Super Bowl 50 from the Bay is officially in the books and this year was as exciting as any of the seven Super Bowl trips I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of. Different in many ways because I traveled with new clients and friends, and not the familiar faces from DMI, GENYOUth and the Fuel Up to Play 60 team. Although they had awesome news this year, announcing at the Super Bowl along with USDA availability there will be $35MM in grants available to schools. This group keeps getting it right.
After seven of these amazing work experiences over the years, I’ve learned from some of the best in the business about the details, logistics and planning that goes into Super Bowl week, and I’ve developed a real appreciation for it.
The people behind the scenes are why Super Bowl is such an outstanding event. Every company, every celebrity, every NFL club has these people. And I’m thankful for all they do. Whether it be at a networking dinner with special NFL guests, a thoughtful gift left as a room drop or even VIP access to the Playboy party. Someone is thinking about how they can improve your experience at the Super Bowl… and it will continue. Making Super Bowl, The Event of the Year.
Our work this year with the NFL Alumni Association had us begin our week with Coach and Jaws at their annual cigar party. Over 150 NFL Players were in attendance and a few special guests to support some great charities. I didn’t get a picture with Vince Vaughn, but it was a great event and a great way to kickoff the week.
Coach and Jaws along with the Pro Football Legends at their annual Cigar Party.
In years past, I was on the look out for celebrities and players to get a picture with because let’s face it, it’s fun and intriguing in some ways, to hang out with the stars. While I did find a few players to take a picture with me this year, I also met another type of celebrity, Josh Peyton, whom I became friends with instantly thanks to an introduction from my partner in crime this week, Chris DeMain from Living Social. Josh Peyton is an Army Ranger and currently the CEO of the Veterans Golf Association. So basically no one tells him what to do. Which was evident when we walked right into a VIP suite at the EA Sports party to talk to Jerome Bettis. I guess when you’ve seen and done what Mr. Peyton has done for our country, some guy with a flashlight checking wristbands at the door doesn’t seem like much of a threat.
Josh rocking the red jacket like a boss at EA Sports Party.
Catching a behind the scenes view of Fall Out Boy before Ludacris was on.
Friday morning was up and at em again with calls and meetings and later checked out the view from the top floor of my hotel. Had a nice Chicago style steak at Morton’s and was off to the Legend’s of the Game Party, hosted at the Pac-12 offices and caught up with former teammate and co-founder of Thuzio Executive Club, Tiki Barber. Brett Favre was also there with his new digital venture; Sqor Sports.
Looking down from our hotel at Bud Light Village and a beautiful San Francisco evening.
From there, we were off to the Playboy party at AT&T park. The party itself had lots of energy and cool light shows. And of course nice scenery; as one would imagine at a party sponsored by Playboy. Sorry guys, none of those pictures from the Playboy Party; just a quick snap of Alesso below who was spinning. Thinking back, this may be the only moment of the night my phone was not in my pocket. I had a drink in one hand, and one hand free for making introductions – I was just too busy for taking pictures. It was a really tough day at the office.
In the morning, met up with our friends at JBL and Harmon Audio for our JBL Live at the Vineyard event in Napa Valley. Nothing like jumping back on the horse with some nice reds and sparkling whites. Had these two not handed wine to me – I would have passed. But, as they say, when in Rome – or in this case Artesa Vineyard and Winery, drink up.
Just a few of my friends from San Francisco.
The best part of this event was getting to congratulate and talk with Orlando Pace – 2016 HOF! I don’t think there is a filter or photo shop tool out there that is capable of making me look like I wasn’t out all night or that I have not been drinking Pinot Noir. So I’m not even going to try. But I wanted to capture my conversation with the Big Guy. We talked about OHSAA basketball and how he used to dunk on people when he played at Sandusky High School. He may be the GOAT LT… Maybe Anthony Munoz would disagree but I’m telling you, Big O is a beast. Pretty sure he could also still toss every one of those wine barrels over the Shoe.
Congratulations on being selected to the Hall… O.H.I. BIG O.
Our NFL Alumni lineup at the JBL Live event from Artesa Vineyard in Napa Valley.
Other players who joined us for our event included Charles Haley, Andre Reed, Dana Stubblefield, T.O., Brady Quinn, who is standing behind Jimmy Johnson, and standing beside Orlando is Joe Pisarcik – the President and CEO of the NFL Alumni Association. Also in the picture are our friends from Harmon who helped to make all this possible.
Inside, the party was a blast, the food and music was great, and the wine was perfect. Outside though… Breathtaking! The views were amazing and pictures from my phone cannot even come close to doing them justice. The aromas and air and everything about the area, was beautiful. Definitely unlike anywhere I have even been to. I’d love to go back! I learned that the yellows in the photo between the rows is mustard – and it only blooms during the months of February and March. So I had that going for me, which was nice.
No filter necessary.
By the time the JBL event was over and we got back to the hotel, it was nearly time to get ready to go out again. We rallied and made it out for the Rolling Stone Party at the San Francisco Design Center. A very cool venue. Four floors in an open square design. We rubbed elbows with Steph Curry and a few others. Nothing like dropping in 36 across the bay, grabbing a shower and then walking the red carpet at a Super Bowl party sponsored by Rolling Stone. Steph is having an incredible run lately!
Looking down onto the crowd at the Rolling Stone party.
My favorite event from a football standpoint before the big game is the NFL Alumni Pregame Brunch. From Flemming’s Steak House in Palo Alto, Pro Football Legends like Justin Tuck and Rob Woodsen (not pictured) and this crew (Jaws, Jim Thorpe, Kellen Winslow, T.O. and Andre Reed) talk about what it’s like playing in the Super Bowl, the match up, predictions, and everything else that comes along with it. If you are a pure football fan, this is where it’s at. The parties are fun – they really are. But this is football. This is what it is really all about!
Here’s a nice picture of T.O. talking on the mic and not on his phone – about the only time he was on stage and wasn’t on his phone. I’m not sure who he was talking to but among this company – he looked like a rookie. I have a high expectation for paying players for appearances. After working with Fuel Up to Play 60 ambassadors for so many years, I’ve learned how a true professional should act in this type of setting. But hey, here’s T.O. One of the very best ever to play the game, and one of the very few people who are recognized by only his initials.
Pam Oliver and Jaws facilitating the NFL Alumni Pregame Brunch at Fleming’s.
Next year the Super Bowl makes its way to Houston. Here’s to looking forward to #8 for me, and LI for the world!
Until then – when do Pitchers and Catchers report Cub fans? That’s a wrap on this year’s football season… Go Cubs Go!
Mark Inkrott 