The spectacle of Trojan athletes fighting for glory, aging rock stars fighting for paychecks and overpriced commercials fighting for airtime is an event that many share amongst friends. As the Super Bowl turns 40 this Sunday, these epic battles will play out against the backdrops of student-run parties.
Greek organizations, a common source of parties any night of the week, offer options for Sunday night's showdown between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Seattle Seahawks in Detroit. The Phi Beta Sigma fraternity will hold a Super Bowl screening with food on the first floor of Mary Graydon Center during the game.
Other options abound for students who venture out into the city and beyond to celebrate Super Bowl XL. The ESPN Zone, a sports-themed restaurant on 12th Street, will have special screening rooms for visitors who make reservations at 10:00 on the morning of the game. Alexandria's Old Town Theater will show the Super Bowl on its big screen for $9 per person.
For fans who want the entire football experience without traveling to Detroit, two local restaurants offer possibilities. While the Redskins are not playing on Sunday, their cheerleaders will perform at Mister Days in Arlington and McFadden's on 24th Street during the restaurants' Super Bowl parties.
Regardless of the cultural pervasiveness of the Super Bowl, football isn't for everyone. For the crowd that got beaten up by the quarterback while everyone else was watching his plays, Iota Club and Caf? in Arlington presents music. These United States, an alt-country trio, as well as indie bands Phonograph and Vandaveer, offer solace for the sporting-impaired at Iota at 8:30 Sunday evening.
Even if one doesn't know the difference between the Seahawks and the Steelers, thinks halftime act Rolling Stones were legally declared deceased a decade ago, and thinks Ben Roethsliberger is an unappetizing burger, this Super Bowl XL promises super-sized celebrations.
"I'm going to a bar and rooting for the Seahawks - I'm actually from Seattle."
- Laurie Meek, senior in the School of Communication
"One of the frats is having a big thing at Guapo's. Big screen and everything. That should be a good time."
- Jason Oliver, freshman in the School of Public Affairs
"Probably just getting together with the guys. We'll watch the game on the same big screen TV we watched the championship on."
- Forest Dunbar, senior in the School of International Service
"My frat is actually having a party in the Gianni Lounge with pizza, wings, and carbonated beverages."
- Rob Donigian, junior in the Kogod School of Business
