It’s that time of the year again. The 2023 NFL season is reaching its apex and Super Bowl LVIII is just around the corner. This year, the Big Game will take place on Sunday, February 11th from Las Vegas’ brand spanking new 65,000 capacity Allegiant Stadium.
The reigning champions are the Kansas City Chiefs, and Patrick Mahomes and Co. look well poised to successfully defend the Lombardi this term. They have built up an impressive 7-2 record, and according to Superbowl odds, the Missouri outfit are the +500 favorites for glory once more. However, they won’t have it all their own way.
In their AFC conference, they will have to knock off the likes of the Cincinnati Bengals and the Buffalo Bills, while the Baltimore Ravens and the Miami Dolphins are both lurking in the shadows. Over in the NFC, the likes of the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Dallas Cowboys are all looking to make a name for themselves. Add to that the team that the Chiefs defeated in last year’s showpiece fixture, the Philadelphia Eagles, who look like a team possessed at present have amassed an 8-1 record already this campaign.
Whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for food and drinks, hosting a party that first Sunday in February is the perfect excuse to gather the squad and celebrate this should-be-national holiday.
Prep the Essentials
Before anything, you need to get the basics sorted. Start with the guest list and ensure they’re all on board. Next, pick a comfortable location with ample space and seating for everyone. Set up your space with decorations- we suggest going with a Super Bowl-themed décor to set the tone.
Think football-shaped balloons, green tablecloths, or even team banners. Make sure to have plenty of napkins, glasses, plates, and utensils to keep the party running smoothly, and bonus points if you have a mini-fridge nearby for easy access to drinks.
Create a Super Bowl-Worthy Menu
One of the most fun things about a Super Bowl party is the food. The possibilities here are endless, but here are some staples that you just can’t go wrong with tacos, wings, chips and guac, dips, veggie platters, and pizza. Ask guests to bring their signature dish or a dish that represents their team.
For example, last year the Eagles featured in the Big Game for the first time since claiming their maiden championship at the culmination of the 2018 season. Should they make it all the way once more, get the Philly Cheesesteaks served up and cheer on the Boys in Green.
We can’t imagine either the New York Giants or their cross-city rivals the Jets will make it to the Super Bowl this year – especially thanks to Aaron Rodgers’ injury for the latter – but serve up some classic Big Apple bagels if they do and they will certainly hit the spot.
Game Day Activities
Not everyone attending your party may be a fan of football, so it’s a good idea to have some game-day activities to keep everyone entertained and engaged. If you have a large group, try setting up a squares board, and betting on the final score or the MVP. Last year, the game finished with plenty of points on the board, with the Chiefs eventually triumphing 38-35. You could have placed plenty of bets amongst your friends on the next scoring method or next touchdown scorer to continually keep things interesting.
Alternatively, you could all put your money in a pot and place a bet on the team you think will win… let’s face it, it’s always better when you’re in it together. You can bet on the match winner, the spread, or the MVP as mentioned, but if you do the latter, make sure you’re smart with it. 99 times out of 100 the coveted award will be given to the game-winning quarterback.
Be the Ultimate Host with the Most
Keep your guest’s wants and needs in mind. Make sure everyone’s comfortable and try to get to know all the participants if you don’t know everyone. Don’t forget to take care of yourself too. By the time the party’s winding down, you might be running low on energy and need to rest.
So, make sure you’ve delegated some tasks to trusted friends or family members to keep the host happy too.
Clean Up
The party is over, and the last thing you want to do is wake up to a house that looks like a tornado went through it. Make cleaning up a breeze by designating a few friends to help. Have trash bags readily available, and place multiple trash cans around the party area. Make sure to recycle as much as possible. You can even prepare a simple breakfast buffet or provide hangover kits for guests who stay over.
