It’s hard to get a real insider report on just what happens at all the coolest Super Bowl parties, but hey, we tried. Occasionally a few normal fans and journalists infiltrate these major events, so here’s a review of what it’s like at the celebrity-filled spectacle that is the Rolling Stone Super Bowl Party.
Rolling Stone’s 50th Anniversary Party – Super Bowl 51
Last year, Rolling Stone had arguably the coolest, most unique venue for its famous Super Bowl party – the Houston Museum of Fine Arts. It celebrated the magazine’s 50th anniversary with its six annual “Big Game Bash” in style with performances by Big Sean, DJ Cassidy, Nas, and headliner Diplo. Oh, and there was a surprise performance by Busta Rhymes too – because everybody loves a throwback – and he got up there and rapped super fast before spraying the crowd with champagne.
We’re all impressed with the combination of hip hop and fine arts in one of the largest art museums in the country, and we hear no irreplaceable art was harmed in the process of creating this raging “night at the museum.” Can’t you just envision stumbling through the smoky, strobe light-filled corridors of this massive modern structure surrounded by classic works of art alongside celebs? We can.
And there were plenty of celebs. Famous folks in attendance strolled the temporary red carpet set up out behind the HMFA – reportedly to avoid the “regular” crowds of fans who bombarded Houston’s Museum District hoping to spot somebody important. Reality TV stars like Andi Dorfman from the Bachelorette, NeNe Leakes and Cynthia Bailey of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and those real estate guys from Bravo’s Million Dollar Listing, Josh and Matt Altman, all showed up.
Adrian Grenier of Entourage was there too, because of course he was. Along with comedian J.B. Smoove and actress Alyssa Milano. Miss USA, Olivia Culpo, was also in attendance, ya know, because her bf plays for the Patriots.
And speaking of athletes, a major Super Bowl party wouldn’t be complete without them. Some of the big-time athletes in attendance included Sam Dekker and Montrezl Harrell of the Houston Rockets, Odell Beckham Jr. and Victor Cruz of the New York Giants, and Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys. There were even old-school NFL legends like Warren Sapp and Eddie George partying alongside celebs and fans.
Budweiser was one of the sponsors of this glitzy event, providing photo booths with florescent lights in which guests could take pics and film boomerangs to upload to social media. Because when you’re at the Rolling Stone Super Bowl Party, your Instagram Story needs to be fire. Mercedes Benz was another sponsor, chauffeuring around the more famous guests in some of their sportiest new cars and providing stations around the party where attendees could design their own cars via 3D imaging.
As is customary with all Rolling Stone parties – so we hear – the smell of marijuana casually wafted through the venue as guests on the dance floor lit blunts all night long like it was a music festival. Apparently, that’s just part of the ambience.
With lights, booming bass, exciting entertainment, and a writhing crowd of people dancing, the vibe was said to be Vegas-like despite the delicate surroundings. People reportedly smashed their glasses on the ground out of excitement during Diplo’s performance because he was just that awesome and energetic. He did, after all, promise to turn the night into a party with his set. And he used the lit-up screen behind him to showcase some art of his own and get the crowd going.
Many remarked that the “regular folks” in attendance looked liked they were having more fun and letting loose harder than the celebs (who actually appeared frustrated or annoyed at being there). But maybe it’s a good thing that the party wasn’t all about the famous people for once. Instead it was about good music and good times for everyone.
And at around $750 a pop for general admission tickets – with some spilling onto the secondary markets for up to $1000 to $2,500 per ticket – these fans deserved an amazing night!
When the clock struck 2AM after an evening of smashed drinks, weed smoke, and intimate museum quarters, security shut down the party. (Not for the weed, mind you, just because of the hour.)
But of course, this wasn’t Rolling Stone’s first rodeo.
During Super Bowl 50, their party attracted the likes of Avicii, Elle King, and Travis Scott to perform for crowds of celebrities and lucky ticket-holders, so we can only expect more high quality stars and even more outlandish style from Rolling Stone at next year’s party. It has, after all, been called one of the hottest tickets in town year after year. They’ve done this before and they’ll do it again.
But more outlandish than a throwdown in a fine arts museum? We’d like to see them try.
Our Verdict: If you can swing it, this is one of the most star-studded events with some of the best music in town. With a party by Rolling Stone, you’re guaranteed quality festivities, awesome sponsors, and a baller venue. Buy your tickets here!
We do not sell your information to third parties