After three years of planning, the big game and the nine days of festivals leading up to it finally arrived. Super Bowl LI (51) was the second time the game has been played at NRG Stadium and the third time the City of Houston has hosted.

Our coverage started at Discovery Green, which was deemed "Super Bowl Live" with the “NFL Experience” next door at the George R. Brown Convention Center. The GRB Convention Center was also home base for media and the 1 million fans expected in Houston for the big game. Streets were already blocked for wandering fans, many of them rocking their Patriots gear. Once we got our media passes, we could walk nearly anywhere on the complex and that’s when business started!

Day One: After credentials were issued, we headed over to the NRG Stadium for a media walk through. We were able to offer our readers and followers an exclusive look at the stadium before the big game day. Afterwards, we kicked things off at the #TeamHouston Super Bowl Party hosted by Greater Houston Partnership at the brand new Partnership Tower over looking all of the action downtown. This party was specifically for gathering up local Houstonians and kicking off the next few days leading up to the game. Not to mention, it was a great way for the Greater Houston Partnership to show off their shinny new tower downtown.

Next up, we headed to The Museum of Natural Science for the Houston Super Bowl Committee Media party and boy were we in for a treat! The red carpet was laid out and for the night, it was all about the media goers. Usually, media is swamped with working during events like the Super Bowl, but this party was a great way to network and mingle before the real work started.

Day Two: We kicked things up a notch by starting off at The Ditka & Jaws Cigars with the Stars Party will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017! This VIP Cigar Party featured premium cigars from the industry's top brands, single-malt scotch, and many football celebrities that kept the guests entertained throughout the evening.

Afterwards, we headed over to Culture Map’s The Big Texas Party hosted by Mike Barber, Gregg Bingham, Cris Dishman, Ed "Too Tall" Jones, and Randy White for a good ole celebration of Houston. This event featured food, drinks, and hospitality that Houston — and all of Texas — is known for. We had the chance to enjoy Houston’s best barbecue and Texas beer, spirits, and wine. Plus, entertainment and special appearances by some of our favorite football players with Texas roots.

The final stop of day two was the inaugural EA SPORTS Bowl. Taking place at Club Nomadic, the event featured pro athlete tournaments in both EA SPORTS Madden NFL 17 and FIFA 17, showcasing the talents of some of the world’s best athletes. After the tournament fans were treated to musical performances by country music superstar Sam Hunt, Grammy-nominated duo The Chainsmokers, Snoop Dogg and a few other surprises.

Day Three: On Saturday, one day before Game Day we started our evening off at the Big Give Big Game event! Annually, The Giving Back Fund holds its prestigious “Big Game Big Give” fundraising event at a private estate in the Super Bowl city the weekend of the big game. This star-studded gala puts philanthropy “Center Stage” on America’s biggest stage and has become a favorite among the philanthropy elite. It was named by ESPN, The Magazine, the #1 party of Super Bowl XLIV and last year set a Super Bowl record for raising more than $1 million for charity. Celebrities included Michael Phelps, Common and David Schwimmer.

Afterwards was the Grand Finale: The 2017 Maxim Party, Saturday, February 4th dominated once again as the #1 Big Party for the 10th year in a row, presented by Thomas J Henry and produced by Karma International. The 2017 Maxim Party had the best talent line up with Headliner Travis Scott, DJ Khaled, and Special Performance by DNCE. Held at the all new Smart Financial Centre, The 2017 Maxim Party was the ultimate interactive sight and sound experience with renowned talent, great music, and Texas' largest custom-built, three level ultra-lounge and most importantly - the “right” people! A few celebrities spotted were Fergie, Ludacris, Shad Moss, Nene Leakes, James Harden, Cynthia Bailey and many more.

It is said that Super Bowl LI may be one of the best Super Bowl’s in NFL History! With over 111.3 Million Viewers Nationwide, everyone tuned in with his or her eyes on Houston. It is safe to say that this years Super Bowl was a major hit in the Bayou City. With tons of your favorite celebrities from all over, HTX rolled out it’s red carpet and showed everyone how WE DO IT IN HOUSTON, TEXAS!