Super Bowl Sunday is a cherished day for me. If you’re reading this, I assume it’s a cherished day for you as well. There’s something special about preparing a variety of food, cracking open some drinks, and bidding farewell to another fantastic National Football League season in style.
However, despite my adoration for Super Bowl Sunday, I despise Super Bowl parties. They always seem to be filled with individuals who lack respect for the significance of the day and the fact that some of us actually want to watch the game itself.
Not the commercials. Not Usher. We want to watch the game.
So, I avoid Super Bowl party invitations as much as possible. Sometimes, I have to politely decline with an awkward text message.
That’s because I’m tired of people emphasizing the word “party” rather than the word “Super Bowl.”
Moreover, there’s no better way to enjoy the “Big Game” than in the comfort of your own home.
You’ve spent weeks upon weeks, including the postseason, creating the perfect groove on your couch. Why would you give that up during the most important moment?
It’s like training your whole life for the Olympics only to decide on the big day that you don’t feel like throwing a javelin. (In this hypothetical scenario, you’re a javelin thrower).
No, you’ve worked hard to create that perfect groove where you have the best view of the game.
You want that home-field advantage because I guarantee you’ll miss out on the prime seating if you attend a Super Bowl party. You’ll be stuck in a camping chair with a terrible angle at the TV, resulting in a sore neck for days afterward.
It’s disheartening to sustain an injury from watching TV, and that won’t happen if you’re in your usual spot.
You’ll lose out on those prime viewing spots to other guests, many of whom have no interest in the game. It’s infuriating to endure a subpar view of the host’s screens because someone from their office is occupying the couch, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram throughout the entire game while claiming the best seat.
Occasionally, they’ll glance up from their phone…to watch the commercials.
Another issue is that people will chatter incessantly during the game, making it impossible to hear the commentary (which may actually be a good thing this year, considering it’s on CBS). Of course, everyone falls silent when the commercials air.
Yes, heaven forbid we miss out on what Doritos has in store for us this year…
The one redeeming quality of a Super Bowl party is the free food and, more importantly, the beer. That’s the only reason I would ever consider attending.
However – and feel free to analyze this psychologically – I enjoy having control over the menu. Yes, it means I have to foot the bill, but I’m paying for my ideal Super Bowl feast.
Do you want wings? Have wings.
Do you want pizza? Order pizza.
Craving sushi? It may not be traditional Super Bowl fare, but that’s why staying home allows you to be the master of your own Super Bowl celebration.
Now, I’m not suggesting that you watch the game all alone surrounded by jars of urine like Howard Hughes (unless that’s what you desire; in that case, go for it). However, watching the game on your terms means you can carefully choose your guests.
If you’re at someone else’s house, you have no say in who you have to watch with. It could be the person glued to their phone. It could be a fan who trash-talks after every Chiefs touchdown. You might even find yourself dealing with the host’s old college buddy who challenges you to a shirtless wrestling match in the front yard for no reason.
You don’t want that (unless, of course, it’s your cup of tea).
For me, the perfect way to watch the Super Bowl is with a small group of people, between 2 to 4, who are all at least somewhat interested in the game.
Hey, that’s a gathering, not a party.
No, it’s not: it’s a handful of individuals enjoying football in a respectable manner, with food and drinks readily available.
The beauty of the Super Bowl is that you can celebrate it however you please.
If you prefer to watch at home with a select few guests like I do, go ahead and do it.
If you want to watch alone like Howard Hughes – even with jars of urine (I’m not sure why he kept them instead of disposing of them) – go ahead and embrace it…in every sense of the word.
And if you truly want to attend a party with your co-workers, parents from your child’s little league team, and other casual acquaintances who couldn’t care less about the game itself, don’t let me dissuade you.
Just be aware that you’re making a grave mistake.
According to the Source outkick.com