Super Bowl 2016 at Golden Gate, Santa Anita and Gulfstream

Super Bowl 2016 at Golden Gate, Santa Anita and Gulfstream: Excitement continues to build over Super Bowl 50, to be played this Sunday at Levi’s Stadium in gorgeous Santa Clara, Calif. Television coverage is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. EST on CBS. Fans are hoping either the Carolina Panthers or Denver Broncos win.

Some racetracks are holding special post times to work around the Super Bowl, such as Golden Gate Fields. The track sits less than an hour from Levi’s Stadium. Their first race on the big day starts at 11:15 a.m. PT. While no extra events are planned, Golden Gate holds “Dollar Days” every Sunday where admission, parking, drinks and hot dogs are $1.

After the races, take a minute or two to enjoy the walk back, as Golden Gate has one of the most scenic parking lots in the country (biased author originates from California). On another side note, students from University of California, Berkeley tend to visit the racetrack during weekends and they are certain to appear in a festive mood this Sunday.

If racetrack attendees wish to find a Super Bowl party on a whim after the races, driving to UC Berkeley (go east on University Ave.) and finding a sports bar around the surrounding college town should not be too difficult. It takes only a five-minute drive from the track. While the university charges for parking on weekends, free parking awaits around the city of Berkeley itself.

Five hours south, Santa Anita Park hosts The Big Game Party at their Sirona’s Sports Bar. Unfortunately, the 3 p.m. event is sold out. Lucky ticket holders will enjoy a Big Game Buffet, Gourmet Hot Dog Buffet, General Admission, Racing Program, Bud Light Lounge entry, Budweiser and special prices on other drinks. Bud Light Girls and over 60 HD monitors will be present!

The Big Game Buffet lasts until halftime. Fans might wonder who headlines the Super Bowl 2016 Halftime Show. Entertainment appears varied, with Coldplay as the headline act and appearances by Beyonce and Bruno Mars scheduled.

Before the game, the $200,000 Palos Verdes Stakes (GII) for sprinters highlights an eight-race card and includes Salutos Amigos and Kobe’s Back, two fan favorites. First post time is 11 a.m. PT. Limited free parking exists alongside Huntington Dr.

Meanwhile, those near Gulfstream Park in Florida and unable to fly across the country can enjoy the big game locally as well. When asked about Super Bowl events at Gulfstream, Director of Marketing Michael Nyman gave a few details.

“Yes, we have live racing starting at 12:35 (EST) on Sunday,” Nyman explained. “We will have the game on all over our property including in our walking ring where there are three giant screens.”

Furthermore, Super Bowl 2016 will be shown around Gulfstream Park in nearby restaurants and bars including Frankey’s Sports Bar (check out their Football Feast Menu), Strike 10 Bowling & Sports Bar, Yard House, Rok:Brgr Burger Bar + Gastropub, Cantina Laredo, Bomba Tacos and Rum, IL Gusto Ristorante Italiano and Cool Corner Family Bistro.

In addition, Williams-Sonoma offers a free Game Day Cooking Class, which begins at 12 p.m.

All three racetracks and the aforementioned businesses nearby are great places to visit on Sunday. As for a Super Bowl 2016 pick, how about the Carolina Panthers? It feels strange writing this without the customary “wheel and use in horizontals” bit. Just do not expect a lengthy, or even rational, explanation. Their team name simply sounds better.