Gospel music to be part of Super Bowl weekend in North Texas

Yes, NFL players will be wearing robes, singing the gospel.

DALLAS — Super Bowl 2011 in Arlington will be making headlines from now till kingdom come. But the news today has nothing to do with football: We're talking gospel music.

Super Bowl Gospel 2009

Here's an example of a past Super Bowl Gospel Celebration. Video posted by Shayna Steward on Vimeo.

The North Texas Super Bowl XLV Host Committee announced Wednesday that the Super Bowl Gospel Celebration will be in full swing during Super Bowl Weekend February 4, 2011, at Music Hall at Fair Park. Quarterbacks, linemen, safeties, and others not playing in the Super Bowl will be taking off their helmets and singing alongside well-known gospel singers.

The 2011 Super Bowl marks the 12th time that gospel will be a part of Super Bowl weekend, and it has in the past featured big acts such as Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Mary Mary, to name a few. This year’s event is expected to be even bigger and better. Why? “Because this is Texas,” said Tisha Ford, special events business development, NFL.

Emmitt Smith has participated in the event before, as well as Chicago Bears’ tackle Tommie Harris from Killeen, Texas. Other Cowboys who have participated in the past include Jon Kitna and Roy Williams. Members of the two teams participating in the Super Bowl aren't eligible to participate -- so we'll have to wait and see if Cowboys players will be up there singing this year.

Non-profit groups and churches will be allowed to sell tickets and keep a to-be-determined percentage of sales. Last year, the group that sold the most tickets was given front row seats to the gospel concert. Those interested in participating or volunteering can visit the website.