A sneak peek at the Super Bowl Experience

MINNEAPOLIS (KMSP) - The big game is not happening for another nine days, but Super Bowl week is all set to kickoff starting this weekend with the Super Bowl Experience at the Minneapolis Convention Center. 

The event began as the NFL Experience back in 1992 in Minnesota and now it’s making a return with a new name and new amenities in 2018. 

“A lot of the critical pieces that we put together for this event were born here and we are bringing them back,” Vice President of NFL Events Mary Pat Augenthaler said. “We like to think that they’re better than ever before.”

The event boasts a 40-yard dash, passing drills and a kicking competition for fans to gauge their skills compared to NFL stars, and also lets the public take pictures with the Lombardi Trophy that will be handed to the winner of Super Bowl 52. 

The Super Bowl Experience also gives fans an opportunity to see game-used memorabilia and pieces from the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. 

Only certain lucky fans will get the chance to get into the actual game on Sunday, February 4, but this is an attempt to bring the game and the Super Bowl feeling to as many Minnesotans as possible.

“There’s a finite amount of seats in the stadium, so this becomes the Super Bowl,” Augenthaler said. “Our mission is whether you’re a fan of football or not, you are one when you leave.”

Tickets for the Super Bowl Experience cost $35 for adults and $25 for children. The event runs from Saturday, January 27 until Saturday, February 3.