Yale's football fans get ready to pack a fat Bowl

Who's going to win the Super Bowl? When asked that question, most everyone around campus replies with a terse "Broncos," or "Denver" in a tone that implies the question, "Why do you even need to ask?"

But even though conventional wisdom has the Broncos winning in a cakewalk, 800 million viewers are expected to hit their couthes to watch the game and, more importantly, it's surrounding hoopla. As Janine Robinson, in-house counsel and corporate relations director for the Super Bowl Host Committee said in the Miami Herald, "The game is the most incidental part of the whole thing."

Thus, come Sunday, Yalies--football fans and pigskin illiterates alike, all in perpetual search of an excuse to party-- will push aside their books to partake in the festivities surrounding the game.

The residential college lounges should be packed by the 6:18 p.m. kickoff. For those looking to enjoy the camaraderie that comes from sitting in a room packed with inebriated students yelling at an oversized television screen, the lounges will be a good place to be. Those in the mood for a social viewing atmosphere can also stop in at one of the local bars--Rudy's, Sports Haven, or Gecko. Kavanaugh's will be serving a buffet throughout the afternoon to add flavor to the experience. At these favorite spots, Yalies and New Havenites will flock to drink some good brew, take in a good meal, and maybe even watch the game.

Even the fraternity houses are preparing for the biggest sporting event of the year. Beta Theta Pi is hosting a Super Bowl Bonanza for both members and rushes, complete with pizza, wings, chips and drinks. And let's not forget the famous Super Bowl pools. The boxes are being drawn and numbers entered. It's time to place your bets.

For those not interested in partaking of the social scene, Yale's latest improvements in television technology give students the chance to enjoy the game from the comfort of their own home. The addition of cable in the dorm rooms provides another viewing option that allows for private parties and casual in-room viewing. Watching in a private room may provide the best atmosphere for commercial screening--an instrumental part of the Super Bowl experience--allowing people to jeer or tear at the newest ads to their hearts' delight.

Though the Bud Bowl has long been abandoned, fans can expect to see the newest installment to the story of Louie and Frank, the lizards who failed in their attempt to assassinate the Budweiser frogs last season. Jerry Maguire's Cuba Gooding Jr. is also sure to pop up in unexpected situations peddling Pepsi One to the next generation. Even the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) is getting into the act, lauching a new ad campaign with a $1.6 million, 30-second spot to air in the thrid quarter.

Then there's the halftime show, which usually includes the likes of fireworks, stuntmen parachuting into the stadium and musical performances. As the last Super Bowl this millennium, this year's show promises to be a technological extravaganza. If you're not into pyrotechnics, however, check out MTV's halftime "Celebrity Death Match," or even the WWF's "Halftime Heat" on USA.

For those craving the sensationalism and drama of the actual football game, this match-up will not disappoint. This meeting of Falcons head coach Dan Reeves, who was booted from his old coaching job in Denver, and the man they found to replace him, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, brings added drama to the event. Shanahan supposedly expedited the process of Reeves' departure.

Reeves, having returned to the field only several weeks ago, after undergoing open-heart surgery, will certainly be the sentimental favorite. His condition and recovery alone have inspired many formerly ambivalent fans to root for the Dirty Birds.

Denver quarterback John Elway's pending retirement adds additional flare to the event. Will this be his final NFL appearance? A win would provide Elway a chance to go out on top, but would also give him the opportunity to come back for one last season with a shot to win three Super Bowls in a row, something never accomplished. Such a feat would certainly catapult him from greatness to legendary status, among the likes of Joe Montana. The prospect of achieving such renown may be temptation enough to lure the 38-year-old from out of the arms of retirement once again.

But before Elway can even think of retiring, he must play the game. And Super Bowl XXXIII promises to be an event of great magnitude, bringing together a show of athletic brilliance, technological wizardry, and emotional drama.

With so much to do around town and so much excitement on the screen, those who pass up a seat in front of the TV this Sunday for a spot in the weenie bins of CCL, or some similarly inferior spot that isolates them from the game experience, will surely regret it. Whether Yalies are looking for good food, flowing taps, the company of good friends, or just the chance to drop the books for a few hours, one of New Haven's Super Bowl options is sure to please. So put down your pens, pick up your beers, and grab a seat on the couch. It's that time of year, kids.

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