Football fans all over the nation are making beer runs and stocking up on Tostitos and dip in preparation for Super Bowl Sunday.
Whether they are interested in the commercials and halftime shows, anticipating wardrobe malfunctions, or genuinely excited about the game, millions of people will be watching when the Eagles play the Patriots this Sunday.
"It's a culmination of the entire season down to one game," said Brett Shear, a senior business major. "Winner gets the glory and the loser goes home - it's the American dream."
Many UB students aren't about to let an excuse to party pass them by.
"The Super Bowl is the most exciting day of the year," said Sean Heinkel, a sophomore business major. "It's an excuse to drink on a Sunday and eat junk."
Some UB officials are providing a medium for students to get in on the national party.
Jason Jakubowski, the assistant director of Resident Life, said his department will put seven-foot, high-definition plasma screen televisions in the atrium of the Ellicott complex so students don't miss a moment of the big game.
"We're going to show the Super Bowl in a common space and hopefully we'll have a good turnout," he said.
According to Jakubowski, the idea for the Super Bowl Sunday celebration was the result of students' desire for more intra-dorm mingling and group activities. Jakubowski said Resident Advisors have been promoting the event, which will include games, prizes and lessons on healthy choices.
For some students, all it takes is a couple of friends, some food, and a television to get the full Super Bowl Sunday experience.
"I'm having a bunch of fellows over from the dorms, we're going to eat, drink and watch the Eagles beat the Pats," said Geoff Leach, a freshman engineering major. "And then were going to celebrate some more."
Some students who live off campus are also planning get-togethers, but they have the advantage of more freedom and space.
"I'm going over to my friend's house and he's having at least twenty people over," said junior Rob Scanlon. "We're going have a whole steak dinner. We're making a holiday out of it."
Scanlon said his friend's gathering will include people rooting for both football teams.
Super Bowl Sunday parties with rival fans can lead to some friendly fights and make the evening all the more entertaining.
"Last year me and my friends made bets and argued the whole game," said Heinkel.
Every weekend students are drawn to the bars to escape the pressures and monotony of school, but this weekend they have an excuse to hit the bars on Sunday night as well.
"People want to watch the game at their favorite place, and it just so happens The Steer is a lot of people's favorite place," said Max Kloc, The Steer's general manager.
According to Kloc, Steer patrons will be watching the game on plasma screen televisions and one fortunate football fan will have the chance to take one of the televisions home.
Food and drink play a major part in most game day celebrations and while many stick to the tried-and-true pizza, beer and wings, others pay special attention to their menu.
"We're going to be eating more upscale hors d' oeuvres," said Clay Hooper, a teaching assistant for the English Department, "lots of cheese and fondue."
Fondue isn't the only food that isn't on the Dominos menu that people have admitted to making a part of their Super Bowl Sunday celebration.
"I'm going to have a pig roast and drink Genny Light," said Joe Annunziato, a junior sociology major.
Whether the evening is just about cheering for a favorite team, partying, playing games, or roasting pigs, many students listed friends, food, and football as the main components of any Super Bowl Sunday celebration.
"It's the greatest day ever," said Annunziato.
