Super Bowl XLVI: The 10 Coolest Events and Attractions in Indianapolis This Week

This week, Indianapolis will become the center of the sports universe as it prepares to host Super Bowl XLVI.

While the game is the main attraction, there are several events leading up to the big game that are great events to check out.

Here are 10 attractions and events worth checking out this week in Indy.

NFL Honors

On the eve of Super Bowl XLVI, the NFL will announce its league awards, including Most Valuable Player. 

This event will be broadcast on NBC during a two-hour prime-time special.

The event at the Murat Theatre will be hosted by "30 Rock" star Alec Baldwin and will feature performances by Lenny Kravitz and appearances by Hall of Famers Jerry Rice, Barry Sanders, Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe and Steve Young.

In addition to MVP, the league will announce Coach of the Year, Comeback Player, Defensive Player and Defensive Rookie and Offensive Player and Offensive Rookie.

Also, the winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be given to the player that showed a commitment to community service as well as playing excellence.

This year's finalists are the Ravens' Matt Birk, Chargers' Philip Pivers and Bears' Charles Tillman.

Unfortunately for fans, this event is not open to the public.

The NFL Experience

The NFL Experience has become a major part of Super Bowl week, with thousands of fans expected to attend. 

The event, which is held at the Indianapolis Convention Center, offers fans an opportunity to get autographs from NFL superstars, learn the skills of the game, see the Lombardi Trophy up close and attend the largest football memorabilia show of the year.

Ticket prices vary and people of all ages are welcome. The event is open every day this week.

For more information: http://www.indianapolissuperbowl.com/nfl-experience/

Media day

For the first time in Super Bowl history, the NFL will allow 5,000 fans to attend Super Bowl Media Day on Tuesday, Jan. 31. 

Fans will be able to sit in the stands at Lucas Oil Stadium and watch the media frenzy  as journalists from around the world interview players from the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

Unfortunately, fans will not be allowed on the field.

Tickets for this event are $25 each.

For more information: http://www.nfl.com/superbowl/44/live/app

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Players Ball

This event is another star-studded party that requires some cash.

The event on Saturday, Feb. 4 at the Children’s Museum will feature more than 500 beautiful hostesses and hundreds of celebrities and high profile athletes.

Guests will enjoy gourmet appetizers, custom signature cocktails and VIP seating areas.

Tickets for the event range in price from $150 to $10,000. 

For more information: http://www.aces-angels.org/

Leather and Laces

If you're willing to shell out some big money, this event is for you.

Leather and Laces has been around for nearly a decade now and has become one of the sexiest parties of Super Bowl week.

This event is where the rich and famous hand out when they're in town for the big game. 

Hosted by Carmen Electra, Jenny McCarthy, Jersey Shore's JWoww and DJ Pauly D on Friday night and Holly Madison, Kendra Wilkinson and Bridget Marquardt on Saturday, this party won't be boring. 

Tickets for the event range in price from $450 to $850.

For more information: http://leatherandlaces.com/

Rolling Stone and Bacardi Super Bowl Party

When Rolling Stone magazine and Bacardi throw a party, you know it's going to be a star-studded bash.

Tickets to the Saturday night event at The Crane Bay will run $999 per person.

Guests will rock out to the sounds of pop duo LMFAO, rapper Lupe Fiasco, Gym Class Heroes, Cobra Starship and special guest DJ Taryn Manning.

For more information: http://rollingstonerockweekend.com/

Jim McMahon's Swang N' Super Bowl Charity Bash 2012

Jim McMahon hosts his fourth annual Swang N' Super Bowl Bash in Indianapolis on Thursday, Feb. 2. 

This year's event will include a charity concert featuring country music's Neil McCoy, Ira Dean, Brooke Burrows and Burns and Poe.

You will also get a chance to hang out with some of the biggest names in the NFL history, including Mike Ditka, Michael Irvin, Jim Kelly and many more.

Tickets for this event range in price from $260 to $575.

For more information: http://www.swangwear.com/indy

Taste of the NFL Luncheon

This event features great food and some of the greats of NFL past.

With award-winning chefs preparing meals for guests, there will plenty of food to sample during this event on Friday, Feb. 3.

You will also be able to rub shoulders with NFL legends like Hall of Famers Bobby Bell and Jack Youngblood, as well as other standout players like Chuck Foreman, Freeman McNeil and Karl Mecklenburg.

Tickets are $175. A portion of proceeds will go to Food Banks of America.

For more information: http://www.tasteofthenfl.com/teamandcommunityevents/taste-of-the-nfl-columbia-club-luncheon

Run DMC Benefit Concert

One of the great hip hop groups of all-time will rock the Madame Walker Theatre Center on Thursday, February 2.

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will benefit the House of Restoration Africa, which is non-profit that supports people in Sierra Leone and Ghana.

You must be 18 or older to attend. Tickets are $45-$100.

For more information: http://www.walkertheatre.com/calendar/rundmc-concert-for-hora

The Science of Football

For families heading to the Super Bowl, a trip to the Conner Prairie Interactive History Park may be worth a visit.

This interactive experience teaches kids the physics on football. They will learn how football players keep their balance, how a spiral is thrown and how 

speed and weight affect hits in the NFL.

Tickets are $6. Children under 2 are free.  

For more information: http://www.connerprairie.org/Plan-Your-Visit/Events.aspx