Gridiron Guide: Fall Football Destinations

Top football spots and stays for the season

The crisp October air means fall is in full swing leaving just one question... are you ready for some football?  Whether you are celebrating a Vikings touchdown in the Twin Cities, tailgating with Titan fans from Music City or cheering on America’s team (the Cowboys) from AT&T Stadium, there’s a perfect weekend escape to match in these popular football destinations.

Here’s our guide to some of the top spots to root for your favorite team.

Photo: Loews Hotels

Arlington, TX

Enjoy a relaxing resort stay just steps from Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in the heart of Arlington’s entertainment district.

Along with the area’s biggest sports arenas, Live! by Loews- Arlington is adjacent to a great line-up of dining and activities.

• Take your pick of bars, restaurants, shops and event spaces at Texas Live!
• Onsite at the resort enjoy Cut & Bourbon, a modern steakhouse featuring craft cocktails and a variety of bourbons or Arlington Clover Club, an outdoor bar & lounge showcasing cocktails, beers, small plates and spectacular views. 
• Arlington is a great place for families. Six Flags Over Texas and Six Flags Hurricane Harbor waterpark are nearby, along with the University of Texas at Arlington Planetarium and the International Bowling Museum & Hall of Fame.

Live! by Loews- Arlington has everything needed for a memorable Texas escape this autumn. Enjoy fall savings and exclusive perks valued at more than $65.

Photo: @jessejesussalazar

Minneapolis, MN

If you’re looking for a top notch football experience, U.S. Bank Stadium is your place. Located in the heart of the Twin Cities and home of Super Bowl LII, the X Games and NCAA Final Four, you can watch the Minnesota Vikings blitz their way to a victory.

Beyond the football field there’s plenty to do in the area if you’re looking to extend your stay:

• Take a walk or bike to Stone Arch Bridge – the only bridge of its kind over the Mississippi River
• Visit the iconic Mill City Museum and get a snap of the Gold Medal Flour sign
• Check out the Armory for upcoming events and shows – the historic music venue just blocks from US Bank Stadium
• Indulge in the food and drink scene. Minneapolis is a hidden gem when it comes to food from downtown’s (in)famous spot Hell’s Kitchen to our very own Cosmos Restaurant and everything in between.

Loews Minneapolis Hotel makes for the perfect spot to call home for the weekend with a Game Day package. With Target Center located across from the hotel you can easily access all the football action and more. Enjoy luxurious overnight accommodations, $25 F&B credit, valet parking, complimentary room upgrade and late check out.

Photo: @phrankohara

Nashville, TN

Music City is a football lovers’ dream. The perfect combination of sports, live music and good eats. Whether in town to watch the Tennessee Titans take the field at Nissan Stadium, or to root for the visiting team, Nashville offers plenty of entertainment leading up to and after the big game.

Include some of these activities in your Nashville football agenda:

• Considered the heart of the city’s entertainment industry, Music Row is home to the recording studios where iconic songs came to be.
• A year round destination for world-class garden exhibits, seasonal activations and premier art, the historic Cheekwood estate is a must when in Nashville.
• Visit Centennial Park, home to a life size replica of The Parthenon, a dog park, arts center, historical monuments and more.
• Stroll through Hillsboro Village for a taste of the city’s delicious cuisine, in addition to its selection of boutiques, galleries and bars.

Loews Vanderbilt Hotel’s A Taste of Music City for Two package lets you experience many of these exciting attractions. Enjoy exclusive perks including tickets to Cheekwood and the Country Music Hall of Fame, a distillery tour, $100 in hotel dining credit and more.

Photo: @imso504_sean

New Orleans, LA

When in Nola for the big game, it’s only right to laissez les bons temps rouler. The Big Easy is full of excitement this time of year. From one-of-a-kind cuisine, to unmatched live jazz and, of course, Saints football, New Orleans is a not-to-be-missed sports and cultural destination.

These activities are an ideal way to amplify your stay, before and after rooting for your team at Caesars Superdome:

• Explore the many art galleries, shops, local artisans and French Quarter flair of Royal Street. Stretching from Canal to Esplanade, you can easily spend the day immersed in all it has to offer.
• Hop on a classic Nola streetcar for a unique and fun way to see the city. Four distinct lines, all originating Downtown, will take you through the French Quarter and beyond.
• With more than 1,400 restaurants, New Orleans is full of flavor. Make sure to try classic dishes like gumbo, po boys and the world famous beignets.

Enjoy seasonal savings at Loews New Orleans Hotel when you extend your football weekend in the Crescent City. Book a two-night stay or more and receive a $30 dining.

Santa Monica, CA

Get ready for some football, SoCal style.

Guests at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel can enjoy a beachside home base, whether you’re catching the game at the new and unparalleled SoFi Stadium or at our Blue Streak bar. SoFi Stadium is conveniently located near Los Angeles International Airport and just a short drive from Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. Take advantage of the Surf, Sun & SoFi Stadium Package and enjoy extra game day perks on us, including complimentary valet parking daily ($60 value), waived resort fee daily ($39 value), one bucket of beer (per stay) and late checkout (based on availability).

Beyond catching a game, Santa Monica is filled with several of Los Angeles’ top attractions, including:

• Take a walk or bike to Santa Monica Pier, home to the iconic Pacific Park amusement park
• Check out the Third Street Promenade, a three-block pedestrian-only stretch of outdoor dining, shopping, and more. Catch the famous Santa Monica Farmers’ Market twice a week.
• Bike the Santa Monica boardwalk. Whether you choose to go north toward Malibu, or south toward Los Angeles’ South Bay, the beach views are endless.

Cheer on your favorite team this fall in these and other Loews Hotels destinations.