52 Things You Need to Do Before Super Bowl LII Gallery
51 Things You Should Do Before Super Bowl LI (Slideshow)
Listen, Super Bowl LII is less than two weeks away. Much like how NFL players and Super Bowl halftime performers get ready for months leading up to the big game, there's a lot to do to prepare as a football fan.
Putting together a Super Bowl party may seem like one of the easiest things to do. You order some pizzas, pick up a 12-pack of beer from your closest convenience store, text some buddies, make sure you've paid your cable bill, and that's it. Or it it?
In order to have the ultimate game day party and experience, you have to put in the work. You need to get your house watch party ready by cleaning it and potentially preparing for overnight guests. And because no Super Bowl party is complete without food, you need to curate the perfect party menu with fried appetizers, dips, sliders, and barbecue. In preparation for Super Bowl LII, when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots, we've broken down every single thing you need to do this year to get game day ready.
52 Things You Need to Do Before Super Bowl LII
Listen, Super Bowl LII is less than two weeks away. In preparation for Super Bowl LII, when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the New England Patriots, we've broken down every single thing you need to do this year to get game day ready.
Learn the Rules of Football
OK, so not everyone knows everything about football. If you just want to get in on the Super Bowl party action but you're not a longtime NFL fan, it may be time to quickly learn how many points a touchdown is worth, what a down is, and what in the world a tight end's job is. Though the Super Bowl is often just an excuse to eat copious amounts of chicken wings and drink beer, there is a game on and you should maybe pay a little attention.
Brush Up on the 2017-2018 Football Season
After you graduate from American Football 101, it's time to catch up on everything you missed from this season of the NFL. Did you know the Cleveland Browns went 0-16? Can you name the teams vying for a win in the Super Bowl? Do some quick Googling and learn your stats so you're as up to date as possible.
Pick a Team
If you're not from one of the two metropolitan areas that the final Super Bowl contenders hail from, deciding who to cheer for can be a bit of a conundrum. Think about classic football rivalries, who may or may not be the underdog, what team has better celebrity support, and whose mascot you like more. These are all valid reasons to root for a football team that isn't from your hometown or state.
Read Up on U.S. Bank Stadium
Super Bowl LII is going to be hosted at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Though the stadium itself doesn't get a lot of love, there's a lot to appreciate in the worn turf, plastic seats, and history of this NFL stadium. For instance, did you know NRG Stadium has a capacity of 73,000 and opened in July 2016? Yes, it's basically brand-stinkin'-new!
Listen to Justin Timberlake's Discography
Following in the recent footsteps of Lady Gaga, Coldplay, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, and Beyoncé, superstar Justin Timberlake is returning to the Super Bowl halftime show this year. You know "SexyBack" and "Cry Me a River," but listen to the rest of his catalogue, including his new single "Filthy." You definitely want to be able to sing along.
Watch Past Halftime Shows
Of course, you want to be able to discuss past halftime shows with all of your party guests. Brush up on some Super Bowl history by tuning into classic performances from recent performers and the likes of Aerosmith, Prince, Michael Jackson, and U2.
Catch Up on Super Bowl Commercials
Many will argue that the best part of the Super Bowl is the commercials. These days, a lot of advertisements will actually be revealed before the Super Bowl, so if you really want to be in the know, seek these ads out on YouTube. We'll get you started with these teasers for M&M's and Pringles.
Binge Watch 'This Is Us'
This year, NBC will be airing the Super Bowl, and the major broadcasting network will be leading out the big game with what is sure to be a heart-wrenching episode of This Is Us. There may or may not be a major death, and a Crock Pot may or may not be involved.
Figure Out the Kind of Party You Want to Throw
Determining the mood and theme of your event is the first step for any party planner. The theme is easy: It's a Super Bowl party. But determining the other general party details — such as whether kids are invited, whether you'll have a potluck or make everything yourself, or whether you'll serve beer or signature cocktails — are some of the major party details you need to sort out.
Make Sure You Have a Quality TV
You don't want to be watching the biggest sporting event of the year on a crackling old television set, do you? In the weeks leading up the Super Bowl, many major retailers sell TVs with major markdowns, so if you're even thinking about buying a new TV, now may be the right time.
Get a Home Stereo System
What TV system would be complete without killer surround sound? If you're really looking to put together the ultimate Super Bowl viewing experience, a big home stereo system that connects to your TV can make all of the difference. Sure, it's not the same as being at the Super Bowl, but it's pretty close.
Budget Your Party
You don't want your Super Bowl party to break the bank, but you definitely don't want to be serving up $5 pizza and defrosted leftover Christmas cookies. Figure out how much you can spend on decorations, food, drinks, and decide whether you'll be able to budget for things like a new TV or rental chairs. But even if you can't spring for the big ticket items, you'll definitely be able to throw a killer party.
Invite Friends Over to Watch the Game
You obviously can't have a proper Super Bowl party without any guests. Before you do anything else (we'll wait), invite folks over for the big game. Keep your Super Bowl party invitations casual. Invite people via Facebook event, email, text, or phone call.
Figure Out What to Wear
You have to gear up if you're going to watch the Super Bowl. An obvious outfit choice is a jersey, T-shirt, or sweatshirt featuring your favorite NFL team. But if you lack sports-themed clothing, dressing in the colors of the team you're rooting for is festive enough. Also, be sure to wear comfortable pants with an elastic waistline. You're going to be eating a lot.
Double-Check Your Guest Count
Before you move forward in your party planning, double-check your guest count. That way, you know how much food to make, the amount of seating you'll need, and how many various small things (plates, napkins, utensils, cups) to purchase.
Hire a Babysitter
If you or your friends don't want to be looking after a bunch of children all night, consider hiring a babysitter to keep an eye on them while the adults have a good time. You don't have to go for some elite babysitting service. If one of your friends has a responsible, older kid, that will do the job just fine. Just be sure to pay him or her generously.
Brush Up on Your Small Talk Skills
If you've been bunkered down for the first few weeks of winter, your social skills may be a little rusty. Before you're tempted to blurt out something awkward or forget how to make a proper introduction, brush up on your small talk and etiquette skills. It'll make all the difference in being a gracious host.
Hosting a Super Bowl party is no small feat. As with any type of event planning, organization will be key. Schedule your time down to the hour, knowing when you have to do your shopping, cleaning, food prep, cleaning, reorganizing, and more. Be sure to give yourself a little wiggle room, too. You don't want to be chopping onions for your famous guacamole as your guests start to arrive.
You don't want your guests brushing crumbs off the couch, staring at spills on your stove, or stepping over piles of clutter when they're trying to relax and enjoy your Super Bowl party. Be sure to clean your kitchen, living room, bathroom, and any other visible space long before your first friend steps through the door.
Make Space for Potential Overnight Guests
You never know what's going to happen. One of your friends could drink a little too much winter ale, a massive snowstorm could hit, or some children could get a little too tired before the fourth quarter comes to an end. If you have the space, make sure to tidy up your guest rooms with fresh linens and towels, just in case.
You want to make sure that your house feels festive for the best possible Super Bowl party, so be sure to decorate. Of course, an obvious décor motif is to fill your home with footballs, faux grass, and goal posts to mimic a football field. But you can also get a little more creative with trophies and the colors of the Patriots and Eagles.
Set Up a Kids' Room
A football game isn't exactly the kind of activity that gets the youngsters pumped. If you don't think the children attending your Super Bowl party will be able to be behaved for the duration of the game, set up a separate space where they can play. Fill your kids' room with age-appropriate games, movies, and snacks. Just be sure that a babysitter or adult is present to keep things in check.
Plan Alternative Activities
Not everyone at your party is going to be incredibly interested in the game, so have a few alternative activities planned for your friends who love chicken wings and beer but not so much football. Turn the Puppy Bowl on in another room, have board games set out, or have an entirely separate space available with more traditional party elements and music playing.
Create a Pre-Game Playlist
Before the actual Super Bowl kicks off, there are hours upon hours of pre-game coverage. If you or your guests aren't really into that, start your own party in a traditional manner with some pump-up tunes. Create a Super Bowl playlist filled with former halftime performers such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Madonna, and Katy Perry. Don't forget stadium anthems such as Queen's "We Will Rock You" or The White Stripes' "Seven Nation Army," either.
Plan Your Menu
One of the best parts of any Super Bowl party is the food. So, you need to plan out your menu down to the T. Of course, you need classic Super Bowl party foods such as pizza, wings, chili, and anything made with beer. But feel free to get creative with a signature dish or two.
Go Grocery Shopping
After you plan out your party menu, head to the grocery store. Depending on the size of your party and the number of dishes on your menu, you may need to make more than one trip. If you do, buy canned goods, sauces, and other non-perishable food items first. Then, when the game is just a few days away, buy your meats and produce to ensure they're as fresh as possible.
Make Some Irresistible Dips
Pop Some Popcorn
You literally can't watch any kind of event without a few fistfuls of popcorn. So make sure to have some big bowls of this irresistible snack at your Super Bowl party. Whether you keep it plain or decide to throw some popcorn in a party mix, make sure that it's present.
Brush Up on Chicken Wings Recipes
No Super Bowl Sunday would be complete without the chicken wing, so be sure to have a few wing recipes on reserve for your party. Whether you decide to indulge in some Kung Pao wings, fry them up in a garlic Parmesan rub, or go classic Buffalo, they're sure to be delicious.
Order or Make Pizza
Of course, you need to serve up some pizza for your Super Bowl party. Instead of waiting hours for takeout pizza, fire some pies yourself. Making pizza doesn't have to be complicated; there are plenty of easy shortcuts from pre-made dough to jarred pizza sauce and pre-shredded mozzarella cheese. Just be sure to have some fresh toppings, and you're golden.
Make Some Killer Barbecue
Whether you decide to grill some spare ribs, make some pulled pork, or go classic with some barbecued chicken breasts, you just have to make sure you have the perfect sauce for your entrees.
Slide Into Sliders
You know what's great? Sandwiches. You know what's even better? Mini sandwiches! For a menu that's already quite stacked, you don't need full-sized burgers. Opt for these bacon and blue cheese sliders instead. You can always think outside the burger with a brisket slider or some bahn mi sliders.
Have Some Vegetarian Food Options
If your menu is sounding a little carnivorous thus far, that's because it is. Be sure to have some veggie-friendly options on your menu. To ensure your vegetarian friends aren't picking at your veggie tray all night, make some black bean burgers, vegetarian chili, or lentil tacos.
Bake Brownies
Somehow, the brownie has become the go-to Super Bowl Sunday dessert. This rich, fudgy dessert is pretty satisfying for people of any age, so we get it. Break away from the boxed brownie mix and try making yours from scratch. The difference will be noticeable.
Whip Up Some Other Desserts
Beyond the brownie, give other desserts some love. Whether you decide to make a giant crispy rice treat in the shape of a football, bake up come cookies, or bake a cake, have something else sweet on reserve.
Have a Takeout Backup
Listen, mistakes happen in the kitchen. Pizzas get burnt, chicken wings turn out dry, and black bean burger experiments can go awry. If this happens to you, make sure to have a pizza joint on reserve. You may have to wait a long time for your food, but at least it'll be good.
Prep All of Your Food
You don't want to be chopping onions, sprinkling garlic powder on your pizzas, or mixing up a batch of chocolate cookies as your guests start to arrive. Learn the art of "mise en place," and prepare all of your ingredients ahead of time. In addition to washing and chopping everything before you start cooking, certain dishes, such as dips and desserts, can be made days in advance.
Get Serving Platters
If you don't already have serving platters, a chip and dip set, and some buffet food warmers, you should invest in these popular entertainment items. Trust us: When you're serving food in big quantities, you'll be thankful when you don't have to run back and worth to put out new trays of macaroni and cheese.
Set Up the Buffet
After all of your food has been prepped and made, put all of your shiny new serving platters to use. Reserve the counter space in your kitchen for your massive food spread. Try and keep your foods organized. After the plates and silverware, start with appetizers at the front of the buffet followed by main courses and desserts.
Buy (Lots of) Beer
Would any Super Bowl party be complete without a ton of beer? No, of course not. You don't need to go crazy with locally-sourced craft brews for your party, but you should have a healthy reserve of America's favorite beers, such as Bud Light, Coors Light, Corona, and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
Stock Your Home Bar
You don't want your guests to get completely lit, but it's always great to have alternatives to the everyday beer and wine. Have basic liquors, such as vodka, tequila, gin, and rum, on hand along with a few simple mixers so your guests can make their own cocktails.
Have Non-Alcoholic Beverages on Hand
Not everyone at your party will be able or want to drink. Have a diverse offering of non-alcoholic beverages. Soda, juices, and some bottled water will go a long way to make your under-21 guests and designated drivers happy.
Buy (or Make) Tons of Ice
You know what party detail frequently gets forgotten in the shuffle? Ice. Americans prefer their drinks chilled, so be sure to make a ton of ice or buy one of those big ol' bags from the gas station before Super Bowl Sunday.
Ensure There's Enough Table and Counter Space
You don't want to prepare a massive menu only to find that you don't have enough space to put out all of your dips, sandwiches, pizza, wings, and dessert. Long before the buffet goes out, make sure that you'll have space for the spread. If you find that you don't, don't be afraid to rent (or buy) some folding tables.
Have Enough Seating
You don't want to leave any of your guests awkwardly standing while they're trying to watch the Super Bowl. Make sure that your viewing space has enough couches and chairs so everyone can be seated comfortably. If you're lacking space, you can improvise with pillows on the floor, dining room chairs pulled into the living room, or even a few rented chairs if you're really lacking seats.
Buy Disposable Everything
Some may frown upon disposable tableware, but for a big Super Bowl bash, easy clean-up is key. Invest in massive stacks of plastic silverware, paper plates, and disposable napkins. You're going to be eating classic American junk food anyway; nobody is going to mind if they're eating off of something that can be tossed in the trashcan.
Prepare Yourself for Spills and Accidents
During the Super Bowl, there will be dramatic and excitable moments, causing people to jump up and possibly spill food all over your sofa and floor. Understand that these things happen, and prepare yourself by stocking up on carpet cleaner, detergent pens, and paper towels.
Make Sure You Have Post-Game Cleaning Supplies
There's nothing worse than a party ending, getting ready to clean up, and discovering that you're completely out of big trash bags, dishwashing liquid, and sponges. Long before kickoff, double-check that you have enough cleaning supplies for before and after the game.
Set Up a Betting Pool
There needs to be some friendly competition at your Super Bowl party, so don't forget to organize a little betting pool. You can go classic by making some football squares or get a little creative with your betting pool by bringing in some Las Vegas odds and bets. Keep it all in good fun, though. Nobody wants to accidentally run an illegal casino out of their home.
Shovel Your Driveway
Super Bowl Sunday falls right in the middle of winter. If it happens to be snowing in your area (which is very likely), make sure that your guests have a clear place to park. Shovel and salt your driveway and sidewalk. It's an easy and courteous thing to do.
Ensure Your Guests Have a Safe Way Home
In addition to the snow, Super Bowl Sunday can get a little sloppy. Don't let your friends drink and drive. Make sure that they all have safe rides home, whether they carpool, take taxis, or call an Uber. It can save lives and it's simple enough.
Relax and Have Fun!
The most important thing to do before Super Bowl LI is relax and have some fun. Yes, planning a big football party can be a little stressful, but don't take it all too seriously. Make sure to take some time out for yourself and spread out the party planning among a few people. The second the game kicks off with the National Anthem, be sure to sit down, grab a big plate of food, and enjoy the spectacle. You are the ultimate Super Bowl host.
Super Bowl LII only strengthens Badgers' running back tradition
Badgers running backs are making liars out of John Settle.
The University of Wisconsin's running backs coach preaches to his players how difficult it is to make it to the top at the next level and play in the Super Bowl. He's right, except when it comes to his players.
Two former Badger running backs — New England's James White and Philadelphia's Corey Clement — will play key roles in Super Bowl LII on Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. White will make his third Super Bowl appearance in his fourth season Sunday with the Patriots, and Clement will play in the Super Bowl in his first professional season, just like fellow former Badger Montee Ball did with Denver in 2014.
And that doesn't even include Chargers running back Melvin Gordon, who has established himself as one of the NFL's best backs. Wisconsin has developed a tradition of strong running back play since Barry Alvarez took over the program in the early 1990s, but it has reached a new level in recent years in terms of the impact those backs are making at the next level.
"Definitely produced a lot of good running backs," White said.
There's a reason for that. Wisconsin runs a pro-style offense, which puts its offensive players in a system that transitions well to the next level. To effectively run that offense, you need backs that run the ball well to help move the chains and do something else — protect the quarterback.
Settle said the Badgers build a foundation for their backs of how to recognize and read defenses, how to locate the safeties and figure out where the pressure will come from defensively. Settle will test his backs by sending them up to the whiteboard and having them draw up defenses.
"I try to take any anxiety away from them," Settle said. "I try to take care of it in the classroom, so when we hit the field you can just cut it loose and play with no reservations."
Of course, there's knowing who to block, and then there's actually doing it.
"We want to have guys that are tough enough and willing to step up in front of a charging linebacker or a defensive lineman that may be unblocked," Settle said, "and stick his face in there and try to block him and give our quarterback a chance to get the ball to our receivers. It's a lot."
And it gave Badgers running backs a leg up at the next level. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said a big responsibility in New England's offense is being able to pick up the blitz.
"And that's something a lot of backs in college aren't necessarily adept at doing," McDaniels said. "You really can't play on third down or passing downs if you can't block blitzes, if you can't figure out the protections. If the quarterback doesn't trust you, it's hard to have that guy in the game on those downs."
New England trusts White on third down, just as Philadelphia trusts Clement.
Settle said Wisconsin looks for "complete athletes" who are smart and talented. One thing Wisconsin doesn't do is have its backs catch many balls out of the backfield, yet that's a strength for both White and Clement. Those two put the time into working on that in college, too. Settle said White would work on the jug machine each day after practice. Philadelphia Eagles running back Corey Clement (30) runs through drills during a practice for the NFL Super Bowl 52 football game Thursday, Feb. 1, 2018, in Minneapolis. Philadelphia is scheduled to face the New England Patriots Sunday. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
"It was important to him," Settle said. "He didn't say a lot he was a guy that went to work. He wanted to compete. There were some guys that were getting more ink than he was, but he was a guy that would just work and work and make sure that he was prepared when his opportunity presented itself."
Clement said the preparation the backs put in at Wisconsin has helped him at the next level. As has the ability to compete for reps. White and Clement are currently in crowded backfields with a number of other talented backs, much like it was at Wisconsin.
"I think I put myself in that situation (at Wisconsin) knowing what I was going up against," Clement said. "I knew they had James White, knew they had Melvin Gordon, so I always put myself where competition really makes you better. Coming here, I knew the type of depth that we had in the running back group, and I just wanted to put myself somewhere where I knew I had to keep fighting for a spot, somewhere where I could elevate my game."
Both Clement and White said Wisconsin's tradition of churning out quality running backs who could advance to the next level was a big part of why they committed to the Badgers. White noted there's no prototype for a Wisconsin running back — "it's just tough, smart and dependable guys, kind of like the New England Patriots."
And while Wisconsin helped guys like Clement and White, they are returning the favor by succeeding at the highest level. What's a better recruiting pitch than telling running back recruits to simply turn on the Super Bowl on Sunday?
"It does, it helps," Settle said, before going into his pitch to recruits. "You'll have an opportunity to ready yourself to have a shot to play at the next level. … If you prepare now and take the coaching … it's going to put you in a great position to help yourself later on as you go forward in your career."
Watch the video: Super Bowl LII Like You Have Never Seen it Before. Eagles vs. Patriots. NFL Films Presents (January 2022).
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