It’s Super Bowl season, which means that football-loving families across North America are soon to be glued to their television screens in anticipation of the event’s halftime show, commercials, and — of course — the big game itself. This beloved sports spectacle is an annual highlight for friends and families that congregate at home to watch it unfold, but if the same Super Bowl party formula is starting to feel a bit tired, why not shake things up this time around? The 54th annual Super Bowl is set to air on Sunday, February 2nd at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, so if it’s your turn to entertain, draw inspiration from this white-hot host city and work in elements from the 305 for a unique party spin that’s sure to score you a touchdown.
Put a Spicy Twist on Traditional Super Bowl Party Fare
Hosting a house full of hungry fans? Finger foods are the go-to grub of any Super Bowl party, so whip up a hot Miami-inspired menu that includes spicy chipotle chicken wings, tacos or tacquitos, beef empanadas, pulled pork sliders and Chili-lime peanuts, as well as fan-favorite snacks like chips with guacamole and salsa verde. With these finger foods on hand, there are sure to be two Super Bowl champions this year — the winning team and your flavorful menu.
Cool Things Down with Fan-Favourite Drinks
A Miami-themed Super Bowl party is sure to be hot, so keep things cool by being well-stocked on a variety of refreshing drinks. Include must-haves like water and popular beer brands, and mix in some twangier drinks — such as Micheladas — for more adventurous guests. And since no Super Bowl party is complete without drinking games, be sure to have a few up your sleeve. Classics like Beer Pong, Flip-Cup and Quarters are sure to please guests, as are football-themed games including a ‘play’ drinking game (drink every time a player crosses the 50 yard line) and an announcer-themed game (drink every time the announcer says a specific word or phrase).
Celebrate the Game in Style
The most successful parties are the ones that have a fun atmosphere, and the easiest way to introduce Miami vibes into your home setup is through bold and colourful decorations. From patterned tablecloths to bright flower and balloon displays, to a few cacti and even mini piñatas, set the stage for a fiesta with multi-coloured pieces. And in the words of Miami singer Pitbull, “don’t stop the party” there. Scatter Super Bowl themed decorations — including pennants on the mantel, mini helmets, paper team logos, fun stickers and signs — throughout the main viewing areas of your home to hype up football fever.
Take Your Game to the Next Level with Mini Games for Guests to Play
Your guests may be there to watch the big game, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to have some football-themed fun of their own. Elevate your party with fun games including football bingo (which can include everything from words referees say to what commercials are featured) and field goal ring toss (where guests can throw a small object between a mini field goal post set).
Have a Hot Playlist Ready To Go
The real party starts after the game ends, and as the host, you need to be prepared to keep it going long after the last whistle’s been blown. And since nothing gets an after party going quite like an awesome playlist (and hopefully, a shiny new Vince Lombardi trophy for your favorite team), be sure to create one that will keep everyone pumped up and ready to celebrate. Work dance music and artists from Miami into your playlist to keep your party theme going strong — and don’t forget to include hits from two of the biggest Latina singers of our time, Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, who are both headlining this year’s halftime performance.
Blast These Spotify Playlists to Get the Party Going
Super Bowl House Party Playlist
Miami Beats
Latin Hits 2020
Sports Game Hype (Clean)
Have a Game Plan in Mind
With great parties come great responsibilities, so be sure to have a game plan in place ahead of time. Think through your party setup — including the amount of food needed and seating arrangements — so that everything runs as smoothly as possible the day of. Confirm that you have access to the channel the Super Bowl is streaming on, and have entertainment in place to keep kids occupied. And above all else, don’t forget to have fun and cheer on your team.
Images courtesy of Today (drinks); 100 Layer Cake (decorations); Fun Squared (games); Hypebeast (Jennifer Lopez); Policy Genius (fans).