The big day is finally here!!! We have been waiting for this day since OTA's started back in May and June. The quest for NFL glory has been a long road and one that has been filled with fun and excitement for fans. It has been a season full of drama and some fantastic play on the field. We bared witness to an offensive explosion this season that hadn't been seen in years as the NFL transitions to an all-out air assault. We have seen controversy with the officials all season long. From mystery roughing the passer calls to horrific missed calls that cost a team a shot at the Super Bowl, we have seen it all this year. Now, all of that is in the past and it is time for the game we have all been waiting for. In fact, the day that we have all been waiting for, no matter what teams might have made it. It's SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!
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Super Bowl Sunday has become so much more than just the game. It has turned into an event unlike no other in sports. It is a day that is methodically planned out and organized by fans. Even the most casual fan and people who are not even fans at all have been looking forward to today and very likely have plans surrounding the big game tonight. The Super Bowl has become a celebration of sport, friends and family that eclipses all other sporting events. Ever since I can remember, I have gone to or hosted a Super Bowl party. There have been massive bashes were I barely remember the games and there have been tame affairs where the game was the ultimate focus. The Super Bowl has been a source of many amazing memories and I'm sure that this year will be no different.
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The planning for today started long ago. Like I said earlier, the teams are not important. Super Bowl Sunday is going to happen no matter who is in the game. If your team makes it to the big game then it becomes even bigger and potentially more epic or disappointing. I have been lucky to have the Broncos participate in many Super Bowls over the years. I have experienced the greatest of glories and suffered the biggest heartbreaks on the big day over the years. Even without any "skin in the game" I am always excited about the festivities.
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I have been hosting a Super Bowl party for the past 10 years now. After bouncing around to different parties and hosting some over the years, I decided to make hosting a regular thing at my house 10 years ago. I have a core group of people that always come over and we always have a great time. Things are tamer than when I was younger and we always enjoy the game. The whole family gets excited for the day as well, even though they don't like football. They, like many non-fans, are most interested in the halftime show. The halftime entertainment has become a topic of debate and speculation throughout the year and people will tune in just to see the big show. You never know what might happen and who might be there. There are often surprise entertainer and even sometimes a wardrobe malfunction.
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The party starts with the food! Every year I try to come up with something new or fun food that can be enjoyed by everyone. The theme is always finger foods and snack foods but there is always a bigger item involved as well. I have done pulled-pork and pulled-beef sandwiches, Ribs of all kinds (smoked, dry rubbed, deep fried, you name it), fried chicken, and even duck. The options are endless. There are some things that are staples and will be on the menu at every Super Bowl. Wings, meatballs, nachos, Jalapeno poppers and pizza bites are just a few. There are always chips and dips of course. To be perfectly honest, there is always way too much food and that is just perfect. We have even done the cute foot set up and layout to make things even more entertaining.
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Beverages are a key component to the day. Having enough beer and sodas in stock is a key. You can't have people getting thirsty on Super Bowl Sunday! Every year we do our traditional Super Bowl Pool. This is where we put together 20-25 of the most fun and entertaining prop bets for the game and make picks on each of them. This makes the game fun for even the least interested of fans. Some of my favourites are the length of the national anthem, the colour of Gatorade that will be thrown on the coach at the end, the first coach to take off his headset and even how many times certain people might be shown on camera from the stands. Sadly, Gisele has been in the spotlight on that one for a long time.
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I always like to have a couple of small bets on the game as well. I personally think this year the Rams are going to win so I would take the 2.5 points for sure. I also think the game is going to go over the 56 points. My final prediction for the game is:
Rams 34 Patriots 27
At the end of the day, I really don't care who wins the game. I just hope that it is a good game and that the refs don't have any impact on the results. Last year, we were treated to a fantastic football game, possibly one of the best Super Bowls ever. If the conference championships were any sign then we are in for a high scoring and action-packed game tonight.
What do you do for Super Bowl Sunday? Do you like to go to a party or do you prefer to host? Do you keep it low key and watch the game alone or do you like to have lots of people around to enjoy with you? I look forward to hearing about how you celebrate the Super Bowl and fingers crossed for a great game!