MIAMI/SUN LIFE STADIUMMiami is hosting the Super Bowl for the 10th time — the most any city has ever hosted the event.The first five Miami Super Bowls were played in the now-demolished Orange Bowl, and the last four in the city have been held in Sun Life Stadium.Located 13 miles north of downtown Miami in the Miami Gardens area, Sun Life Stadium is the home venue for both the Miami Dolphins football franchise and the Florida Marlins baseball club.It’s been known by a slew of titles since its opening in 1987. Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Park, Pro Player Stadium, Dolphins Stadium, Dolphin Stadium and Land Shark Stadium are all former names for the stadium.Sun Life just signed a five-year contract Jan. 18 for the naming rights to the stadium.The stadium has also played host to two World Series and three BCS national championship games with the most recent being last year’s matchup of Florida vs. Oklahoma for the 2008-2009 college football national championship.Sun Life Stadium has the fifth largest video board of any venue in the world with a 137-by-50-foot replay screen.This is the Colts’ fourth appearance in the Super Bowl — all in Miami — and they are 1-2 in the game.For the first time, the Pro Bowl was held the week before the Super Bowl at the host site — Sun Life Stadium — instead of in Honolulu, Ha. the week following the Super Bowl.The AFC defeated the NFC, 41-34, as a total of 14 players from the Saints and Colts named to the Pro Bowl rosters were unable to participate.With Tampa hosting last year’s game, this marks only the third time one state has hosted the Super Bowl twice in a row.The last three Super Bowls in Miami have all been decided by double digits. 
WHAT TO DO IN MIAMILocated just to the west and south of Miami is one of the country’s great nautral wildlife areas — Everglades National Park. The park is home to many endangered species like crocodiles and sea turtles, and it provides a perfect setting for visitors to experience authentic swamp and marsh habitats.Little Havana, a neighborhood west of downtown Miami, is a prime place to soak in the diverse South Florida culture. Shops like the famous cigar store Calle Ocho and restaurants like the landmark Versailles, a Cuban eatery, offer great food and shopping for visitors as well as a chance to experience the unique Latin vibe of South Florida.South Beach, the most famous area of the city, has some of the world’s most acclaimed beaches and a bustling nightlife. South Beach is also known for its abundance of scantily clad women and racy clubs. 
RESTAURANTSQuite possibly Miami’s most famous restaurant, Joe’s Stone Crab is a world-renowned seafood and crab shack. Located in South Beach and always packed, Joe’s is not cheap fare but an atmosphere worth taking in.Houston’s Restaurant, just three miles southwest of downtown near Coral Gables, serves popular American cuisine, sushi and steak. A trendy atmosphere with a casual vibe couples with menu diversity to ensure a quality experience at a relatively low price.More adventurous eaters might visit the Tap Tap Haitian Restaurant, located in South Beach just off the Dolphin Expressway exit to the island. The place is renowned for its traditional Haitian cuisine, friendly service and vibrant atmosphere. 
GAMETIMEThe game has been designated as a national security event. Small bags will be permitted, but items like umbrellas and camera cases will not be allowed. Metal detectors and comprehensive pat-downs will be used at each gate.Festivities kick off with Queen Latifah singing “America the Beautiful” and Carrie Underwood performing “The National Anthem.” This is the third year in a row an “American Idol” alumna will sing “The National Anthem” for the Super Bowl.Classic rock band The Who will headline the Bridgestone Super Bowl XLIV Halftime Show.The Colts, as is customary for the AFC champion in even-numbered Super Bowls, are the home team and will sport their blue jerseys.The Saints will don their road white jerseys.The game kicks off at 5:25 p.m.——Contact Chris Abshire at [email protected]