The Super Bowl is about to celebrate it’s golden anniversary – 50 years! Whether you’re a football superfan, or sports-averse, 50 years is a cause to celebrate. Regardless of your excitement for the Denver Broncos or the Carolina Panthers going head to head, we’ve got you covered, no matter how you want to enjoy your Sunday.
FIRST THINGS FIRST:
At first glance, both the Denver Broncos and the Carolina Panthers couldn’t be less of a draw for loyal football fans in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Save for the few lucky loyalists who don’t root for home teams, even the location seems far away – San Francisco, California.
But, here are a few Pennsylvania ties to some athletes playing in the big game.
Denver Broncos:
– Jordan Norwood, Wide Receiver #11
Graduate of State College Area High School, played college football for Penn
State University
– Evan Mathis, Offensive Guard #69
Played for the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2011-2014 seasons
– Brandon McManus, Placekicker #8
Born in Philadelphia, graduate of Towamencin Township High School,
played college football for Temple University
Carolina Panthers
– Cameron Artis-Payne, Running Back #34
Born in Harrisburg, PA, graduate of Harrisburg High School
– Corey Brown, Wide Receiver #10
Born in Philadelphia, graduate of Cardinal O’Hara High School (Springfield,
PA)
– Kurt Coleman, Free Safety #20
Played for the Philadelphia Eagles for the 2010-2013 seasons
– Robert McClain, Cornerback #27
Born in Philadelphia
STAYING IN:
The art of the Super Bowl party is something that people have been perfecting for the past half-century.
If you, or someone you know, is planning to throw a gridiron bash consider some advice from local Super Bowl party aficionados to get the inside scoop on how to throw the ultimate fiesta.
Weekender spoke with Swoyersville couple Bob and Sue Shafer, self-proclaimed Super Bowl party pros. Bob, a die-hard Buffalo Bills fan, was even featured in the Times Leader in previous years when his home team was featured in the Super Bowl. Even though this year it’s a Bills-less bowl, the Shafer’s still like to go all out.
“The key to a great party is great friends, good food, and lots of beer,” said Sue.
As for the food prep, Sue also has a few choice reminders for those throwing their own party: “Bring on the appetizers first, then have the entrée ready at half time.”
Another great party feature, and Super Bowl classic, are themed drinking games.
As your guests arrive have a way of dividing them into teams. Obviously keep any die-hards on the respective team but then figure out a fun and creative way to keep the cheering even. Maybe pick names out of hat or draw straws. Any way you chose, make sure you’ve got some people rooting for the Broncos and some for the Panthers.
Have some themed jell-O shots available for guests to celebrate when the corresponding team scores.
Broncos themed shots:
First layer:
1 box of 3 oz berry blue Jell-O package
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled vodka
Middle layer:
1 box 3 oz unflavored gelatin
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled piña colada mix
Top layer:
1 box 3 oz orange Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 cup chilled vodka
Make sure each later sets before pouring the next layer. Do not make next flavor until first layer has set.
Panthers themed shots:
1 box 3 oz blue Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 cup vodka
Place 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons of the blue Jell-O mixture into each shot glass and place in fridge for about 30 minutes.
For black layer:
1/2 box of each 3 oz grape and lime Jell-O
1 cup boiling water
1 cup vodka
Add a few drops of black food coloring.
GOING OUT:
If you’d rather spend Super Bowl 50 out and about, there are plenty of local establishments planning specials.
Here’s our short list:
The Chicken Coop: 165 Wilkes-Barre Blvd., Wilkes-Barre
Featuring $1.75 Miller Lites, $6 burgers and more
“We always have a huge turnout,” said Brandon Stuchkus, manager of the Chicken Coop in Wilkes-Barre. “We’re the hot spot to watch the game. Stay tuned to our Facebook page … to check out the game day specials we’ll have for sure.”
Lucky’s SportsHouse: 110 Schechter Dr., Wilkes-Barre Township
Featuring: A New York Giants minifridge giveaway during halftime, as well as $5 starters and BOGO pizzas.
Buffalo Wild Wings: 119 Bear Creek Blvd., Wilkes-Barre
Featuring: Lots of TVs to watch the game and commercials.
FOOTBALL-AVERSE:
Not a sports fan? Don’t worry. Super Bowl has something for everyone.
For those who may not know the difference between a football from a baseball here are some things for you to get excited about on game day.
Souper Bowl
Celebrate with giving back.
Inspired by the “Souper Bowl for Charity” campaign that began 6 years ago, even non-football fans can spread goodness to their local communities by donating or volunteering at local soup kitchens, food banks or homeless shelters.
Super-BOWL
Besides football, what is more of an American pastime than getting together and clobbering some pins? That’s right, we’re talking bowling.
If you’re not excited about the big 5-0, have a big game of your own at Chacko’s Bowling Center.
From 9 a.m. to noon games are $1.85 with free coffee and donuts.
“Before the game, there’s no better way to spare your time than go bowling,” said Carla Chacko, HR director of Chacko’s Bowling Center. “Play a few games, bring home some pizza and wings and get ready for some football.”
