After two weeks of hype, the Super Bowl kicks off on Sunday. On this day, millions of North Americans will be partying, eating food, sitting in front of large screen TV’s, and of course, enjoying the most anticipated football game of the year.

Yes, whether you live in Prince George. B.C., Waterloo, Ontario, Waterloo, Wisconsin, Pottsville, Pennsylvania, or any other city, this four hour game (including the lengthy half time show) has evolved into a North American tradition. Indeed, this is a time when fans and non-fans alike will tune in, some just to catch a glimpse of all the excitement.

It is nearly impossible for the Pittsburgh-Green Bay game to live up to its advanced billing, especially since it is the biggest extravaganza in North American sports. Yes, double digits outcomes have decided 28 of the 44 Super Bowls and 34 of the games have been decided by five or more points. However, four or less points have decided five of the last nine games.

Interestingly, overtime has not factored into any of these contests. This game would reach unparalleled drama should extra time be needed. It would become the first overtime playoff game under the new rules where the receiving team on its first possession needs a touchdown rather than a field goal to secure the victory.

The Steelers and Packers never played in the 2010 regular season but they did meet in 2009 in what was one of the most memorable regular season games ever. Pittsburgh won 37-36 on a last play 19-yard TD pass from Ben Roethlisberger to Mike Wallace.

Although neither club plays in the largest of the U.S. markets, T.V. ratings should be extremely high considering the storied history of both teams and that each team has a marquee quarterback.

Aaron Rodgers has the edge on statistics, but Roethlisberger possesses intangibles and experience. In just his third season as the Green Bay starter, Rodgers has already elevated himself to elite status. In three impressive road victories during this post-season he has passed for 790 yards with six touchdowns and two interceptions. Although he looked ordinary in the second half against the Bears he will be playing under ideal conditions in Dallas.

Roethlisberger has not achieved the numbers of other big name pivots, except one important one, he wins. “Big Ben” has already earned two Super Bowls and he is only 28. He was superb in the closing minutes against the Jets making two huge completions that prevented New York from getting the ball back. He is at his best when the stakes are at their highest.

So, with both teams capable of another high scoring game, the Vince Lombardi Trophy will likely go to the club with the best defense. Okay, which defense is better? The Steelers allowed the fewest points in the NFL (232) and the Packers allowed the second fewest in the league (240).

 

The Packers are slight favourites, but I am picking the Steelers to win. Many of their players
were on this stage just a couple of years ago. Yes, often there is no substitute for experience.

 

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Like the majority of fans, I will be watching the game on a big screen away from home in a party like atmosphere, at Shooters Sports Pub (across from CN Centre). Since this event is for not only the hardcore football fan, but the casual one as well, here are 10 “out of the ordinary facts” in preparation for the extravaganza:

• Just one in 20 people will watch the game alone.
• The average number of people at a Super Bowl party is 17.
• 35% of people who attend the game write it off as a corporate expense.
• Super Bowl Sunday is second in food consumption behind only Thanksgiving Day.
• On the Monday following the Super Bowl, an average of six percent of the workforce calls in sick.
• On the same Monday, antacid sales show a 20 per cent increase.
• More drivers are involved in alcohol-related accidents on Super Bowl Sunday than any other day of the year (except St. Patrick's Day).
• One out of every 12 people viewing the game on television only does so to see the commercials.
• Of the top 10 most watched television programs of all time, nine of them are Super Bowls.
• Over 700,000 footballs are produced annually for official NFL use and 72 of them are used for the Super Bowl.

 

Source: http://www.yumsugar.com/Super-Bowl-Fun-Facts-125068

By the way, for every NFL game, a recent study shows there is only about 12 minutes of real game action. Thus, the game may not last long, but the hangovers sure will.

Clinical Cardiology has published a new study claiming that the losing Super Bowl city experiences higher death rates because of the added emotional stress.
But if that's the case, wouldn't Buffalo have been a ghost town by 1994?

 

The Dallas-Ft. Worth area will require about 10,000 strippers in its 60 area clubs for the Super Bowl, according to a local club owner. Apparently Expedia just booked reservations for 'Pacman' Jones and his entourage.

A three-game series between the Florida Marlins and Mariners June 24-26 has been moved from Miami to Seattle because of a U2 concert. Despite obvious inconveniences to some of the Marlins, they were told the series would go on 'With or Without You'.

In hopes of keeping most of their team together, and defending their World Series Championship, the San Francisco Giants have increased their payroll to a team record $115 million. $115 million?!!. Commented the New York Yankees “How cute.”

Kobe Bryant is going to become the first professional athlete to set his hands and feet in cement at Grauman’s Chinese Theater in Hollywood. Cleveland fans would like Lebron to follow him, although preferably with the full burial treatment.

 

The Indian Government has fired its Commonwealth Games chief citing corruption, kickbacks and graft or as it is known in India, Tuesday. The fired chief quickly landed on his feet as the coordinator for the new Stadium in Hamilton. 

A new study says shrieking or uttering loud sounds when striking the ball gives tennis players an advantage. I'm thinking Maria Sharapova takes that for grunted.

 

Soda pot, a marijuana-laced soft drink, is about to hit the market. At least Michael Phelps was able to find himself an endorsement deal.

Comedy writer Jerry Perishohttp://monologuewriter.blogspot.com/