The Super Bowl is almost here! One of the biggest sporting events of the year and watched by millions world wide, Super Bowl mania is catching on in the UK, too. Indeed, considered a novelty event when it was first aired in 1982, millions now tune in to watch the big game. Even the adverts generate enthusiastic discussion and debate here in the UK!
This year, with so many of us at home, twiddling our thumbs, it’s looking likely that record viewing numbers are going to tune in to watch the game, which is this year being shown on Sky Sports and BBC One.
We can’t wait for the action (and the Weeknd’s halftime performance, of course). If you’re having a party to celebrate – with other members of your household or even solo – here’s 5 tips for celebrating Super Bowl Sunday at Home.
GET READY FOR A LATE NIGHT
As the old American Football saying goes, ‘’there’s only a little difference between champs and chumps’’ – and if you don’t gear up for a seriously late night, then you’re going to end up in the latter camp.
While the Superbowl in the US is an afternoon affair, here in the UK it’s very much a late, late night deal. With an 11:30pm kick off, UK time, and the game running until about 3am, it’s essential you prepare yourself for a long night on the sofa.
Not to worry; with some forward planning, your body clock can become accustomed to that 3am finish. Start by going to bed late on Friday night, then even later on Saturday. To quote another famous American Football saying, ‘‘rise at one’’ the next day. By this we mean, at one in the afternoon on Sunday. Doing so will have your circadian rhythm hacked and your body clock ready for the late night game.
Take things as seriously as they do stateside. Across the pond, one in ten Americans take the Monday following the event off as a vacation day. We recommend doing the same. Alternatively, you could delay the celebrations and instead catch up on the game the following Monday without checking the scores first (though you’ll have to avoid social media for that one!).
PARTY GAMES
It wouldn’t be the Super Bowl without some party games, which are an integral part of the American Football viewing experience. A hugely popular way to pass the time during all the filler (disclaimer; there’s a lot of talk and not much action) is to play Super Bowl Bingo.
You can either set up a 5×5 grid filled with events which occur during the game, such as penalties and punts, and drink using a traditional beer bong funnel or simply do a forfeit when each event occurs.
Alternatively, you could be a little sillier and have commentary cliches and types of fan pictured on your bingo card. Many fans even have a separate Bingo card for the commercials….it’s up to you!
If you’re keen for more frivolity, why not set up a game of Super Bowl charades, using the rules and terminology of American Football as the answers? For those who prefer something more sedate, you could try the BBC’s Super Bowl 55 Trivia Quiz.
Read: 6 tips for throwing a baseball-themed party, all in time for the MLB Summer League
WHAT TO DRINK
Beer, beer and more beer. Indeed, beer is a non-negotiable part of American football viewing. The most popular beers for the Super Bowl stateside are Bud Light, Budweiser, Corona, Samuel Adams, Coors Light, Blue Moon and Heineken, all of which you can buy here in the UK.
Beer cocktails are also hugely popular for Super Bowl Sunday – think lime, lager, tequila and ice. You can’t go wrong with a beer with more booze in it, after all.
If you’re after something even stronger, a Long Island Iced Tea is a popular Super Bowl sup, or you could whip up a batch of Frozen Margaritas. If you’re going to go for it, then repeat after us – one, two, three tequila! Bloody Marys are another Super Bowl favourite – if you plan to hit the tequila slammers hard, may we suggest knocking up a batch up for the next morning at the very least?
Of course, you don’t have to drink at all during the event; check out these suggestions for some great non-alcoholic Super Bowl mocktails for delicious drinks without the sorehead the next day. If that feels like a lot of effort when you want to be concentrating on the action (and ads!), a simple glass or two of American soda is an appropriate, no-fuss alternative.
FINGER LICKING FOOD
For us, Super Bowl parties are more about food than football, probably because we’re British and don’t really understand the rules. We enjoy any reason for a party, nonetheless. As such, your super bowl snack game must be on point.
Since you’ll be staying up late, you’re going to need food to keep you feeling energised. Well, you’re in luck as a Super Bowl spread is laden with energy giving carbohydrates, invigorating chilli and much more. It’s a calorie fest like no other, and that’s just fine by us.
We know Americans like to go big when it comes to their food, and if it hasn’t been fried or at the very least covered in lashings of melted cheese, then it shouldn’t be on the menu.
Here are some classic all American suggestions for inspiration…
- Chips and Dip – Is it a Super Bowl Party without chips and dip? The answer is unequivocally, resoundely, no. For us, it’s all about the dips – think tons of quac, a spinach and artichoke dip and a tex-mex queso dip for good measure.
- A Pot of Chilli – To loosely quote Bon Appetit ‘’It doesn’t matter if your team wins or loses if you have a big bowl of chilli for comfort’’. Prepare in advance and simply heat your chilli up when the game is on. Leftover chilli is always nice to have the next day when your Super Bowl hangover comes a’knocking, too.
- Buffalo Chicken Wings – No list would be complete without some crispy chicken wings served with hot sauce and a blue cheese dip. That chilli will certainly keep your perky when you feel your eyelids drooping!
- Loaded Nachos – Did you mention lashings of cheese and chilli?
- Burgers and Sliders – Pulled pork sliders are hugely popular for a Super Bowl feast, and who are we to argue?
- Loaded potato skins – You know the drill; bake, half, scoop and fill…hey, that could be a song.
- Hotdogs – Mustard, ketchup or both?
- Ribs – Start cooking these a day in advance if you love your meat to be tender and falling off the bone!
DECORATIONS
Hey, we’re going all out, aren’t we? So, make sure your house is looking the part, too, with the Stars and Stripes hanging, red cups for your beer, and banners with the team’s names (or at least, their colours). This year, it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs; that’s red, white and pewter for the former, and red and gold for the latter.
We can’t wait!