Super Bowl Sunday is a huge (and I would capitalize this if at all proper!) day in my household. Anticipated by my son for months; for the game and the food. This annual event at my house is loud and it is messy. And I'm absolutely sure the shouts and groans and referee complaints can be heard several blocks away. In fact, at some point during the game ... I usually find a way to sneak up to the relative quiet of our bedroom.But I wouldn't have it any other way; this free-for-all. And when our team wins, well - when one of our teams win I should say, it is indeed precious. When they loose, it isn't so precious but ... memorable all the same.
Did you know that the Super Bowl has a relatively short history? Probably you did ... but I didn't! Super Bowl I was held on January 15, 1967 in Los Angeles. Prior to Super Bowl I, there were indeed football games that were more along the lines of conference and league championships, but due to mergers, the Super Bowl was created.
Average 2011 Super Bowl tickets are more than $3600 and each 30-second ad aired during this event will cost the advertiser over $3 million. Truly amazing, isn't it, what statistics one can find! Here's a comparison. Super Bowl tickets in 1967 at the Memorial Coliseum were just $6, $10, and $12 and ads ran for around $40,000.
And here's more: economic stats. Dallas is estimated to make $202 million from the Super Bowl, topping the record of $195 set from Super Bowl XLI in Miami Gardens. It isn't just North Texas who will benefit but all of the ancillary businesses, networks and services as well.
But in order to make money, someone has to spend it. And this year, Super Bowl 2011, cost more than ever. It is estimated that by calculating median incomes of the Green Bay and Pittsburgh residents and what they will need to spend for tickets, hotel rooms and such will cost upwards of 10-percent of their annual income. Excellent article on The Super Bowl Economy.
But ... Game Day is Sunday and I have to get busy with my menu and planning. I have hungry men with huge expectations.
Super Bowl Menu
Foster Farms Barbecue Chicken Wings
Meatball Sliders
7-Layer Dip
Kettle Chips
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Carrots and Celery Sticks
Green Salad dressed with spicy pecans, pear slices and blue cheese
Espresso Brown Bites
Molasses Crinkles
While my boys will be parked in front of the television and the coffee table will be stacked with chips and condiments, my food will be served on the breakfast table. And it is here where I'll use my football themed platters, plates and napkins. This year I came across a Football-Field runner from Martha Stewart that I will be making later today. It is these touches that help bring the celebratory attitude and ensure lasting memories.
If you have the time and desire, this is a fun and creative activity for the craft enthusiast.
For all you football fans and Moms who watch in spite of themselves, Happy Super Bowl!
