Boston set to party, win or lose

American culture embraces the Super Bowl more than any other sporting event. The annual NFL Championship beats out the World Series, Stanley Cup Finals, NBA Finals, and even the Olympics in popularity. Nearly half of all United States households will have the game on this Sunday, making it the single most watched television event of the year.

With the promise of big stars performing at half time, big names playing in the game, and the year's best commercials, what better day than Super Bowl Sunday to rally your friends and throw a party worthy of the big-game hype?

Whether sitting at home on the couch with a plate of nachos and delivery pizza or going out to a bar to watch the event in a more lively setting while throwing back drafts, the Super Bowl gives many "fans" (only 8 percent of viewers actually care who wins the game) the chance to extend their weekends through Sunday night. When asked the main reason why he parties on Super Bowl Sunday, Delta Upsilon brother Anthony Shropshire had a matter-fact-reply.

"Because it's football," Shropshire explained. "It's the best game; it's what we've been waiting for all year."

With the Patriots favored in the Championship game, the Boston area is sure to be the center for Super Bowl revelry outside of Houston. Local bars and restaurants will see throngs of fans turning out to cheer on the Patriots in a communal setting.

"We expect to be sold out," Tracy Wallace, marketing director of Jillian's Bar near Fenway Park, said. "Doors will open at 12:00 and we will [let people in] on a first come, first serve basis."

Many bars and restaurants will offer specials for their Super Bowl clients. Jillian's plans to not only offer drink bargains, gift certificates and other prizes, but a Penthouse Pet as well. Penthouse pin-up Kylie Ryan will be at the restaurant as an added draw for male football fans.

In Davis Square, the Joshua Tree will be giving away $1,250 worth of prizes during the Super Bowl broadcast. The bar and full service restaurant expects many Patriots enthusiasts to pack in, beginning as early as 10:00 a.m. when the Joshua Tree opens for Sunday brunch.

"Many of [our clients] are Tufts students," Joshua Tree assistant manager Chris Collen said. "Any time there is a major competition with a New England sports team, we have a lot of people."

On campus, students will come together wherever there are televisions broadcasting the game. DU plans to bring in 11 to 14 televisions, complete with stadium seating for ideal game viewing.

Should the Patriots score a victory over the Carolina Panthers, thus earning their second Lombardi Trophy in three years, Boston will likely be the scene of one huge street party.

"The night the Pats won the Super Bowl [in 2001] was one of the best nights I've had in Boston," junior Brian Costello said. "My friends and I went into the city and ran around with everyone else making noise. It was crazy."

Much of that excitement filtered out onto Boston's streets where jubilant fans climbed buildings and lampposts, as well as driving around honking horns and celebrating with thousands of other excited people.

As with any crowded, drunken situation, the potential could exist for the crowd to get out of control. When the Red Sox beat the Oakland A's in the AL playoffs, hundreds of Tufts students crowded the President's Lawn in celebration. TUPD had officers present and the paddy wagon handy should any of the revelers lose control. A similar situation could arise if the Patriots go on to win the Super Bowl this weekend.

TUPD will have a few extra officers on staff on Sunday and will have their 11:00 p.m. shift come in early. According to TUPD Captain Mark Keith, no drastic measures will be taken, but one or two extra supervisors will be on hand.

"We're not anticipating any big problems," Keith said.

Whatever the outcome of the game, Tufts students and the city of Boston alike will have an excuse to celebrate come Sunday.