Break out the potato skins and crudité. The Super Bowl 2015 is here at last! Not only that, but it’s migrated westwards for the first time since 2008. Can’t think of a better reason to use eyeliner to smear black lines on my cheekbones and yell obscenities at a television screen. But while we’re holding down the fort at home and in the unfortunate local bars that house us, Arizona has its own agenda. The game itself may be in Glendale, but Scottsdale and downtown Phoenix are like the fun uncles to this year’s game. Here’s a brief run down of some of this year’s hot parties for the 49th annual reminder of how Americans like to spend their Sundays.
Friday
ESPN The Party
Rounding the bases this year for their eleventh annual Super Bowl Party in their typical Friday night slot, the ESPN party will take place in Westworld in Scottsdale this year. Expect to see a DJ set by Questlove, and headliners J.Cole and Charlie XCX. Looks like they’re doing pretty well on upholding their reputation.
Leather & Laces
Next in the lovely line of annual events, this one will take place at the Bentley Projects Gallery in Phoenix. Before regaling our televisions with a commercial ad that features bodies that will make both girls and guys everywhere gawk, Victoria’s Secret models Behati Prinsloo and Lily Adrige will help host.
Bud Light “House of Whatever”
Party-goers will have to do down for whatever at the House of Whatever at the Hotel Palomar in Phoenix. Details are still murky, but I doubt that this beer staple will disappoint. Surprises have been promised.
The Playboy Party
Taking place at the W Scottsdale, Nelly will headline amid a sea of bunnies. Not exactly his worst nightmare.
Saturday
DirecTV
Rihanna will entertain the crowd at this small gathering of a mere 6,000 at the Pendergast Family Farm in Glendale.
Bootsy Bellows Pop Up hosted by Drake
W Scottsdale. Produced by LA nightlife entrepreneur John Terzian and the h.wood Group.
The Maxim Party
Food Network enthusiasts (which, let’s face it, we all should be) will be quite keen on the Tabasco inspired menu from Aaron Sanchez at the Maxim Party’s undisclosed desert locale in Scottsdale. Word on the street is that Nick Cannon and DJ Vice will be stopping by for a taste as well. The guest list is half its normal size, but oftentimes less is more.
Billboard/The Hollywood Reporter Party
500 lucky celebs, athletes, and guests will fill up an airport hangar (the obvious choice) to listen to Jermaine Dupri DJ. Celebrity guests will include Chrissy Teigen, John Legend, and a slew of NFL all stars like Terrell Suggs, Andrew Luck, and DeSean Jackson.
Rolling Stone party
The Venue in Scottsdale will feature performances from Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler and Grammy-nominated Charlie XCX, with DJ Cassidy spinning, and Jeff Beacher as emcee. In addition, Talent Resources Sports is getting in on the action by pairing up with the mag for the party. Celebrities like Eva Longoria, and NFL stars JJ Watt, Tony Romo, and others are all on the VIP list. Lucky them.
