Super Bowl Parties Will Heat Up Indy Nightlife

Sure, the actual Super Bowl is a big deal. But let's be honest: The action on the field is rarely as hot as the parties leading up to the big game. The big event in Indianapolis will be no exception. More than 150,000 visitors are expected, and only about half of them will attend the game itself. A couple of first-time parties could attract even more star power than usual, meaning 2012 Super Bowl party tickets will be a hot commodity in a town not traditionally known for its nightlife. 

Rolling Stone enters Super Bowl party fray

Atop the list of most-anticipated parties is the Super Bowl Bacardi Bash hosted by Rolling Stone, planned for Feb. 4 in a renovated factory a few blocks west of Lucas Oil Stadium. It's the first time Rolling Stone will host a Super Bowl bash and it won't be a small affair: The space can accommodate about 2,000 guests of the sponsors and hundreds more high rollers. Tickets at last check were selling for about $850 apiece (buy now). Rolling Stone also is planning a game-day tailgate party using the same space, which is scheduled to include performances by Jane's Addiction, The Roots and Pete Wentz.

DirecTV events to include Katy Perry, The Fray, Peyton Manning

Another tough ticket will be the DirecTV/HDNet "Super Saturday Night" party downtown on Feb. 4, which is scheduled to include a performance by Katy Perry. The bash will be hosted by Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban and Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. Tickets are about $650 (buy now). It will follow one of the wildest events of Super Bowl week: A celebrity flag football game on trucked-in sand under a massive heated tent on the lawn of Victory Field. The DirecTV Celebrity Beach Bowl will also include a performance by The Fray.

ESPN NEXT will feature Drake and an appearance by Cam Newton

ESPN The Magazine is planning its invite-only NEXT party in a warehouse near Interstate 70 a few miles west of Lucas Oil Stadium. The event on Friday, Feb. 3, will feature a performance by Drake and appearances by top athletes including Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Celebrities who have attended prior NEXT events include Evander Holyfield, Kevin James and Alyssa Milano. A limited number of tickets are available for about $900 apiece (buy now).

Playboy party will draw A-list celebrities including, of course, Hugh Hefner

One of the standby Super Bowl social events is the legendary Playboy party. The Playboy party is planned for Friday, Feb. 3, and Playboy reportedly will throw its annual Super Bowl soiree at the Hampton Inn downtown, which will become the Bud Light Hotel during Super Bowl festivities. Besides Hugh Hefner, expected guests include Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson, Kevin Dillon, Kevin Connelly, Common, Tom Arnold and Milo Ventimiglia. Tickets are going for $1,300. (buy now). The Bud Light Hotel will remain a hub of activity after the Playboy party, with planned performances by 50 Cent, Lil Jon and Pitbull on Feb. 4, and Barenaked Ladies on Feb. 5.

Maxim Party lineup includes Ludacris and possibly Madonna

The Maxim bash is set for the Indiana State Fairgrounds, following a fairgrounds tradition that began in Dallas. Word is the star-studded event will include a performance by the rapper Ludacris. Another possible performer is Madonna, who will be performing at halftime of the game itself. No confirmation just yet. Stay tuned to Indy2012.com! The Maxim party is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets are selling for about $1,200 (buy now).

Parties and more parties

Other top parties include Leather and Laces events on Feb. 3 and Feb. 4, in the Regions Tower, the EA Sports Madden Bowl XVIII on Feb. 2 at the Bud Light Hotel, and Taste of the NFL: Party with a Purpose on Feb. 4. A new event for 2012 is the Maxim Salute the Troops Tailgate Party. It will be hosted by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, NFL analyst and former all-star Tony Siragusa and U.S. Marine veteran and Medal of Honor winner Dakota Meyer.