The NFL experience reopens Thursday. It’s spread over 42 acres on the Southbank and it, indeed, is an experience. The Experience will be open from 3-10 on Thursday and Friday, 10-10 on Saturday and 10-4 on Sunday.
Daily record staff writers Kent Jennings Brockwell and Amy Limbert went last weekend and pass along some suggestions:
Don’t miss
•The Wilson Football Factory. It’s cool to see how footballs are made, and you can help technicians make your own ball.
• The Snickers “Field Goal Kick.” They give Snickers bars to everyone in line, and the line moves fast. Plus, it’s challenging enough to be fun for adults, but not too hard for kids.
• The “Hall of Fame” and the “Measure Up to the Pros” exhibit. You will see lots of historic memorabilia at the Hall of Fame and at Measure Up you can compare your body size to the pros.
• “Goal to Go.” Challenge a friend to see who can win the tug of war as you lunge for the
yard line.
• Be sure to have your picture taken behind one of the many body casts depicting NFL players.
If you have time
• Topps Card Show. They showcase tons of signed memorabilia, but most are very expensive.
• “Quarterback Challenge.” The line moved quickly and you get a few tries at throwing the football.
• “Run to Daylight.” This exhibit does an OK job of simulating the crowd and the field, but you’re just running. You can do that in your backyard.
• Build-A-Bear workshop. This is fun for the smallest fans, but the line was very long, and you can visit the same store at many large shopping malls, including the Avenues Mall.
Don’t bother
•The America Online Field House. This is basically a sales pitch for AOL service. There are several computers for people to search the web and a game or two for the kids but nothing besides that.
• NFL Team Shop. It’s just a big store.
Getting in
The gate is at the end of Prudential Drive past the Radisson. Once you’re in, you can’t re-enter if you leave, so stay until you’re ready to go home. If you’re carrying a purse or bag, it might be searched but it isn’t a long process.
Best place for parking
The Kings Avenue garage is only $5 and is very convenient, but it fills up fast. There are several other $5 lots in the area as well. Beware of the parking areas where people are standing with cardboard signs; we’re not sure they had an agreement with the property owners, and you could be towed. They’ll charge $10 or even $20 to park. The streets are teeming with rickshaw drivers as well, if you want to park farther away and ride in.
Best souvenirs
They’re all overpriced. But, if you want something, get a commemorative miniature football. They must be cheaper — all the kids had one.
However, if you’re willing to fill out a credit card application or enter a sweepstakes, you’ll get something free, like a Super Bowl tote bag or towel.
Food
It’s all standard theme park fare and, as you’d expect, food and beverages are overpriced. You’ll pay $6 for a 16 ounce beer, $2 for a bottle of water, $4 for pizza, that sort of thing. Drive to San Marco and eat after you leave the NFL experience.
The bottom line
What we liked
It was a lot of fun and exciting. There were so many things to look at and do, with something for everybody. Kids will probably enjoy it more, but adults can have a great time as well, with the Hall of Fame and Coaches Chats to entertain grown-ups. Many of the games were challenging enough for adults, too.
What we didn’t like
The lines! There were people everywhere, but that’s to be expected. It will be even busier this weekend. Parking was also a hassle, but again, to be expected.