It's not every Sunday when 90 million viewers tune into one U.S. telecast. But that is what happens on the first Sunday in February when the Super Bowl is played. On Feb. 3 the New England Patriots and New York Giants will determine the champion of the National Football League in the 42nd edition of the Super Bowl.
While the majority of Ball State students are aware of this event, it is important to partake in the festivities that create Super Bowl Sunday. The Super Bowl is essentially a national holiday and is the most-watched U.S. television broadcast of the year. In fact, the Super Bowl is the second-largest U.S. food consumption day, following Thanksgiving. The Department of Homeland Security and Secret Service designates the Super Bowl as a National Special Security Event.
Despite the growing success of the Super Bowl, I have noticed a decline in excitement around Ball State's campus. An avid Colts fan, I realize the misery in not having Indianapolis make it to the game this year. However, regardless of the teams, the Super Bowl is still an event sports fans and Americans should watch. Besides, even if a person doesn't like the sport of football, there is still the food and beer to fall back on. Don't forget the commercials and halftime shows, too, that are entertaining even without Janet Jackson's costume malfunction.
While I understand that last year's Super Bowl was extremely important to the average Ball State student, Super Bowl XLII can still be an enjoyable time. Although New England is in its fourth Super Bowl since 2001, and New York probably doesn't stand a chance, students should still celebrate the game. Just because the Colts and the Bears aren't competing does not mean Sunday's game should be disregarded.
When the Colts choked to the Pittsburgh Steelers during the 2005 playoffs, I still watched the Super Bowl. While I didn't care for either the Steelers or the Seattle Seahawks, I still had a remarkable time. I saw the game with nine of my friends on a projection screen. With food, drinks and entertainment, I had just as much fun then as I did last year when the Colts made the Super Bowl.
It's easy to say that Super Bowl XLII does not have an intriguing match up, but I think students are overlooking the contest. Students should remember that the Giants almost beat New England in Week 17 when New York already had its playoff seed established. Of course, the Patriots do have Tom Brady and Bill Belichick's heinous sweatshirt. Not to mention the perfect 16-0 record during the regular season. But the Giants have won 10 consecutive road games and are playing their best football of the season.
Despite last year's match-up between the Colts and the Bears, Ball State students can still thoroughly enjoy Sunday night. I have been disappointed by the lack of enthusiasm students have shown. While it took me several days to cope with the Colts' loss against San Diego, I moved on and began making the best of Super Bowl Sunday. Although Bears and Colts fans were spoiled last year because their teams competed, it should not influence a fan's decision to watch Super Bowl XLII.
The game between New England and New York is still football. Touchdowns will be made, interceptions will be thrown and a winner will be crowned. I am not afraid to admit that I'm sick of seeing Tom Brady win, however, I am still looking forward to watching the Super Bowl. Not just because I want to see the Patriots lose, but to hang out with friends and watch funny commercials.
Super Bowl Sunday may focus on a sport, but to me it is much more than that. Akin to any other holiday, the Super Bowl is an annual event to be shared with neighbors and relatives.
I may not particularly be a fan of the Patriots or the Giants, but I can guarantee my face will be glued to the television come Sunday. So order the pizza, grab the chips, drink the beer (responsibly) and relax. Besides, Manning will still be a quarterback in the Super Bowl for the second year in a row. Eli, that is.
Jason Marer is a sophomore social studies major and writes 'Think to Exist' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Jason at jsmarer@bsu.edu
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