Football trivia will soon be taking center stage amongst avid football fans all over the country as part of the annual hype leading up to Super Bowl XLII, which will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium, February 3, 2008. Kick-off time is 6:18 p.m. EST.
Questions such as, “Where was Super Bowl I played?” are simple enough but do you know where the first college game - considered to be the prelude of American football was played?
While cities such as Los Angeles, Miami, Pasadena and Houston can boast about the Super Bowl games held in their cities, only New Jersey can claim fame as the site where football was first played. Football made its first appearance at the college level. While it was a far cry from modern-day college games, Rutgers defeated Princeton on 6 November 1869, in what is believed to be the first football game played in the US. 1
Another lesser-known fact: In those days a touchdown was worth a mere one point while a field goal was worth five!
Getting back to Super Bowl I; many know that Green Bay defeated Kansas City 35-10, but how many know the name of the United States President who threatened to ban the college sport as a result of the physical, and at times, violent, way the game was played?
If you guessed President Theodore Roosevelt give yourself a big pat on the back. In 1905, Roosevelt threatened to ban the sport unless the game was made safer after 18 deaths had occurred. 2
And what about the game's name, do you know who is responsible for naming the annual clash between the NFC and AFC - Super Bowl? Lamar Hunt, architect of the AFL and owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, came across his daughter's Super Ball and was given the inspiration for the name of the championship game between the American Football League and the National Football League. The name caught on like wildfire with the media and replaced the original title “AFL-NFL World Championship Game” in subsequent years. 3
If you're stuck at home, like most of us who can't afford the hundreds or thousands of dollars necessary to purchase Super Bowl tickets, check out these affordable suggestions for throwing a memorable Super Bowl Party for family and friends.
Creating the Game Day Table
What could be simpler or more unique than turning an old or inexpensive tablecloth into a football field? Sew strips of white ribbon, evenly spaced out, onto a tablecloth to resemble the yardage lines of a football field.
For a unique centerpiece befitting both the NFC and AFC players heading to Glendale Arizona, turn an old, or new, football helmet upside down and insert some potted cacti of different heights inside.
Super Bowl Menu
Bringing the southwestern flavor of Arizona to your menu requires minimal fuss. Quarterback Chicken Quesadillas, Barbecue Ribs, Buffalo wings, Shredded Pueblo Chicken wrapped in Enchiladas and Southwestern Slaw are easy to prepare, and well suited for this year's Super Bowl menu.
For traditional favorites served at most Super Bowl gatherings such as nachos, chips and dip, chili, pizza and hot dogs or hamburgers, a creative presentation, such as substituting tortilla bowls for glass or plastic bowls, can elevate the mundane snack to Super Bowl status.
To make tortilla bowls, pour salad oil to a depth of two inches into a deep four-quart pan and heat to 375°. Meanwhile, using a can opener, puncture four holes into the bottom of an empty soup can. Punch four more holes in the side just above the bottom. Place a tortilla in hot oil. Holding open end of can with tongs, immediately set punctured can on center of tortilla, pushing it down into the oil. Cook tortilla for 30 seconds or until crisp. Lift out tortilla and can. Drain excess oil. Let cool slightly, then ease the tortilla off the can and drain again on a paper towel. Keep in an airtight container until your ready to serve. Fill with chili, baked beans, chips or dip.
Pre- and Post-Game Entertainment
Set your CD player to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, this year's halftime performer's for your guest's arrival and after the game. You might want to consider placing two TV's in the room depending on the number of guests you have invited, and remember to place the food away from the path of the television so serious football fans won't be complaining about missing the all important plays of the game.
Testing your guests on how well they know the game of football with a friendly trivia game is a great way to set the atmosphere of your Super Bowl party. You can find lots of lesser-known facts on the Internet or in the sport section at your local library. I would suggest you make note of where the answers came from in the event someone doubts your knowledge, as some fans aren't willing to concede defeat easily.
