I think we’re all still reeling a bit from last night’s Packers’ Championship win. It was beautiful…….but it’s time to wipe away those grown-man tears, toss up your high-fives, and make a final Cutler joke because we’ve got a Super Bowl party to plan.
The best part of the Super Bowl is getting together with all your friends (aww…..heartwarming pause) and being able to unleash your inner fandemonium-soaked football patriotism. If ever there was a time to paint your belly green and gold and arrange yourself and your friends into a word, this would be it. So, proper planning and key details are in order. You won’t need much, but keep a few things in mind:
– A good venue
– A stocked fridge
– A good TV
– A sober driver
A few years ago, we were at Rock Bottom Brewery in downtown Milwaukee for the big game. It was Super Bowl XLI, the Colts Vs. the Bears (pause for discontent). It was a decent-sized crowd and when we walked in there were only a few Bears fans seated. And one Bears fans in particular. He was sitting at the bar alone, directly in front of a flatscreen TV. You could tell he had scoped out that seat. He was sporting a Bears sweatshirt, thick glasses, a quasi-mullet, and ZUBAZ. Yes, Zubaz, the zebra-printed tapered sweat pant popular in the early 90’s that should belong in a one-hit-wonder museum of fashion. He sadly, and not surprisingly, was alone, but he sat so anxious and so excited for what might happen that afternoon. And then his moment came, the Bears ran a 92 yard kickoff into the end zone for a touchdown right out of the gates. He hollered, throwing his hands up in the air, not realizing there was an hanging lamp right above him. Glass shattered everywhere. And then the blood came. I didn’t know whether to laugh, call 911, or congratulate the guy for his team just getting a touchdown. The glass had cut him quite badly and when the bleeding didn’t subside, he closed out his tab and said he was going to the hospital. Poor guy, just when the game was getting good. Eventually the Bears gave up the lead and were trailing behind, but just when you thought the game was getting boring, the lamp-busting, zubaz-wearing man returned (with a few stitches and bandaged up hand) and sat down in his same seat to watch the remainder of the game. After all, he did scope out that particular seat with the best view.
So, that’s what I mean by letting your inner-fandemonium soaked football patriotism reign. And your party planning must accommodate all levels of fan fever.
If you have the party at your house, be ready for involuntary punches of glee and cups to go flying. If there was ever a day not to break out the good sofa pillows, this would be it. That’s why God made basement dens…for Super Bowl parties.
I think everyone expects to eat/pig out/nosh on chicken wings and nachos at a Super Bowl party. That’s the way the world is, accept it. Just know that the game is going to be long, long enough to go get stitches and come back. A Packers Super Bowl will probably mean mass store closings in Wisconsin, so stock up on beer, bottled water, ice, snacks, and frozen pizzas just in case they win and the party goes a few extra hours.
It is possible to rent a TV or a projector if your TV isn’t big enough for everyone to have a good view. But, give this a test run before the big day, otherwise you might be the one getting stitches. My favorite place with a big screen TV in Milwaukee has got to be Fanatics in the Third Ward.
When it’s all over, be sure to have planned out the ride situation. I’m a big fan of the city bus if you live within the city limits. Otherwise, cabs, neighbors, and wives are all good options. If you have a friend or family member picking up you and/or a group, it might be nice to get them something as a thank you. A ‘DD’ is not the best job in the world but it has to get done, so reward them with a gift card, a thank you card, or gas card when you get home.
Good luck to everyone in the planning process. This Super Bowl is gonna be one for the books. Goooooo Pack!
