, premium liquor, beer, and wine. Celebrity guests include former and current NFL players plus live entertainment.
Entry: $450. Tickets can be purchased here.
OLE Super Bowl Pre-Party — NEW ADDITION
When: February 5
Where: Champions Club at NRG Center
What: Lady Antebellum will headline the party, which is open to those who have purchased an exclusive Super Bowl package from On Location Experiences (OLE), the NFL's official hospitality partner. It will also feature performances by the jam rock group O.A.R. and country singer Tyler Farr, high-end cuisine from STK, appearances by NFL alumni and coaches, and the Houston Texans cheerleaders.
Entry: Ticket packages can be purchased here.
Have you heard of other Super Bowl parties and other hot happenings? Email clifford@culturemap.com with details.
