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The ultimate guide to hosting a Super Bowl party
It’s almost time — the 2024 Super Bowl is just around the corner, so check out our guide for throwing the best watch party for your friends and family.
The biggest football game of the year is here!
And this year, it’s going to be bigger and better than ever, so why not make your mark by throwing the best Super Bowl party?
Whether you’re hoping to see your favorite football players score a touchdown (or deviously hoping your rival team loses), catch Usher wow during the halftime performance, or only watching for the commercials (we’ve also been there!), we’re sure this guide will help you throw the best party possible.
We’ve scoured the internet for the best food and drink inspiration, decorations, party games and more, so read on and start preparing!
Read more: Taking a trip to the windy city? Check out our rundown of the best hotels in Chicago
Super Bowl party essentials
When is the Super Bowl?
The 2024 Super Bowl will take place on Sunday, February 11. Kick-off is currently scheduled for 6:30pm EST, so there’s still plenty of time to make arrangements!
Who is playing in the Super Bowl?
The teams playing in the 2024 Super Bowl are set. The Kansas City Chiefs will face the San Francisco 49ers after winning against the Baltimore Ravens and Detroit Lions respectively.
1. Look the part
It’s important to dress in theme for whatever party you’re going to, and that includes your watch party. Whether you want to simply wear your favorite team colors or splash out on a new jersey to celebrate the occasion, we think it’s important to look the part to help get everyone in the spirit.
Likely the most popular man currently in the NFL (for activities on and off the field), we’re not surprised Travis Kelce’s jersey was the top-selling one on the NFL online store in 2023.
The side panels are made from a breathable mesh material, making it perfect for layering and wearing during the summer, and the heat-sealed name and number will ensure the details won’t peel off.
You can find the jerseys for all the other Chiefs players, as well the lineup for the49ers in sizes for women and children.
Perhaps the worst thing about the Super Bowl being in February is that it’s still pretty chilly across the country, which is why this cozy pullover hoodie could be perfect for your Super Bowl party.
With a simple black design and logo front and center, there’ll be no mistaking whose side you’re on. But that’s not all, it’s a midweight hoodie, making it great for layering or for chilly summer nights — we think it will quickly become a staple in your closet!
Not a Ravens fan? You can find the same hoodie for the Chiefs as well!
These novelty Super Bowl-themed glasses are the perfect addition to your game-day ensemble.
This fun set comes with six pairs of paper glasses (they’re lenseless which will mean your view of the game won’t be hindered), and are the perfect way to add a fun element to your outfit. They’ll also be a great addition to any pictures you’ll take!
2. Set the scene
Like with any party, having decorations to fit the vibe is essential — and for something like the Super Bowl, where the result can go in your favor or not, a happy setup is needed to keep the good vibes going.
If there was ever a time to upgrade your TV, it’s just before your Super Bowl watch party — after all, we think you and your friends deserve to watch the Super Bowl on a big and bright screen.
This 65-inch TV is the ideal TV for your watch party — the 4K Ultra HD resolution and QLED screen will make this super bright and crystal clear, ensuring no one will miss a moment of the game.
It’s also great for gaming, with a quick 240 VRR (variable refresh rate) designed to keep your games responsive and sharp (perfect for replaying your ideal Super Bowl outcome in Madden!).
Dress your table with this football field tablecloth.
Sold in a pack of three, this is the perfect option if you’re having a potluck or treating your friends and family to an extensive BBQ this Super Bowl Sunday.
Even better, it’s reusable, so you’ll be able to bring it out every year.
If you’re dedicated to bringing the party vibes, then decorate your lounge with these fun party decorations.
The pack includes swirls to hang from the ceiling, some fun bunting, table toppers and table confetti. Made from cardstock paper, these are also super easy to store, and are ready to be put back up next year (or even for any other football-themed parties)— talk about economical!
Your guests will need plates to eat off, and with a stress-inducing game like the Super Bowl, we don’t recommend using your everyday dishware or fancy china.
These appropriately-themed paper plates are perfect for all the snacks provided at the event, with one with a football field design, and the other an actual football.
They’re made from cardboard, but are laminated, waterproof and oil-resistant, allowing you to enjoy anything from a helping of mac and cheese to a slice of pizza.
Who doesn’t love a novelty shot glass?
These fun football shot glasses are the perfect addition to your Super Bowl party set-up — we love that they’re reversible, making them ideal for both shots like tequila and sipping drinks like whiskey or gin, and it also happens to make a great gift for any football fan.
At any Super Bowl party, the drinks (alcoholic or not) will be endlessly flowing, so why not get these fun 16 oz. football-themed cups?
Made from a strong, durable plastic, these are a great reusable option that would go down a treat at your Super Bowl watch party or even a tailgate party with buddies during the weekend.
3. Ready the snacks
For game day, you’ll want quick and easy snacks that won’t leave you in the kitchen for ages and missing the game. That’s why food like chips and dips, veggie platters, sliders and nachos are always winners to eat while you all watch the game.
Totino’s Pizza Rolls are always a party winner — they’re tasty, quick and this bag comes with 130 of them, meaning they’re a great addition to your table spread.
Even better, you can cook these however you like, either in an oven (or toaster oven), microwave or airfryer, so they’re suitable for every kind of kitchen.
It’s not a party without some chicken wings. And with this 4 lb. pack of frozen wings, you’re sure to have enough for the entire party.
Simply defrost, marinade, then cook however you like (we definitely prefer wings barbecued!).
Looking for snacks you don’t need to cook or refrigerate?
Chips are the answer, and with this variety pack, there’s sure to be something for everyone. In this pack, you get sour cream and chives, barbecue Lays, Cheetos, chili cheese Fritos and cool ranch and nacho cheese Doritos — all great party flavors!
Simply buy a range of dips from cheese to ranch to guacamole, and voila! You’re done.
Who doesn’t love a sweet treat at the end of the game?
With this Krispy Kreme set of glazed donuts, you’re sure to impress (with virtually no effort on your part either!) — they’re a national favorite for a reason!
4. Kickoff with a stocked bar
Whether you’re serving alcoholic beverages or not, it’s important to keep your guests hydrated and refreshed. Have some fun making a signature cocktail, or just stick to the regular beers and spirits — the most important thing is to just have fun!
A good selection of sodas is essential at every Super Bowl party, either as mixers, for children, or for designated drivers.
We love these cans of regular Coca-Cola from Kroger, but you can get their sugar-free options, a range of flavors, as well as drinks like Dr. Pepper, Mountain Dew and A&W Root Beer.
Tito's Handmade Vodka
750ml
A favorite nationwide, Tito’s Handmade Vodka is the perfect vodka for your Super Bowl Sunday party.
With notes of white pepper, macadamia, cream and (subtle) notes of sweetcorn, this is the perfect vodka for mixing cocktails and shots.
Tequila is many people’s spirit of choice, whether it’s in a margarita, or with just some salt and lime, it’s a must-have for every party.
We love this Jose Cuervo one due to its clean, crisp agave notes, making it a versatile spirit.
Bud Light Beer
12 pack
It’s not Super Bowl Sunday without a few beers — and our top pick has to go to Bud Light. A favorite among many for decades, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the party.
We recommend picking up a few cases of these since we’re sure they’ll go down a treat, and they’re always a good one to have in the fridge just in case!
5. Get some games ready
While the game is the main event, they only last around 60 minutes, and its doubtful that everyone will want to watch the commentary after (especially if their team has a less favorable outcome), so we recommend getting some fun Super Bowl games together.
The commercials are almost as iconic as the game itself — brands will spend millions of dollars on their special one-off commercials in the hope of catching people’s attention.
Add an extra element of fun to the adverts with this bingo game, which highlights the cliches that we see every year. Assign a prize to the winner, and you’ve got yourself an easy, fun halftime show!
With this set of playing cards based on historic locations of past Super Bowls, you’re sure to have a few hours of fun.
Play games such as Go-Fish, Rummy or Cribbage, or if you’re feeling blue after the game, try to turn your luck around with a game of Blackjack.
Madden NFL 24
Xbox Series X/Xbox One
We’re sure you’ve heard someone exclaiming how they would’ve made a play differently at least once during a game. So why not let them put their money where their mouth is and bring out some friendly competition with a game in Madden 24?
Play as your favorite NFL stars, win championships and make yourself a legend — is there a better time to live out your own Super Bowl dreams?
Our verdict: Which Super Bowl party ideas are the best?
Hosting a Super Bowl party is super fun, and not that complicated! All you need is to bring the good vibes, a good choice of snacks and drinks and some entertainment for after the game!
So whoever you’re rooting for, and no matter how the big game turns out, we hope you enjoy your Super Bowl watch party!
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Prices updated on 01/29/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
A book aficionado, you will always be able to rely on Phoebe Davenport for the best book recommendations. On the weekend, you’ll probably find Phoebe at a bottomless brunch in London, at a museum, or chilling at home with her two cats.