Top: Trevor Allen ‘19 supporting #87 Rob Gronkowski on the Patriots. Bottom: Alex Vincent ‘19 New York native supporting NFL team the Buffalo Bills.

It is no secret on campus that the New England Patriots, who will battle the Los Angeles Rams in the 53rd Super Bowl, are favored by many students. But how serious do students take Super Bowl Sunday? Is it a day to watch football or is it an excuse to drink with friends?

Massachusetts native, Trevor Allen ‘19, describes Patriots games  as a “major event in my life since childhood.” Allen mentally prepared himself for this game a week prior to Super Bowl Sunday. Then, on the morning of the big game,  Allen plans to load up on a filling breakfast, stock up on alcohol, and patiently wait for kickoff. Allen prefers his Super Bowl Sunday with friends at a bar, such as What Ale’s You and Akes’ Place, or if need be, alone.

Another trend of the Super Bowl is betting. “I know people who place copious amounts of money on the super bowl, upwards of hundreds of dollars,” Allen said. Being a Division II baseball player, the NCAA does not allow any athletes to place bets. “If I could, I would bet a lot of money on the Patriots winning by 10,” Allen said.

For some students, placing bets on the Super Bowl increases the thrill of the game. “I take the Super Bowl very seriously because of how much money I put on the Patriots to win,” said Mike Deery*.  “I have placed over $100 on the Patriots winning the Super Bowl.”

But not everyone will be glued to the game tomorrow evening. New York native, Alex Vincent ‘19, said she does not understand the hype around the Patriots. “I know they are really good, but I think it is kind of stupid how serious some students take it.” Since childhood, Vincent has been a Buffalo Bills fan and said she is not inclined to sit down and watch the Super Bowl if the Bills are not in the game.

For other students, the hype does not seem genuine. “I think it is super franchised, “ said Massachusetts native, Max Allen ‘19. “It is now more about the commercials that are on, people that are there, and the half time show. Even though I am a Patriots fan, I still do not really enjoy watching it,” Allen said, adding that the Super Bowl is, just another excuse for students to drink. “I feel that most students here are more focused on what party they are going to attend than actually watching the game.”

 

 

*This student wishes to remain anonymous due to the illegality of betting in the NCAA.