January 29, 2013 Alex Brown

d.alex.brown@gmail.com

    The Super Bowl is the most-watched sporting event in the country, most likely because most everybody attends a Super Bowl party of some sort. A ton of people watch this game every year, even if they aren’t a fan of either team playing, regardless of whether they like football. Attending a Super Bowl party is just what you do on Super Bowl Sunday.
    But what makes a good Super Bowl party? Glad you asked.
    First off, any party is only as enjoyable as the group of people you have attending. So, make sure to fill up that guest list with good friends and fun folks that will ensure the event is a good time for all involved, regardless of how the game goes.
    Then, there’s the food. One look at me and you know I love to eat, so take it from me: For a Super Bowl party to be up to snuff, you have to have some good eats. Make sure there are plenty of chips, dips, finger foods, desserts and so forth for people to snack on all night.
    You could order a pile of wings or pizza from your restaurant of choice for the main course, or you can cook up something yourself. In my personal opinion, if the grill isn’t lit with a mountain of meat on it, you’re doing it wrong. For some reason, football and grills just go together. Whether your specialty is wings, burgers, ribs or Boston butts, get the grill lit and spend the afternoon working up your appetite for a feast.
    If you’re hosting a party, tell everyone who is coming to bring a little something so you don’t have to provide all the food for an army of people. And not to limit this idea to just the ladies — but let’s face it, not too many guys spend much time on Pinterest —you can find some great ideas for tailgate snacks from Pinterest and other websites. Football-themed snacks definitely add a little something to the menu.
    Another rule I like to apply to a Super Bowl party is, don’t limit the party to just the game itself. Start early and tell folks to come over well before kickoff, and treat it like a tailgate party. Play cornhole or horseshoes, throw a football around the yard, or just get outside, turn on some good music and enjoy the day if the weather is nice.
    We are fortunate enough in southern Georgia to be able to get outdoors in February — so let’s enjoy it for all those folks up north who are stuck inside. The forecast for this Sunday looks pretty pleasant, so don’t stay cooped up inside all day. Besides, someone has to man the grill — and that definitely can be done while playing a game of cornhole.
    Let me preface my next suggestion by saying I do not condone excessive gambling, but throwing a few dollars in a pool gives you something to root for and can make games more interesting to watch if your team isn’t playing. One popular game is the Super Bowl “squares” game. It requires a lot of people to play, but no knowledge of football is required — it’s all luck, so everyone can enjoy it. You can easily look up the rules online if you aren’t familiar with it.
    Here are a few “don’ts” to keep in mind so you aren’t the one to ruin the party. When the game is on, don’t be that person who stands in front of or talks over the TV — and that includes during commercials. Remember, for many people, Super Bowl commercials are almost as big a part of the experience as the actual game itself.
    If you are lucky enough to have your team playing in the big game, don’t be an obnoxious fan if the rest of your party isn’t. If you want to yell at the game, throw things, jump into a ceiling fan, etcetera, please do that at your own house. Don’t go to someone else’s place and be that guy while others are trying to sit back and enjoy the festivities. In addition, don’t trash your host’s house — and offer to help clean up at the end of the night.
    Also, don’t annoy the neighbors. While most everyone attends Super Bowl parties, not everyone parties the same way. Some may like a quieter evening with a few friends at home watching the game. And believe it or not, there are those who don’t watch the Super Bowl at all. Let’s not infringe on these folks’ right to spend their Sunday the way they want.
    Otherwise, enjoy this fun day with friends and have a blast. And if you have to work or go to class early Monday morning, man up and go. If you call in sick or skip class, your boss/professor will know what’s up. They weren’t born yesterday.
    The one sad thing about the Super Bowl is the fact that no meaningful football game will be played again until September. But the good news for sports fans is that we have March Madness, the Masters, baseball season and plenty of other good sports to watch over the next few months. And there’s no rule that says you can’t throw a party to watch all of those events, too.
    Have fun this Sunday, and go Falcons! Oh, wait...

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