Everyone is talking about this Super Bowl, even those that don’t know the difference between Tony Dungy and Tony Bennett. At a particularly raucous birthday party last night, we still found people willing to take a minute to offer their opinion, or make their prediction, or even express their desire that Peyton gets the championship he so richly deserves.
Given that the party was in honor of a 45th birthday, and some guest were considerably beyond that little number, there was also a noticeable air of unhappiness with the NFL mavens who insist on holding the the championship game on a Sunday night. What are those numb-skulls thinking?
Everyone wants to watch the game. Most people would like to make a day of the event. Some would probably like to have a few adult beverages, to smooth the day long process of grilling pork, chicken, and beef (so that it can later be covered in various homemade sauces) that is an important part of every big football game. Maybe they want to invite friends, in-laws, and close relatives to share in their bounty. Children would be welcome, dogs, too, as all converge for a classic American ritual. All of this conviviality would also include small wagers, a number board, and other devices that help hold the interest of all for the length of the game.
But not this year. Nossir, this year, for some strange reason, we cannot find a group, a party, or even a club sponsored gathering with whom to share the game. Why not, you ask? Because the game starts at 6:30 on a Sunday night, which really means 7:00 PM. The game won’t be over until 11:00 PM at the earliest. Tomorrow is a school day for the pups, and a work day for the adults. Can’t be out late. Can’t have a hangover. Can’t find a baby sitter for a Sunday night because they all have school tomorrow. The club isn’t putting anything together, because Sunday night is a day of rest for those good people. And, dammit, we are getting too old to assume all those extra burdens for a football game when our economic lives are so much more important.
So, tonight, when an unusually compelling game gets underway, we will be at home. So will most of our friends. Nestled in the warmth of our living room, with a pot of chili waiting for half-time, with our small wager allowance unspent, we will watch the game, cheer, cry, laugh, lament, and enjoy the slings and arrows of outrageous misfortune until a winner is decided. We will be alone.
Thus, we ask a few simple questions. Given the enormous interest, the huge economic impact, and, yes, the burden of a responsible life, why isn’t this game being played on Saturday night? What earthly difference would it make? Aren’t the fans the largest part of the game? Or is there some economic advantage that accrues to the benefit of the NFL that is worth more than ALL OF US?
What’s wrong with Super Bowl Saturday? What a great national holiday that would be! All of the participatory aspects of the game could be enjoyed, with none of the negatives, except, possibly, for a smaller turnout at church the next day. Why not?
And if Saturday doesn’t suit, here’s an idea. A close friend, a wise man known here as G-Man, suggests that the Super Bowl and MLK day should be united in a totally symbolic and meaningful way. Have the game on a Sunday night, if you must, but let the Monday after be MLK Day. What a smashing idea!
Can we start a grassroots, netroots movement here and restore some sanity to this greatest of games?
I was annoyed when I saw the NFL was telling churches they couldn’t show the game. They consider it a “mass out of home viewing” and say it messes with their ratings. Give me a break, the sponsors are still getting their message out and at least no one would be driving home sloshed. We’re headed to a friend’s house, the boys will be there, ignoring the game and playing with other kids. We’ll head home long before the game is over, but Tim and I aren’t sports fans and have nothing riding on the outcome. I’m only interested because I look forward to tomorrow’s round-up.
The thought that comes to mind is: “Penny wise and pound foolish”. The NFL folks are too greedy for their own good. Thanks for the comment.
Agricola, as little as I like the thought of belonging to any social movement, if you get this “Super Bowl Saturday” movement going, I’m in. Hell, send me some bumper stickers already.