The party zone at Touchdown Atlantic is an exciting area located within the NFL game day experience in Moncton, New Brunswick. This major event is bringing a regular season NFL game outside of the United States for the first time ever, featuring the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. The party zone will be the place to be for fans looking to take the festivities up a notch. With live music, drink specials, games, and more, it will be the ultimate game day party destination.
What is Touchdown Atlantic?
Touchdown Atlantic is one of the signature events of the NFL’s international series. It will feature the first ever regular season NFL game to be played in Canada. The Minnesota Vikings will take on the New Orleans Saints at Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium in Moncton, New Brunswick. This stadium typically hosts Canadian university football and seats about 10,000 people. It will be expanded to hold over 20,000 fans for this historic NFL matchup.
In addition to the game itself, Touchdown Atlantic will feature a variety of interactive fan experiences throughout the city of Moncton leading up to gameday. The goal is to give Canadian NFL fans a chance to fully immerse themselves in the energy and excitement of the league. From the looks of the party zone plans, it’s sure to be an event like no other!
What is the party zone?
The party zone will be set up right outside Croix-Bleue Medavie Stadium, within the broader NFL event grounds. It will feature live musical performances, drink specials, games, sponsor activations, and more. The party zone will open 4 hours prior to kickoff on game day. This will give fans plenty of time to arrive, park, and make their way in to take part in all of the pregame fun.
Some key details about the party zone:
Live Entertainment
There will be a stage set up with a full schedule of live music performances. A variety of popular local bands will be playing throughout the day leading up to kickoff. This will give the party zone an energetic vibe.
Drink Specials
In addition to the usual beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase, there will be NFL-themed drink specials available exclusive to the party zone. Expect game day favorites like frozen margaritas served in football helmet cups!
Games
To add an element of friendly competition, there will be classic tailgating games set up like cornhole, giant Jenga, and ladder ball. Fans can play a few rounds as part of the party zone experience.
Sponsor Activations
Key NFL sponsors will have interactive branded activities for fans to take part in. This could include skills challenges from a NFL partner like Under Armour, sampling opportunities from food and beverage partners, and more.
Photo Ops
With the NFL event being a landmark occasion, there will be fun football-themed photo ops set up. These might include life-sized player cutouts, replica jerseys to try on, or engraving stations to customize souvenir footballs.
TV Screens
Large screens will be set up throughout the party zone to play NFL content like analysis shows, pump up videos, and clips from past Vikings vs. Saints matchups. This will help fans get energized for the matchup.
What will the party zone layout look like?
The party zone will take up a large footprint outside one end of the stadium. It will have a layout similar to a typical NFL pregame tailgate, with the look and feel of a music festival. Here are some key areas that will make up the layout:
Main Stage
The live music stage will be front and center. All other activities and tents will be set up surrounding the stage, so people can enjoy the performances throughout the space. The stage will feature a backdrop with Touchdown Atlantic branding.
Beer Gardens
Designated beer garden areas will be set up to manage the serving of alcohol. IDs will be checked at entry points. There will be standing tables and stools for people to set drinks down.
Food Trucks
A variety of popular local food trucks will line the perimeter and offer unique culinary fare from poutine to seafood to classic game day grub.
Tents
Corporate sponsor tents will be interspersed around the grounds. This allows brands to have dedicated areas for sampling products or hosting contests and demonstrations.
Games Area
Tailgating style lawn games will be set up in one zone away from the stage, to create a fun space for friendly competition. This keeps an active vibe going throughout the party.
Photo Op Installations
At key spots, those photo friendly football themed displays will be set up to drive engagement on social media. These eye-catching visuals will lend to a highly Instagrammable party zone.
TV Zone
While screens will be stationed throughout, there will also be a tent designated as a viewing zone to watch NFL programming in the lead up to kickoff.
What is the schedule of events?
The party zone will open 4 hours prior to the 1 pm ADT kickoff. Here is a rundown of the key events and timing:
Time | Event |
---|---|
9 am ADT | Party zone opens |
9:30 am | Live music starts |
10 am | NFL legends arrive for meet & greets |
11 am | Main stage giveaways between bands |
12 pm | Pregame show broadcast from party zone |
12:30 pm | Marching band performance |
1 pm | NFL player & coach intros on main screen |
1:05 pm | National anthems |
1:15 pm ADT | Kickoff! |
As shown in the schedule, there will be nonstop entertainment and energy pulsing through the party zone right up until game time. The live music acts will rotate all morning and early afternoon to keep the stage active. Likewise, the games, sponsor events, special guest appearances, prize giveaways and other activities will ensure there’s always something eye-catching happening.
The main stage events will gradually transition to more official NFL programming as it gets closer to kickoff. This includes introducing the players and coaches, presenting the anthems, and finally – counting down to kickoff. With a marching band performance and major giveaways during the pregame show, the party will come to an unforgettable crescendo leading into the start of the game.
What are the best spots to party in the zone?
With so much going on, there will be great energy throughout the massive party zone. However, these are a few key spots NFL fans may want to pay special attention to:
The Main Stage
The stage will be the pulse of the entire party, with ongoing live music and giveaways. Snagging some space near the stage ensures you can properly enjoy the bands, celebrity appearances, and pregame rituals. It promises to be the epicenter of energy.
Beer Gardens
Of course, for many fans the ideal spot is wherever cold beverages are flowing. The beer gardens will not only serve up drinks, but also have screens and high-top tables so you can hang out comfortably with a brew in hand.
Games Area
While the stage will draw a big crowd, those looking for a more laid back spot can settle in at the games area. Between rounds of cornhole or giant beer pong, you can chat with fellow fans while still soaking up the party atmosphere.
TV Viewing Tent
Given the unique timing of the event, the NFL will pipe in live look-ins and analysis shows from the morning slate of games occurring at the same time back in the U.S. Diehard fans will want to post up in the viewing tent to catch the latest highlights and commentary.
Photo Op Installations
Of course, capturing your epic experience will be part of the fun. Be sure to make your way to those photo ops with the bold NFL backdrops and props. Grab some share-worthy pics with friends repping your Vikings or Saints jerseys.
How can you prepare for the party zone?
To make the most of your time in the crazy fun party zone, keep these tips in mind:
- Arrive early – Give yourself time to park, get through security, and settle in.
- Dress for the occasion – Break out your most outrageous NFL garb and face/body paint.
- Stay hydrated – Alternate those beer specials with water to stay energized.
- Have a game plan – Scope out the zone map and schedule ahead of time.
- Bring essentials – Phone charger, sunscreen, hat, andCash for food, drinks, and giveaways.
- Make new friends! – Chat up fellow fans around you.
- Pace yourself – It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
With the right preparation, gear, and mindset – you’ll be ready to party like a champion in the high-energy scene.
Conclusion
The party zone at Touchdown Atlantic promises to be a one-of-a-kind NFL experience for Canadian fans. With live music, drinks, games, celebrity sightings, fan giveaways and more – it will be the ultimate pregame party destination. The lively atmosphere will get fans fired up to cheer on the Vikings and Saints in this historic matchup. With some advance planning around the zone layout and schedule, you can determine the prime spots to soak up the fun. Just don’t party too hard – you’ll still need your voice to loudly support your team once the game kicks off!