As football season marches forward, we get closer and closer to the Super Bowl. This biggest-of-the-big game comes only once a year, so it’s essential to be prepared come February. Whether you’re thinking of hosting a small get-together or going all out with the entire team, planning a Super Bowl party for the ages is serious business. At Fanatics, we want to ensure that fans from all over can have MVP-worthy Super Bowl parties. Read on to learn more about planning the perfect event and how we can help you show your spirit.
Super Bowl Season Is Here
As soon as the first NFL kickoff hits the air, we’re already in Super Bowl season. Because every play, score, and game can either get a team closer to holding the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season, or it can drag them closer to defeat. The Super Bowl is serious business. The players have started thinking about it long before they lace up their cleats for the first time, and you should too. In other words, it’s never too early to start thinking about your perfect Super Bowl party.
Planning Makes Perfect
If you want to wing it with your party, that’s up to you. There’s nothing wrong with inviting a few friends over at the last minute. You’ll surely have a great time, and that’s really all that matters.
But, if you want your guests to have more than just a good time, there are a few things you can start thinking about early. Is your TV big enough, for example, to give everyone a clear look at each play? Do you have a room that will fit all your friends plus the dates that they decide to bring? And what about seating?
Do you really want to order pizza again, as if this is just any old regular-season game? Or, do you want to go for a Super Bowl rager for the ages? The choice is up to you.
Maybe you want to serve a special regional dish to match the players: Philly Cheesesteak, Roast Pork sandwich, or Philly soft pretzels for the Philadelphia Eagles. Chili and Cinnamon rolls, Barbeque brisket, and burnt ends (burned edges of smoked brisket), or Cheesy corn bake for the Kansas City Chiefs. Maybe you want to ignore the actual teams involved and just decorate as if your team is the only one in the room. The beautiful thing about throwing a party is that you can do what you want, and then go for it. Make your Super Bowl party yours.
Setting the Roster
Once you’ve started to plan your ideal get-together, the next step is to start picking your guest list. Are you looking to bring together your closest friend group, or do you want to branch out a bit? What about that one co-worker who roots for your team’s rival? Or your next-door neighbors who you’ve always wanted to get to know better? Are you sticking with strictly football fans, or do you want to include those who are just there for a good time?
There’s no one right way to plan your Super Bowl roster, but you might want to think about maximizing the fun with new perspectives from different folks. Try to mix up ages, backgrounds, and fandom levels with friends old and new. Your party will be amazing, so why not share it with the world? Football is about community, after all, and you might be surprised how easy it is to connect with others when you’re screaming and shouting at the same game.
Fueling Your Players
It should be easy to connect, too, if everyone is eating good food. There are some game day staples you simply should not ignore. Wings, fries, pizza, dips, and sliders are all great options for nervous fans to munch on as the clock winds down. You can go classic, or you can look for elevated takes on these iconic offerings. Whether you prepare them yourself or decide on catering, you want to make sure that your guests are never hungry.
Since we know the Philadelphia Eagles will play the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII, you can plan a regional cuisine or include one well-known food from the area. Have a baseline of foods now, and then add any specialties at your convenience. If you’d really like to celebrate all that football has to offer, have each guest bring their own dish that represents their favorite team. Not only does this make eating a bit more fun, but it also ensures that everyone has at least something they love, regardless of dietary restrictions or allergies.
Drink-wise, make sure that everyone feels comfortable at your event. Have plenty of alcoholic and nonalcoholic choices. You can always go the BYOB route, but try to have a few extra beers on hand just in case. When in doubt, always buy more than you think you need. You might thank us later when it’s only the third quarter and it’s already time to open another keg.
Entertainment on and off the Field
The great thing about a Super Bowl party is that you have plenty of entertainment built in. But it can’t hurt to have a few more activities in case the game isn’t as exciting as you want it to be. Remember that not everyone in attendance will be as excited about the game. Try to give them something else to write home about.
One great strategy is to create a football bingo game filled with key plays. You can even Super Bowlify it by adding nods to the famously entraining commercials (celeb cameo, anyone?) and the halftime show. Have prizes for winners, and if you want, you can even create your own trophy ceremony at the end of the game. No matter their age, everyone loves to walk away a winner.
Grab Your Gear
You’ll want your party to look the part, too. That’s why it’s important to stock up on officially licensed sports apparel, sports collectibles, and memorabilia before your guests arrive. Check out our collection of party and tailgate goodies filled with fun games, and decorations your favorite team’s colors. Set up your home with team blankets, drinkware, pictures and more. You can also check out our lawn and garden options, reminding your guests who you support before they even walk in the door.
If you want to really get in the spirit of the game, you can check out jersey options for your favorite players on the field. But there’s also no shame in wearing your favorite quarterback’s numbers, even if he’s watching from home too. We even have Super Bowl memorabilia and keepsakes from years past, which is a great option if you’re lucky enough to have cheered your team to victory before. Remind your guests of your team’s best years in style. Or simply celebrate all the good that the Super Bowl has to offer.
Get Ready to Scramble
Any good NFL coach or player knows that the best-planned plays can still fall apart at a moment’s notice. Take this wisdom to heart this Super Bowl season. You’re the quarterback of your own party, after all, so you should be prepared to hold on to the ball.
Plan as much as you can, then plan for the unexpected. Get more than you need of everything, just in case. If there’s a particular dish that you want, don’t leave it up to someone else to bring. Run it yourself. Expect some people to not show up or for them to bring unplanned guests. Leave more room than necessary. Buy extra plates.
While you can’t possibly think of everything that could go haywire, come up with some ways to failsafe your space. If you have a beautiful white rug, think about moving it for the night in case of spills. Invest in paper plates to save yourself a mountain of dishes the next day and avoid broken glass dampening your evening. Plan on putting your pets away to save them, and you, the stress.
If you’re planning on getting loud, talk to the neighbors beforehand to avoid any potential issues. Or just invite them. Know that something will probably go unexpectedly, and get ready to make the most of it. Make peace with this, and you’re on your way to the end zone.
Have Fun Out There
Most important is to remember that you’re throwing a party because you love the game and you want to. Have fun out there — for your guests’ sake and your own. Try all the foods, sip on your best drinks, and soak in all your hard work. If you find yourself too stressed or overwhelmed, take a quick breather. And there’s no shame in asking for help if you need it. No matter how great your party is, it’s not a success if you don’t enjoy it yourself.
We love Super Bowl season here at Fanatics, and we know that you do too. With a little planning and a lot of good vibes from friends and family, your Super Bowl party is sure to thrill. Start your party list now and check out our site for gear and inspiration. Then get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a party worthy of celebration.
