Keys to preparing for the Super Bowl

It’s that time of the year. I know it may not even feel like there is going to be a game played this weekend as both teams have been silent the past two weeks, but despite all that surrounds the big week there is actually going to be a meaningful game played in Indianapolis Sunday.

This is by far the biggest sporting event in America right now. The entire NFL season comes down to one game and whether you care about football or not, hundreds of millions of families and friends will plop down in front of the TV to watch the Patriots and Giants.

Getting prepared for the Super Bowl is more than just knowing who the players are, how each team got here and what the keys to the game are. You need to know what it’s going to take to make this night one of the most enjoyable nights of the season. Unlike other sports, you only get one shot a year at this. So be prepared to make it count.

1. Make sure you have food

The most important part about football season is food. If you can’t kick back and shove some fatty man-food down your throat, are you really even enjoying the game? Make sure you have the hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, dips and whatever your favorite side dish might be. If you’re looking for the easy way out, order a pizza way in advance of kickoff. If you’re looking to really have a good time, throw some wings in there as well. The game could be 30-0 in the second quarter, but if you’ve got enough food it will carry you the rest of the game.

2. Make sure your throne is prepared

I know it’s very important for most sports fans to make sure they have the best seat in the house to watch the game. Mine would be the recliner right in front of the TV or in a spot where people won’t be walking in front of me during the most important play of the game. Not only is the positioning of your seat essential, but the surroundings are crucial. A sturdy table close enough to hold your food plate and beverage is key, but not too close that you’ll knock it over when you jump up for a big play. If you can sit through the entire game without having to get up, then you deserve to wear the crown that comes with your throne.

3. Scout the pregame show

I don’t usually enjoy the pregame show coverage because I think it’s too extensive and I’m tired of hearing the same thing over and over. But there are some great parts of the pregame show you’re going to want to watch. Make sure you’re there at the beginning when they tell you what will be coming on. Whether it’s the Tom Brady or Eli Manning interview, the emotional story of Robert Kraft’s wife or something else, make sure you know when those are coming on and worry about preparing yourself for the actual game while they’re breaking down Gronkowski’s ankle for the one billionth time.

4. Be prepared for the commercials

Sometimes it’s more important to scout the commercials for the Super Bowl than the actual team’s themselves. Don’t be caught off-guard when a 3D commercial comes on. Have your glasses ready. Do your best to find out who is going to be having a commercial and if there is anything spectacular about it. You know who the usual suspects are. The past few years commercials haven’t been as great, but you don’t want to be that one person that’s reading all your friends’ tweets about that great commercial that you just missed because you were taking a potty break. I’d rather miss a Brandon Jacobs’ two-yard run than the best commercial of the Super Bowl.

5. Don’t waste your time with the halftime performance

These things are never really that great when you watch them on TV. Sure if you’re there on the field watching one of your favorite artists it’s probably the thrill of a lifetime, but more often than not the singer sounds horrible and the performance is too over the top. Madonna is this year’s performer so you shouldn’t be missing much. Unless you’re jam is on, use this time to go to the bathroom, grab some more food or drink and check your social networking websites.

As is the case with most football games, it’s not about the game itself; it’s about what surrounds the game. While this will be an entertaining game between two storied franchises, this is your last chance for a while to sit back and enjoy everything that makes football such a great sport. Make sure you enjoy it no matter what the outcome of the game is; if you’re still awake for the final snap.

You can follow Jake on Twitter at: @j8a1k0e or on his MLB Braves blog at: http://bravesandmore.mlblogs.com/