How to Throw the Best Super Bowl Party in College

The Big Game is among the most enjoyable winter events in college. Read our guide to learn how to throw the best football party.
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Updated on February 24, 2022
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  • Get all your football party food and refreshments figured out ahead of time.
  • If you have a yard, cornhole and pong tables can enhance your party's atmosphere.
  • Make sure everyone has a safe, sober ride home after the party.

Football is a central part of many students' college experiences. A lot of students love attending college football games, and the championship game in February offers another chance to get together with friends.

Both dorm rooms and off-campus houses can be great venues for a Super Bowl viewing party. Read on for fun party ideas, including options for football party food and drinks.

Creating the Perfect Super Bowl Viewing Party Atmosphere

The good news is that Super Bowl viewing parties require almost no decoration. Instead, you should focus on the snacks.

Depending on the amount of room at your place, most tailgate staples also work great for a football-viewing party. If you have a backyard, you can break out the grill and set up cornhole or pong tables.

If you don't have a big TV, consider asking a friend to bring theirs. You can also ask people to show up in football jerseys or their favorite team's colors.

3 Football Party Essentials You Need to Have

Most good sports-viewing parties include the same elements. Read on to learn about three must-haves for your get-together.

1. Guests

No party is complete without guests! Invite all your friends to your football party, even if they're rooting for different teams. Guests don't need a deep familiarity with football to have a good time. But if you really want to focus on the game, you may want to only invite hardcore football fans.

Consider how much room you have at your place, too, when deciding how many people to invite. Remember that everyone needs to be able to see the TV!

2. Tasty Food

The most popular game-day food items are staples like wings, pizza, nachos, and buffalo chicken dip. Chips, veggies, and cheese trays are also good snacks to have out on the table. You can find many of these items at your local grocery store.

To save money, you may consider hosting a potluck, asking each guest to bring a dish to share with the group.

3. Party Drinks

To make your party more inclusive, consider providing both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages. The under-21 crowd might enjoy fruit punch and soda, while others might prefer a keg or a bowl of spiked punch.

Since drink costs can start to add up for larger get-togethers, you may want to use a BYOB policy.

5 Things to Double-Check Before Your Super Bowl Viewing Party

Before opening the doors to your football party, double-check the five items below to ensure your party runs smoothly.

  • Cable and/or Internet Connection: The Super Bowl generally airs on network TV, so make sure you have the right cable access to watch the game on TV or via a livestream. Your guests will also want to use your Wi-Fi on their phones.
  • Plates, Utensils, and Cups: Most parties rely on the classic red Solo cup. Since football-viewing parties often involve food, you should consider buying paper plates and plastic utensils. To be more eco-friendly and save money, you can use your own cups and dishware and wash them after the party.
  • Seating Arrangements: Ultimately, the championship game is the main event at your party. Make sure you have enough seating near the TV and that everyone can see the screen.
  • Cleaning Supplies: Keep some trash bags and cleaning supplies on hand in case of spills. For the sake of your home, it's best to clean any messes right after they happen.
  • All Guests Have a Safe Ride Home: As the party's host, you should make sure that everyone who attends can get home safely. Especially if alcohol is involved, check with each guest to make sure they have a safe, sober ride home.

Feature Image: Dmytro Aksonov / E+ / Getty Images