Super Bowl 44 will take place in Miami on February 7th. This will be the 10th time that pro football’s most important game is held in South Florida. However, it will be the first time that the Pro Bowl held a week earlier, takes place in the Sunshine State. Both games will be contested at Sun Life Stadium (formerly known as Dolphins Stadium).

The Super Bowl will feature the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints. This is the second Super Bowl appearance in four years for the Colts, who are led by perennial all-star quarterback Peyton Manning. The Colts will be heavily favored because of their post-season experience and their solid performances during the play-offs. The Saints, headed by quarterback Drew Brees and running back Reggie Bush, had to go into overtime to edge past the Minnesota Vikings to qualify for the game. This is the first Super Bowl appearance for the New Orleans franchise.

At this writing, tickets for the big game are still available. But they are the most sought-after stubs in sports. On secondary markets like eBay and Stub Hub, tickets are being sold at more than twice face value. At this point, fans would be hard-pressed to make it into Sun Life Stadium on February 7th for less than $1,000.

Of course, you don’t have to go to the Game to enjoy an early February vacation in Miami. There are plenty of Super Bowl-themed events taking place during the week.

Where to Stay

• The Ritz Carlton South Beach offers the luxury experience that travelers have come to expect from the famous hotel brand. The design and décor put a modern spin on the art deco style that South Beach is known for. Because it sits right on the beach, the location is more than perfect for people who want some sun during the day and easy access to South Beach’s famous nightlife after the sun goes down. The in-house spa, restaurant and luxurious poolside amenities round out the upscale experience. Rooms start at $299 per night.
• The Delano Hotel’s classic Mediterranean ambiance offers an alternative to the usual four-star hotel. This oceanfront Miami Beach property was named after former president FDR. This classy boutique hotel’s highlights include a much-lauded lounge, the Florida Room, a respectable menu of in-house eateries and a penthouse spa.
• Of course, Miami is not just filled with four and five star inns. The classic Avalon Hotel, an art deco structure that was renovated in 1997, offers the basics in a great location near the beach for $89 per night. A popular restaurant, free internet access and continental breakfast put the Avalon slightly ahead of all those standard mid-priced chain hotels.

Where to Eat

• Emeril Lagasse brings his popular brand of Cajun cuisine to Miami with Emeril’s Miami Beach. This centrally-located eatery boasts dishes created by the popular celebrity chef.
• Meat lovers can get their fix at Porcao, an authentic Brazilian meatery with a slightly upscale vibe. Guests are encouraged to try different dishes because the fixed price menu includes unlimited dishes. The restaurant also has a good wine list and plenty of Brazilian-themed cocktails.
• La Caretta is a successful chain of Cuban restaurants serving authentic dishes. The eight locations are especially popular because of their Cuban sandwiches and soups. The busy dining rooms are also good places to people watch.
• For lunch, the tiny Matahari Café in Downtown Miami offers cheap, tasty Indonesian fare to the city’s white collar workforce. Lunch specials are just six or seven dollars, with nothing on the menu topping $10.
• Little Havana has many Cuban eateries that are light on prices but not on quality and authenticity. In some of these places, you may need a basic knowledge of Spanish to read the menu and place your order. There are an increasing number of Puerto Rican restaurants in this district as well.

Events

• Miami is a happening place during the winter travel season, The year, Super Bowl-related events up the ante even further. Some of these are only for football fans, while others are for anyone who likes to have good time. You don’t have to go to the big game to get a taste of the action.
• VH1 will be presenting Super Bowl Fan Jam on February 4th in Miami Beach. R&B superstar Rihanna has been announced as the headlining act, while entertainment TV reporter Nancy O’Dell will be taking care of the hosting duties. Pepsi Musica is slated to put a Latin spin on the celebrations with a February 5th concert.
• Super Bowl Saturday Night will take place in Fort Lauderdale on (fittingly) Super Bowl Eve, February 6th. The event is free and will feature live music and a lengthy fireworks display.

Football

Tickets to the Pro Bowl are available at reasonable prices. You will also still be able to find Super Bowl tickets, but these are prohibitively expensive, even for die-hard fans seeking a once in a lifetime experience. You can expect to spend four figures just to get through the gate on February 7th.

Sun Life Stadium is located near two toll roads, Highway 91 and Highway 823. Parking is available, but prices for a space near the stadium are over $100. Two alternatives are to find a hotel near the stadium or take a taxi to the game. Taxi prices will be about $50 one-way. Major hotel chains near the stadium include Best Western, Holiday Inn and Marriot.

Even if you cannot afford to go the Super Bowl itself, the special events and festive atmosphere will make early February an exciting time to take a trip to South Florida.

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NFL: New Orleans Saints

Miami Hotel Glowing Image: Chris O’Brien