Think the Super Bowl is all about football? Think again. If you're anything like us, you're just happy to have an excuse to throw a party, take in a half time show and eat nachos. We've put together some tips for throwing a socially distant Super Bowl party.
So, you've made the bold decision to go all American and host your very own Super Bowl party. This is particularly brave if you're in Ireland and have any plans to attend work the next day, as the game starts at around 11:30pm our time.
However, fortune favours the bold so, to help you out, we've put together a handy virtual party guide.
When and where
The 55th Super Bowl will be taking place in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, Florida on 7 February. The two teams playing are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs with a half-time show from Canadian artist The Weeknd.
Coverage will begin at 11pm Irish time on BBC 2 before switching to BBC One at 11.30pm and could go on until the wee hours for Irish fans so get some snacks and settle in.
The Theme
The theme of the night is unashamedly football-centric. When it comes to decorating your house, we strongly advise going as tacky as possible. We're talking anything and everything American football-themed – subtlety is not the name of the game here.
Of course, you could always take the easy way out and find an NFL background on Zoom, but why not get into the spirit of things for the weekend that's in it?
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If there are a few NFL fans in your household, why not get out your jerseys and flags or make your own signs, t-shirts, cake toppers, and centerpieces - all things are possible if you're crafty enough.
If you're feeling particularly extra - and want some content for the 'gram - decorate yourself with make-up, merchandise or even some inventive nail art.
Snacks
Let's be honest, Super Bowl Sunday is essentially a free pass to load up on all the food that you love but perhaps shouldn't eat every day. And that's what sport should really be about, right?
Central to any good party - even a virtual one - is a solid selection of chips and dips to munch on while chatting with friends. Grab tortilla chips from the supermarket and go to town making your own dips.
Guacamole is another essential snack when it comes to watching American football, as is a loaded plate of nachos.
If you're feeling particularly fancy, you could try these Chicken Tostadas or perhaps a Hot Dog with Onion Marmalade or maybe these Sriracha & Honey Chicken Wings.
If you want to make an all-American feast, whip up these BBQ ribs with red cabbage & apple slaw.
More Snacks
Once you've eaten your bodyweight in nachos, it's obviously time for dessert. You might need a sugar rush by the time the half-time show comes around, so why not try these Super Chocolate Brownies?
You don't want the brownies to be lonely, so best to make some Rocky Road as well.
Then again, to stay on theme, you can't go wrong with a slice Deep Filled Apple Pie with Cinnamon.
Pre-Game
While you're prepping for your Super Bowl party - mashing guacamole and perfecting your American football manicure - why not brush up on your Super Bowl trivia and host a Zoom quiz?
Zoom parties have been done to death over the past year but you could liven things up with some NFL-themed games. Prep some quizz questions and get ready to enjoy a COVID-free conversation.
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If you or your friends are new to the sport or are just looking for an Irish perspective, check out Clear and Oblivious, a podcast from Irish comedian Ryan Cullen and Scottish comedian Gareth Waugh.
Each week, Ryan (a life long Steelers fan) attempts to teach Gareth (an NFL newbie) about all things American Football from the biggest players to the latest news.
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If you need to get your virtual party started with some tunes, head over to the NFL's official YouTube channel to watch the best half-time shows - we recommend Katy Perry feat. Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliot (2015), Coldplay feat. Beyonce and Bruno Mars (2016) and Aerosmith, *NSYNC and Britney Spears (2001).
While you're at it, look back at some of the most memorable commercials or ask everyone in the video chat to share their favourites.
Super Bowl LIV will air at 11:30pm on Sunday, February 7, 2021.
