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It’s Super Bowl!

It’s Super Bowl time, and that means football, friends, family, and food! I thought this would be a great time to share with you a few of my favorite football memories, and my family’s favorite football food recipes.

My Favorite Football Memories

I have been a fan of football for as long as I can remember! Well, before my brother Paul chimes in to disagree, I should say that rather than being a long-time fan of football, I am a long-time fan of everything that goes along with football and the Super Bowl. Every year we plan out a fun afternoon to celebrate the festivities of the Superbowl, as well as spending a moment in time with most of the country, all from the comfort of my family room.

My Love Of Football Began…

I was introduced to Football at a young age. My grandfather was a season ticket holder for the Oakland Raiders. The Oakland Raiders were always a very passionate team and had a great fan base that made games super fun. As a young girl, I really had no idea what football was about, or why someone would want to play it. But the events surrounding the game were a blast. My Grandfather’s tickets were front row seats on the 25-yard line. We were just above where the band would come in during half time. This was another great part of the game for me as our, dear family friend, Dave played Tuba in the band!

For the most part, I enjoyed the fact that I was sitting next to my Grandpa. Going anywhere with my Grandpa was always an adventure. He never met a stranger and seemed to be well- liked by everyone. He was a big guy with huge hands and sitting next to him, holding his hand in that huge stadium always felt like the safest place in the world. To this day, my brother says that he thinks Grandpa only ever took me to pre-season games. He can’t imagine that “real” games were wasted on a girl who didn’t know about football. But either way, I loved it taking my yearly turn at the games.

And Then We Met the Raiders

I remember one day when we went to the jeweler to pick up my Grandma’s ring. We walked in, hand in hand, and the newly crowned Super Bowl Champions, the Oakland Raiders, were all in the jeweler getting their rings sized. I clung tightly to my Grandpa’s hand as he walked through the jewelry store talking with the players, congratulating them, and shaking their hands. He, of course, had never met any of them personally, but again, he never met a stranger.

My Favorite Football Memories

At the games, I also loved watching the Raiderettes. They are the cheerleaders for the Oakland Raiders. I, of course, envisioned that my football crazy brother would grow up to be a Raider, and I would be a Raiderette. I thought it would be so cool because I thought my Grandpa would be so proud sitting there in the stands watching us.

The Concessions

And, I also enjoyed the concessions! I remember the smell of the hot dogs and cry of the vendors calling out to get sales in the stands. Truly there was nothing better than a hot dog and a cold ice cream malt eaten with a little flat wooden spoon. Good times. And of course, there was the time we went in the pouring rain. My grandfather brought poncho’s and we sat in the freezing cold. The front row was encased with cement so as the game went on, the ground beneath us filled up with water. That day we got hot chocolate. Yum!

Those memories are all long behind me, and since I have learned the rules of the game, I enjoy rooting for the various teams. But, I will always have a heart for the Oakland Raiders because I grew up rooting for them. Since we live close to San Francisco, I am a fan of the Forty Niners as well. I also have always loved the Patriots. Tom Brady is from San Mateo, which is in our part of the country, so I root for them as well! Depending on the teams in the Superbowl, I can always find a team to root for. It makes it so much more fun!

My Brother Paul

My brother Paul has a huge mind for Trivia, especially sports Trivia. For his 50^th birthday, we planned a game of Sports Trivia. The teams were equally divided based on knowledge, Paul against the entire party of about 30 people. Paul won. So, if you happen to be having a Super Bowl party and would like someone to attend who knows everything about every sport ever, invite him. He rarely gets invited to Super Bowl parties more than once because he wins all the games and prizes.

Oh, and then there is the half time! I love watching the fanfare as the amazing Super Bowl halftime shows unfold. My Favorite of all time was the year that it was NSync, Brittany Spears, and the amazing Aerosmith! That was awesome! But half time is about more than watching a musical act, half time is when we bring the goodies out and have hot sandwiches and lots of other good stuff!

And the Goodies

Every year on Superbowl we come home from church, put on our comfortable football watching clothing, and prep the table for yum! During half time we always have Hot Sandwiches, Chips, Potato Salad, and Root Beer Floats. During the rest of the game we watch commercials, and the game, and snack on veggies, 9-layer dip, Deviled Eggs, and then every year we add in a few other items for fun. We enjoy voting on the best commercials, singing along at the half time, and being a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Goodies for the Game

But, the most important thing, is that we are spending time with family and friends. Some years it is just a small group of our family, some years, the whole family, and some years friends too! Taking an afternoon out of the year to cheer, share food, and enjoy the company is a worthwhile way to spend the day. Share in the comments who you are rooting for and what your favorite Superbowl Treat is.

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For Comfort Food Recipe Inspiration Check Out this post on Fall Family Favorites. And for a yummy treat to munch on check out my Valentine’s Strawberry White Chocolate Munch! 

My Favorite Football Memories