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Super Bowl XLIV
THE SAINTS CAME MARCHING IN
Sonya’s Super Bowl Events Recap
By Sonya Jenkins
THE SAINTS CAME MARCHING IN
Sonya’s Super Bowl Events Recap
By Sonya Jenkins
Super Bowl XLIV in Miami was filled with everything a Super Bowl city could ever ask for – tons of fans from New Orleans and Indianapolis (more from New Orleans), hoopla on South Beach, beautiful weather and a Super Bowl game that made history by becoming the most-viewed program in television history – beating out M*A*S*H. The confetti, the champagne toasts, and the fun multiplied when WHO DAT NATION proved that victory was Oh So Sweet as the Saints beat the Colts 31-17.
I was in the midst of the Super Bowl pandemonium on South Beach and throughout Miami for practically five days. On Thursday I attended the NFL Player’s Association Party at the luxurious Viceroy Hotel downtown Miami, where many NFL players came out to mingle on the 15th Floor rooftop - overlooking the city by the pool. Although I had also been invited to cover Jerry Rice’s “Miami Rice” Red Carpet Gala in Hollywood, Fla., I figured I couldn’t be two places at the same time, so I sent my videographer out to cover Jerry’s event. The NFL Player’s Association Party and Jerry Rice’s gala were just two events on the extensive list of parties, A-list affairs, and concerts around town Thursday night and throughout the week.
During the day Friday I enjoyed people-watching on South Beach. I also checked out the latter part of Jamie Foxx’s Pool Party at the Doubletree Hotel, which was renamed the Bud Light Hotel for Super Bowl Week. I later attended the 11th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at the James L. Knight Center. The NFL Player’s Choir, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Israel & New Breed, Karen Clark-Sheard and other gospel greats brought inspiration and good music to Super Bowl Gospel fans. Not too far down the street from the Gospel Celebration was the “S.O.S: Saving Ourselves - Help for Haiti” benefit concert hosted by Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Pharrell. Musical performances included Wyclef Jean, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Mary J. Blige and several others. President Bill Clinton even made a special appearance, arriving directly from Haiti.
On day three of my Super Bowl Festivities excursion, I enjoyed the quieter (northern) side of Miami Beach (just relaxing) and attended the 10th Annual NFL Player Networking Event (hosted by Troupe 21 & Associates) at the Hyatt Regency. Active NFL players, alumni, coaches, sports industry executives and many more were on hand to mix and mingle, while learning about various products and business opportunities. I actually won a $100 gift card at the event, which made my day. I enjoyed visiting the different booths and sampling products and food, as well as chit-chatting with new acquaintances. I must say, meeting several business-minded people at an expo-style event was a nice diversion from the party crowd on South Beach. But I still wasn’t finished partying - yet. Later in the evening I caught up with friends at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, which hosts 14 nightclubs and 22 retail shops. By the end of the night, I realized my “party-hopping” mood was fading though.
On Super Bowl Sunday I woke up excited about a Super Bowl game that I knew would be a good one. After meeting friends for brunch at the Big Pink restaurant on South Beach, I watched the Super Bowl at a party hosted by Miami Dolphins Rickey Williams and All Pro Running Back Rudi Johnson at Proof restaurant on South Beach. Mike Vick and several other athletes and celebrities came through as the Saints put the “Who Dat” on the Colts. Afterwards, the crowd on South Beach danced, sang, and did their umbrella steps. I felt like I was on Bourbon Street instead on Ocean Drive.
As the night progressed I decided to stop by the swank Fountain Blue Hotel where P.Diddy was hosting a party at Liv Nightclub. I ran into Michael Jordan with his girlfriend Yvette, P.Diddy, Keri Hilson, Serena Williams, Lance Gross, Rick Ross, Hill Harper and so many other entertainers and athletes that I can’t even begin to name them all. By the end of the night (better yet, the middle of the morning), I was so burned out that I felt like a zombie. The Saints Had Come Marching In and now it was time for me to March In – to get some much-needed rest. And eventually, I did.
In all, Super Bowl XLIV was a Super Bowl that will be remembered for a long time. Congrats Saints!
I was in the midst of the Super Bowl pandemonium on South Beach and throughout Miami for practically five days. On Thursday I attended the NFL Player’s Association Party at the luxurious Viceroy Hotel downtown Miami, where many NFL players came out to mingle on the 15th Floor rooftop - overlooking the city by the pool. Although I had also been invited to cover Jerry Rice’s “Miami Rice” Red Carpet Gala in Hollywood, Fla., I figured I couldn’t be two places at the same time, so I sent my videographer out to cover Jerry’s event. The NFL Player’s Association Party and Jerry Rice’s gala were just two events on the extensive list of parties, A-list affairs, and concerts around town Thursday night and throughout the week.
During the day Friday I enjoyed people-watching on South Beach. I also checked out the latter part of Jamie Foxx’s Pool Party at the Doubletree Hotel, which was renamed the Bud Light Hotel for Super Bowl Week. I later attended the 11th Annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration at the James L. Knight Center. The NFL Player’s Choir, BeBe & CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Israel & New Breed, Karen Clark-Sheard and other gospel greats brought inspiration and good music to Super Bowl Gospel fans. Not too far down the street from the Gospel Celebration was the “S.O.S: Saving Ourselves - Help for Haiti” benefit concert hosted by Queen Latifah, Sean “Diddy” Combs and Pharrell. Musical performances included Wyclef Jean, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, Mary J. Blige and several others. President Bill Clinton even made a special appearance, arriving directly from Haiti.
On day three of my Super Bowl Festivities excursion, I enjoyed the quieter (northern) side of Miami Beach (just relaxing) and attended the 10th Annual NFL Player Networking Event (hosted by Troupe 21 & Associates) at the Hyatt Regency. Active NFL players, alumni, coaches, sports industry executives and many more were on hand to mix and mingle, while learning about various products and business opportunities. I actually won a $100 gift card at the event, which made my day. I enjoyed visiting the different booths and sampling products and food, as well as chit-chatting with new acquaintances. I must say, meeting several business-minded people at an expo-style event was a nice diversion from the party crowd on South Beach. But I still wasn’t finished partying - yet. Later in the evening I caught up with friends at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, which hosts 14 nightclubs and 22 retail shops. By the end of the night, I realized my “party-hopping” mood was fading though.
On Super Bowl Sunday I woke up excited about a Super Bowl game that I knew would be a good one. After meeting friends for brunch at the Big Pink restaurant on South Beach, I watched the Super Bowl at a party hosted by Miami Dolphins Rickey Williams and All Pro Running Back Rudi Johnson at Proof restaurant on South Beach. Mike Vick and several other athletes and celebrities came through as the Saints put the “Who Dat” on the Colts. Afterwards, the crowd on South Beach danced, sang, and did their umbrella steps. I felt like I was on Bourbon Street instead on Ocean Drive.
As the night progressed I decided to stop by the swank Fountain Blue Hotel where P.Diddy was hosting a party at Liv Nightclub. I ran into Michael Jordan with his girlfriend Yvette, P.Diddy, Keri Hilson, Serena Williams, Lance Gross, Rick Ross, Hill Harper and so many other entertainers and athletes that I can’t even begin to name them all. By the end of the night (better yet, the middle of the morning), I was so burned out that I felt like a zombie. The Saints Had Come Marching In and now it was time for me to March In – to get some much-needed rest. And eventually, I did.
In all, Super Bowl XLIV was a Super Bowl that will be remembered for a long time. Congrats Saints!
Sonya & Kym Whitley
10th Annual NFL Player Networking Event
10th Annual NFL Player Networking Event
The Foxxhole Pool Party
Actor Lance Gross at Liv Nightclub
Sonya at NFL Player's Association Party
Saints fans
Wyclef, Diddy, Akon perform at
"S.O.S Saving Ourselves
Help for Haiti" benefit concert.
"S.O.S Saving Ourselves
Help for Haiti" benefit concert.
Super Bowl Gospel Celebration
Saints fans
Super Bowl XLIV
South Beach - Fat Tuesday
Sonya Jenkins
All Pro Running Back Rudi Johnson with his mother - Super Bowl Party
Sonya on the beach
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Jerry Rice - Miami Rice Gala with Dancing With The Stars Karina Smirnoff
Sonya poses with Rickey Williams at Proof Super Bowl Party
Super Bowl Party
Jamie Foxx revs up crowd at his pool party
Photo by Michael Simpson
Photo by Michael Simpson
Common at Jamie Foxx's Pool Party
Photo by Michael Simpson
Photo by Michael Simpson
Rhianna performs at the Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam
Photo by Michael Simpson
Photo by Michael Simpson
Sonya on South Beach
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