LOS ANGELES — The Super Bowl is far more than just a game this upcoming Sunday; it marks the beginning of a week-long celebration in New Orleans, packed with continuous entertainment leading up to the highly anticipated showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.

As the Chiefs and Eagles prepare to face off again, the vibrant city of New Orleans will be alive with star-studded concerts, exclusive soirees, comedy acts, and A-list celebrity guests. From renowned personalities like Post Malone and Cardi B to sports icon Shaquille O’Neal, the festive atmosphere will boom with excitement even before Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs seek their third consecutive championship title.

Shaquille O’Neal expressed enthusiasm about the event lineup, stating, “It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be different than other Super Bowls.” He will be hosting his signature carnival-themed event, Shaq’s Fun House, slated for Friday night, which comes with a hefty price tag starting at $199. The extravaganza will showcase headline performances from Ludacris and DJ Diesel — a.k.a. O’Neal — amidst attractions like a Ferris wheel and circus acts. It’s also a homecoming week for O’Neal, who played college basketball at Louisiana State University and frequently visits the state.

Flavor Flav also plans to uplift spirits in New Orleans, which still grapples with the tragic New Year’s Day attack that claimed 14 lives. He is set to perform at Guy Fieri’s Flavortown Tailgate on Sunday alongside Diplo and Cowboy Mouth. While general admission is free, fans can purchase upgrades for $49.99 and $349 for VIP access. “I’m getting on the turntables to make people party and have a good time,” Flav stated.

Among the many planned festivities, notable invite-only and public events for the Super Bowl week include: the highly exclusive Fanatics Party. Hosted by Michael Rubin, the event will cater to the elite of the sports and entertainment world, featuring performances from stars like Post Malone and Travis Scott, with expected attendees including Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, and Tom Brady.

In a nod to gaming culture, the Madden Bowl will feature musicians Jelly Roll, Chris Stapleton, and Shaboozey on Friday night. Not only will they perform, but the event will also host the Madden NFL 25 Championship Series, where top players will compete for a $1 million prize pool. “I can’t wait to keep this party going,” Shaboozey remarked, looking forward to the excitement.

Chris Stapleton will not only grace the Madden Bowl but will also be headlining SiriusXM and Pandora’s concert on Thursday night, offering exclusive access to his music through his own channel. Following Ludacris’s performance at Shaq’s event, the rapper will take the stage again on Sunday as part of On Location’s Super Bowl pre-game party. Meanwhile, Post Malone is set to make appearances at three different venues, including the Bud Light Backyard Tour.

Bill Bellamy and Rocsi Diaz will spice things up with the Super Bowl Soulful Celebration on Wednesday night, featuring an array of musical talents, from The Isley Brothers to Tori Kelly. The event will also see unique performances from local artists like Master P and Trombone Shorty. During the ceremony, Michael Strahan will receive a Lifetime of Inspiration award, expressing that the recognition is “truly special.” New Orleans Saints’ Cameron Jordan and Los Angeles Rams’ rookie Jared Verse are also set to receive honors.

In a fusion of music and sporting culture, legendary producer Timbaland will perform at Maxim’s Saints & Sinners party on Saturday, with additional acts like DJ Loud Luxury and a special appearance by former NFL star Le’Veon Bell. A plethora of other concerts are scattered throughout Super Bowl week, including T-Pain’s performance, Cardi B’s participation in “Cardi Gras,” and Bill Bellamy leading a comedy block featuring big-name comedians.

As the diverse events unfold around the iconic Super Bowl, it’s guaranteed that New Orleans will once again transform into a dazzling hub of celebration and entertainment, captivating attendees from both the sports and music worlds alike.