HOUSTON, Jan. 26, 2017 – Gear up for the big game and tackle what it takes to be an astronaut at Space Center Houston when Super Bowl LI lands in Space City. Be among the first to explore the red plant at Space Center Houston’s new Mission Mars exhibit, see a unique space art collection and race robots for a touchdown.

“There’s no better place to experience the biggest game on the planet than Houston and have an out of this world adventure than Space Center Houston,” said the center’s President and CEO William T. Harris. “We have something for everyone with interactive exhibits, hands-on science-based activities and a chance to see history in the making on the tram tour.”

Visitors will see real flown spacecraft, marvel at spacesuits, explore the shuttle era inside the historic shuttle carrier aircraft and touch a real moon rock. With more than 400 things to see and do, the center offers a stellar line-up of opportunities to explore, experience and discover The Real Thing.

Go inside our new spectacular exhibit, Mission Mars. Visitors will enter a virtual Mars portal, learn about the hardware needed for deep space and plan a trip to the red planet. Climb aboard an Orion simulator and touch a rare Mars meteorite. Stand close to a 45-foot model of the Space Launch System, which will be the most advanced and powerful deep space rocket ever produced. Feel like the first Martian explorer set for a one-of-a-kind deep space adventure.

Board the NASA Tram Tour – Go behind-the-scenes to Johnson Space Center. The tram tour is expanded for Super Bowl and takes visitors to see the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, where astronauts train for spacewalks in the zero-gravity pool; Historic Mission Control, a national historic landmark where NASA monitored missions to the moon; and Rocket Park, where the enormous Saturn V Rocket is housed.

See art meet science in the Space for Art exhibit, open through March 9, a unique art collection curated and created by astronauts and scientists. This temporary exhibit features paintings, photography, musical instruments, quilts, ceramics, a graphic novel, custom skateboards and more.

Undertake robot training camp, plan a strategy on the practice field and compete in a Space Robotics Challenge football game, Jan. 28-Feb. 4. This fun hands-on activity is open to all ages and brings the science behind sports to life.

The big game won’t be complete without a trip to Houston’s best attraction. There is always something new to see at Space Center Houston. Connect to receive updates about special activities during the 25th anniversary year. Join the 25th anniversary year celebrations on social media and share your favorite Space Center Houston story, photo or video by using the hashtag #SpaceCenterHou. Go to our Visitor Info page for ticket prices and tips to enjoy your visit. For more information about Space Center Houston, visit spacecenter.org.

Space Center Houston worked closely with NASA in the development of Mission Mars. In addition to input from subject-matter NASA experts, NASA’s Office of Education provided a grant through the Competitive Program for Museums, Science Centers, Planetariums and NASA Visitor Centers. These grants are designed to create interactive exhibits to engage the public, students and teachers in NASA-themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Lockheed Martin provided the high-fidelity Orion capsule trainer, along with financial support for the exhibit construction.

The Manned Space Flight Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit science and space learning center with extensive educational programs. Space Center Houston is the cornerstone of its mission to inspire all generations through the wonders of space exploration. The center draws more than 1 million visitors annually, was called “The Big Draw” by USA Today and generates a $73 million annual economic impact in the greater Houston area. Space Center Houston is Houston’s first and only Smithsonian Affiliate and the Official Visitor Center of NASA Johnson Space Center. More than 100,000 teachers and students from around the world visit the center annually to take part in extraordinary learning opportunities. For more information, go to www.spacecenter.org.