It's the game of the year: Kickoff parties are in order
By Maggie Beidelman
If you're planning on watching the Super Bowl this year along with the 140 million or so other Americans, then you better know what you're getting yourself into.
Let's start with the basics:
* What: Super Bowl XLI
* When: Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007, 3 p.m. PST (6 p.m. EST), CBS
* Where: Dolphin Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla.
* Who: Indianapolis Colts vs. Chicago Bears
* Why: To determine this year's NFL champions, to watch the most expensive commercials of the year or just to use it as another excuse to party.
You don't need to be an avid Colts or Bears fan to have a successfully super Super Bowl Sunday; heck, you don't even need to like football to enjoy the food and company.
Whether you'll be tuning in to yell at the refs, load up on junk food or simply to spend some quality time with friends, follow these four simple steps and you'll be sure to make the most of the biggest pigskin day of the year.
Step 1: Know your team.
If you're just now jumping on the bandwagon and you're unsure of who to root for, you don't have to rely on your friends' biased advice.
Take a few minutes to answer five questions and be matched up with the team that's right for you at this entertaining Web site: playoffs.nfl.com/bandwagon.
Step 2: Find a TV.
Become best friends with someone who owns a TV, congregate in any dorm common room or migrate to The Bronco for a big screen, comfy couches and pool tables (just be willing to share with a crowd.)
Even if you're detained in the library that day, you can go online for continuous updates at www.superbowl.com.
Step 3: Team colors
The Colts wear white and blue. The Bears wear navy blue and orange.
Dress accordingly. If you're in a place to decorate, use streamers, hang banners or signs, keep around a few NFL magazines and have a football handy for those who want to get closer to the game.
Step 4: Plenty of easily accessible junk food.
Each year, Super Bowl viewers eat 11 million pounds of potato chips.
As Super Bowl Sunday is the No. 2 food consumption day of the year, (second only to Thanksgiving), as well as the No. 1 snack food consumption day of the year, it's not complete without its fried fare, barbecued burgers and brisk brews. Make sure the majority of the food is unhealthy, and have plenty of beer (21+, of course.)
The most popular Super Bowl food choices are pizza, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, layered dips, chips, salsa and a whole lot of beer (making this a BYOB party will be much easier on your already-emaciated college student wallet).
Contact Maggie Beidelman at (408) 551-1918 or mbeidelman@scu.edu.