American Football is by far the most popular sport in the US with the biggest game of the year, the Super Bowl, drawing a national television viewing audience of over 100 million as well as a few million international viewers every year. Super Bowl XLVIII is expected to bring in at least $600 million to the local economy in tourism and this year’s game has even brought in international celebrities such as German television host and comedian Stefan Raab.
Each year different US states bid to be the host, and this year, Super Bowl XLVIII is coming to the New York City Metropolitan area for the first time ever. This means that even non-football fans in NYC will find the topic unavoidable. On February 2, the Denver Broncos and the Seattle Seahawks will clash for the National Football League’s top honor, the Vince Lombardi Trophy, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.For internationals in New York City the prospect of watching a three-hour (or more) game of American football might not be an appealing prospect, no matter how much pomp and circumstance is attached. But the Super Bowl is larger than just a one day sporting event and is a great opportunity to connect with American culture – so better prepare yourself with some basic idea.
SUPER BOWL PARTIES
Sometimes it is not what you watch that matters, but who you watch it with. For many the Super Bowl is not even about football, it is about having a party, eating hot wings, watching the usually over-the-top halftime show, and catching the year’s most outrageous commercials. Most will not be able to watch the game freezing in the stands of MetLife Stadium, but you shouldn’t miss out on the experience of attending a Super Bowl party. There will be gatherings, big and small, all across the city, local bars for internationals such as The Australian and Nevada Smiths will have parties planned for game day.Or why not throw your own party? It is a good excuse to gather friends for food, beer, and an entertaining show. The Super Bowl program is more than just a game – the halftime show is always an exciting spectacle as well, with Hawaiian born sensation Bruno Mars as this year’s feature artist. During the commercial breaks friends can argue over which multi-million dollar advertisement was the best. A thirty-second commercial spot during Super Bowl XLVIII costs $4 million, so companies use the event to exhibit their best ads. Super Bowl Sunday is thought of as an unofficial holiday by many, so treat it as such and spend the day with friends.If you’d like to beef up on your American football knowledge, this article from a few years ago explains the game simply for newbies.
PRE-GAME
This year, New York and New Jersey are sharing the hosting duties; this means that in the days preceding the kickoff there will be activities on both sides of the Hudson River.Super Bowl Boulevard Engineered by GMCAn unavoidable event for New York residents will be Super Bowl Boulevard. Fourteen blocks along Broadway, between 34th and 47th Streets, are going to host one long party. From January 29 to February 1, starting each day at noon and ending at 10pm there will be a multitude of activities like a visual theater at Macy’s Herald Square storefront playing every half-hour beginning at 5:30pm to honor the sport of football; autographs with NFL players; a 60-foot tall and 180-foot long, 8-lane sledding course will be erected which people of all ages can zip down at $5 per ride; and this year’s Vince Lombardi Trophy will be on display to take photos with before it is awarded to the winning team. To register for the free festivities visit Super Bowl 48 Boulevard.Taste of the NFL’ s Party with a PurposeThe Super Bowl is the second largest day of food consumption in the US after Thanksgiving. Football and food go together like chips and dip, and Taste of the NFL exemplifies this by collecting chefs from each NFL city to serve their signature dishes in one place. Also cooking up treats for attendees is TV’s Cake Boss, along with current and former football players. There will be a silent auction where fans can bid on sports memorabilia, followed by live entertainment. The event will be hosted at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal Pier 12 on February 1 and while ticket prices may be high, $700 for a guest and $9,000 for a table, it is for a good cause – proceeds go to food banks across America.Super Bowl Gospel CelebrationReligion and spirituality is important to many athletes in the NFL, and it is not uncommon to see players make a silent prayer before a big play. On January 31 the 15th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration brings faith-based musicians and NFL players together for an uplifting concert. There will be soulful melodies from Patti LaBelle, strong gospels hymns delivered by multi-Grammy award winner Donnie McClurkin, a choir composed entirely of NFL players, and much more. The show has been a sellout in recent years. Tickets start at $59 and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to national and local charities.“The Catch” Game Day ExperienceFor real fans of the sport nothing will beat the Game Day Experience at The Edison Ballroom. Eight hours of uninterrupted football entertainment with legends of the game like three-time Super Bowl MVP Joe Montana, his teammate and two-time Super Bowl champion Dwight Clark, and New York Giants Super Bowl champs Howard Cross and Sean Landeta. Tickets start at $300 and attendees will get to meet and greet winners from previous Super Bowls as well as current stars from the Baltimore Ravens, NY Jets and NY Giants. Signature entrees by Chef Mina Newman will be available and premium beverages served at the bar throughout the night. For the game itself the room is outfitted with 20 flat screens and Montana and Clark will provide analysis. A silent auction will be held to benefit Autism Speaks.