Sports Illustrated just got back into the Super Bowl party scene this year with an epic event in downtown Atlanta. SI’s appropriately named “Saturday Night Lights” party took place at the College Football Hall of Fame on February 2nd, the night before the Super Bowl. Powered by Matthew Gavin Enterprises and Talent Resources Sports, the iconic sports magazine rolled in with models, athletes, entertainment, an open bar, and a celebrity-packed guest list for a night of music, dancing, and beautiful people.
The Performances
The headliners for this party couldn’t have been better. DJ Snoopadelic, aka Snoop Dogg, hit the mic and the turntables, and Lil Wayne performed for a glitzy crowd of celebs and even average fans who scored tickets to this top tier Super Bowl Party. DJ Irie and Dallas Austin also performed for partygoers during the night. With a colorful digital screen as their backdrop, smoke effects and a hyped up crowd, Snoop grinned and spun tunes while Lil Wayne rapped in Ugg boots, taking over the stage. (Just check out the video!)
Partygoers were treated like royalty before entering the massive 95,000 square-foot event space, strolling the red carpet and posing for pics. Bacardi sponsored the event and drinks so that guests had access to a premium open bar all night. Inside, women in black-and-white referee stripes – well, skimpier, of course – danced, waved glow sticks, and poured champagne for attendees.
Speaking of the red carpet, you can check out some of the evening’s biggest stars and best looks here. Then take a peek at more Saturday Night Lights celeb sightings and all of the SI swimsuit models here.
It wouldn’t be Sports Illustrated without the models…
Oh, and about those models – they were there in abundance. Everybody knows which Sports Illustrated issue is the best, and this party featured one good-looking guest list! SI swimsuit models like last year’s cover girl Danielle Herrington got on stage with Haley Kalil, Hunter McGrady, and Kate Bock to dance and pose for pics with Snoop. Rookie SI model and Insta-sensation Jasmine Sanders (@GoldenBarbie) took a selfie with actor Danny Trejo. And SI swimsuit models Haley Kalil and Denise Bidot also came to party.
It seemed like no one at the event could resist the Dogg’s charms. Former Ohio State football coach Urban Meyer got up onstage to take a pic with Snoop too! Even big stars like Will.i.am and Lil Jon ventured out to downtown Atlanta to join the fun before the big game.
The Celebrities and Star Athletes
As for star athletes – this is Sports Illustrated’s party, after all – there were plenty of those in attendance. The Cowboys’ Amari Cooper showed up to party, along with Heisman Trophy winners Kyler Murray and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield. NFL legend and all-time leading rusher Emmitt Smith came to hang out for the evening as well.
Two-time Olympic gymnast (once an SI swimsuit model too, don’t forget!) Aly Raisman posed for pics on the red carpet in a chic leather skirt. NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and wife Samantha Busch also walked the red carpet and gave us a few photo ops. Model Dana Taylor and her NBA star boyfriend, Miles Plumlee of the Atlanta Hawks, showed up on Saturday night too.
From the world of reality TV, we saw Rachel Lindsay and Andi Dorfman of The Bachelorette (different seasons, obvi) and Eva Marcille from America’s Next Top Model. Actress Demetria McKinney also made an appearance, as well as Atlanta native and NFL Network sportscaster Taylor Bisciotti.
At some point in the night, the Instagram sensation and creator of viral dance hit “The Floss,” Backpack Kid himself took the stage. (Yeah, apparently he gets invited everywhere these days!)
Other Fun Stuff
There are several interactive exhibits and brand activations throughout the party to keep guests entertained when they weren’t dancing or celeb-spotting. Attendees could also participate in a silent auction featuring some of the rarest and most exclusive sports and entertainment memorabilia in the world. They bid on items like Steve Young’s 49ers helmet, an electric guitar signed by Prince, a Super Bowl game helmet worn by Peyton Manning, and the 1999 Rams Lombardi trophy. For the famous among the crowd, there was a special celebrity lounge set up too!
It was a night of awesome performances and rubbing elbows with stars, and we’re hoping that SI stays in the Super Bowl party game for years to come!
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