HOBOKEN — Several local towns are hosting major events around the Super Bowl next year, scheduled for the Meadowlands on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014.
Wednesday morning, the city of Hoboken announced that it will will host the Hoboken Huddle at Pier A Park on the Hoboken waterfront the week of Jan. 27 to Feb. 2 leading up to Super Bowl XLVIII.
The centerpiece of the Hoboken Huddle, which will include activities, food, and entertainment, will be a large 16 foot tall illuminated sculpture of the Roman numerals “XLVIII” overlooking the Manhattan skyline.
“We invite visitors to Hoboken to complete their Super Bowl experience with an iconic photo only available on the New Jersey side of the river,” said Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “With Hoboken’s restaurants, nightlife, easy access to Manhattan, and train access to the stadium, there is no better place to celebrate the big game.”
The Roman numerals will be visible from both sides, and up to 12 individuals or local businesses can own a piece of history for $5,000 or $7,500, respectively, and have their names engraved on a Roman numeral. Those wishing to “adopt” a letter can contact Scott Katz at hobokeneventscommittee@live.com. A “thank you” drawing among the twelve individuals and businesses will be held for a pair of Super Bowl tickets with prime location.
In partnership with the US Curling Association, the Hoboken Huddle will feature three lanes of curling which will be free and open to the public. Early in the week, an instructor from the US Curling Association will be on hand to provide tips to participants. The curling lanes will remain at Pier A the entire month of February to coincide with the Winter Olympics.
WestwoodOne Sports, the official national radio partner of the NFL, and NBC Sports Radio will have a broadcast presence within the Hoboken Huddle.
The city is seeking sponsorships for additional activities for the Hoboken Huddle, including an outdoor ice skating rink.
The Roman numeral concept is a vision born from the Hoboken Events Committee, led by Chairman Scott Katz. Local architect John Nastasi has volunteered to spearhead the design. Through the cooperation of Freeholder Anthony Romano and President of the Hudson County Building and Construction Trades Council Patrick Kelleher, the Hudson County labor unions will be volunteering their time to build the sculpture.
The city’s release notes, “Hoboken is a vibrant city and residential, cultural, commercial, educational and tourist destination. Ranked the country’s most walkable city, Hoboken’s charming, nationally-recognized main street features eclectic restaurants, night clubs, and diverse retail shopping. The award-winning waterfront offers uncompromising views of Manhattan and New York Harbor. Hoboken is home of the Redwings, the back-to-back state high school football champions.
Do you want to know more about Hoboken? Read the city’s only newspaper, the Hoboken Reporter, newspaper here at hudsonreporter.com.