Business & Tech

Super Bowl Sunday 101: Party Tips, Food, Where to Watch and More

We've got the scoop on what you need to know to enjoy the big game.

It’s one of the most popular party days of the year. People gather in bars and at home around the television to watch and celebrate one of the most-anticipated sporting events in the world: the Super Bowl.

Some who gather are certified sports nuts, while others know little about the teams or the game and find more joy in the commercials than any play on the field. 

Wherever you fall in the spectrum of Super Bowl fan, we can help. There’s a little something for everybody in what we like to call “Patch’s Guide to a Super Super Bowl Sunday.”

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

The Game

  • Official title: Super Bowl XLVI (46, for those who aren’t fluent in Roman numerals)
  • Where: Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN, home of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts
  • Who: New York Giants vs. New England Patriots
  • Who’s favored? New England was a 3-point favorite as of Tuesday afternoon.
  • When: Kick-off is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Sunday on NBC. Pre-game starts at 2 p.m.
  • Halftime show: Madonna

It’s Your Party

So, you want throw a party for Super Bowl Sunday? Don’t sweat it. Here are a few tidbits that might just make you, or your party, a total hit.

“The key to a great Super Bowl Party is to keep it simple,” said Molly Hawkins, events manager at Special D Events Inc. in Royal Oak.

Interested in local real estate?Subscribe to Patch's new newsletter to be the first to know about open houses, new listings and more.

“Keep the food simple especially. It’s such an important part of the party. Remember, this might be something that sits out all day," she said. "Plan food that you can make in a Crock Pot, or something you can prepare ahead of time.”

Hawkins also suggested bringing out new dishes at halftime to keep the food choices fresh and interesting.

“Fun is a big part of the party, too,” Hawkins said. “Maybe have a friendly game of touch football before, or come up with some game dealing with the commercials. These things keep the fun going and can really make your party stand out.”

Of course, there’s the star of the evening: the game.

“Invite people who are fans of both teams,” Hawkins said. “That really can add to the fun and excitement of the game. And, make sure to have a seat for everyone.”

'It's Pure Snacky Goodness'

Food is among the most important elements of any Super Bowl Sunday celebration and local markets expect a rush this weekend.

"We will be busy Saturday and Sunday before the game," manager Rob Henry said. "The traffic will be busier earlier Saturday."

Henry said avocados for making gaucamole are popular among Super Bowl shoppers, as are chips, salsa, half subs and the market's premade veggie and wing trays.

"It's a good day for finger foods," he said.

Hiller's manager Ezra Graziano agreed.

"The snacky type foods are the big ones," he said. "It's pure snacky goodness."

Wings, chips and pretzels are among the most popular items among game day shoppers, Graziano said.

"I would advise shoppers to come early to guarantee the items they prefer," he said, adding that the market's big rush is Sunday afternoon.

Besides the aforementioned goodies, Graziano said Hiller's deli will have turkey ribs, pigs in a blanket, barbecue meatballs, Asian and spicy chicken bites, and a variety of dips available for Super Bowl party planners.

Readers offered similar suggestions on the Berkley Patch Facebook page:

  • Diane Haroutunian Brus: Pampered Chef, chicken and broccoli braid and taco ring ... they are posted on my website.
  • Judith Prat Twardowski: Pigs in a blanket!

Let Someone Else Clean Up

If you’re the going-out type, then there are plenty of options for you too. Many bars and eateries run specials for the game, and have enough televisions on the walls to be certain that no one misses a single play.

Here’s a sampling of what's in the works at a few popular Super Bowl destinations in Berkley:

  •  One dollar off draft beers, well drinks and appetizers; 100 free squares for the first 100 patrons who can win 24 Seconds gift certificates; 20 high-definition TVs; two 10-foot big screens.
  •  Seven TVs will play the game; happy hour from 8:30 to close with $1 off drafts, wine and liquor.
  • Half-off well drinks and free appetizers in the bar area.

Leave a comment if you know of other venues around town that will have Super Bowl Sunday specials!


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Huntington Woods-Berkley