The big day is finally here. The grill is stoked, the fridge is full of beer, all sorts of dips are laid out on the table, and even your annoying friend Ralph is coming, once again promising to bring the $42 he still owes you from the Super Bowl Squares of 2016. It's the best day of the year for football fanatics: It's Super Bowl Sunday.
Now, I live in Vegas, so you'll have to forgive me for writing this so soon after walking my dog Kerouac in a pair of shorts and a light hoodie. With that said, it doesn't matter if you're stuck in a Polar Vortex or chilling beachside in La Jolla, once the game starts, your focus shifts to the game...or does it?
The party is as much a part of the game as the game itself, especially if you're not one of the countless New England Patriots fans or the hard-to-find Los Angeles Rams diehards. Some party better than others. Some look at the game as a day at the office, with plenty of money on the line, along with little Jimmy's college fund (it's alright...he'll learn how to code by the time he's 14 and he won't need college anyway). There's even something for the film nerds in all of us, as every 30-second advertisement cost its inspiration $5.25 million.
There's something for everyone so, in the spirit of Super Bowl Sunday — and the fact I still haven't sipped a beer yet today and it's nearly two hours before kick-off — let's look at some of best ways to enjoy Super Bowl Sunday in Vegas (especially if you're currently reading this in the bathroom after Cousin Katie's 13-layer vegan bean dip ran through you like Ironhead Heyward).
1. Load up your Lyft app and be safe
I mean, it goes without saying that today is a day to enjoy a few beers or cocktail. But make it a one day party and stay out of the clink or worse. Lyft's Las Vegas has partnered with Las Vegas Coalition for Zero Fatalities and PT's to make this Super Bowl Sunday a safe one.
New and existing riders heading to any PT's location around the valley Sunday can use the code "BIGGAME19" to get $5 off the cost of two rides. The offer is valid for the first $20,000 of free credits awarded, so start your watch party early. No word on whether or not the Lyft cars will be automated but, if they aren't, feel free to give your driver your drunken reasons why you don't like Tom Brady.
2. Double-check your betting app to make sure you're flush
Nothing worse than forgetting your damn login password for a betting app. Usually, it requires you heading into the chaotic sports book the morning of the Super Bowl and then wait for the book manager to open up your info and then reset your password. Once that bad boy is ready to go, it's time to make a little scratch. Making sure this is taken care of will enhance your game experience 10-fold, especially if you really are still reading this from the bathroom.
If your first bet on who will receive the kickoff doesn't hit, you're not screwed. You can add funds via your debit card all game long. You can bet between timeouts for in-game betting, and there are what seems like a million different betting options. For example, I was feeling dangerous today so I took the over (397) on "Tom Brady TD Passes combined with UNLV Fans Begging For Rick Pitino on Social Media Today."
I like my chances.
3. Order some pizza from Good Pie
I'm not kidding. If it's not too late, beg a Postmates rep to pick it up for you. Vincent Rotolo
makes the absolute BEST pies in Vegas. If you haven't been down there, the dude is a Master of Pizza Pies and a "grandma's boy." A New York native, Rotolo first started out at John’s of Bleeker Street in Greenwich Village eventually moving to Sin City, where worked Monte Carlo's 800 Degrees and Dom DeMarco’s in Summerlin. The gifted right-hander, who has quite the throwing arm (almost broke the dunk tank with a fastball last year at a charity event), developed the menu at
Evel Pie on Fremont East.
Sauce is always on at Good Pie, which is located in the Pawn Stars Plaza. Seriously, kids, his pie is the best I've had in town.
The Grandma styled A Good Time-Balls On Your Pie, which features sauce, mozzarella, fresh mozzarella & pecorino topped with meatballs, finished with whipped fresh ricotta, shaved grana padano and fresh parsley, is ridiculous and he even has world champion gluten-free options for anyone who needs to stay away from gluten.
Order it. You'll thank me later...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krol4o-TuwQ
4. Dispensary deals abound on Super BOWL Sunday
If you're in a cannabis-friendly state, today is a big day for your local dispensaries. They are offering deals so good you'll forget them five minutes later for other, more obvious reasons. While every host has different rules, it's important to be respectful of their domicile or public establishment. But, if you are a fan of the Devil's Lettuce, and you're looking for some good deals to discreetly enjoy The Big Game while knocking off half the Thai egg rolls some blessed soul decided to bring, not a bad idea to check them out.
Here's the best part: They deliver too! You can actually throw down on an app for many of the local dispensaries and order it via delivery. You can pick your all-natural non-poison right off the menu and they'll have it to you within an hour. No need to leave the couch. If alcohol isn't your thing, and this is, what a great way to spend your Super Bowl Sunday than with your good friend Mary Jane.
Heck, one dispensary in Oregon is offering a free pizza with a minimum order. It's a brave new world indeed...even for geniuses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6XsBj7qDlA
5. Enjoy all the new movie trailers debuting during the game
For film dorks like me, the Super Bowl is also a great time to watch commercials. They're always a step up from the normal ads, with celebrity cameos and quality production value but, while I love a good Big Lebowski-themed Stella Artois commercial as much as the next guy, there are real movie trailers dropping today too.
We're looking at trailers for "Toy Story 4," Fast and the Furious spinoff "Hobbs and Shaw," and — many are speculating — a new "Avengers: End Game" trailer. Also look for a new "Aladdin" spot, as well as maybe a "Stranger Things 3" promo. There haven't been any rumors of a trailer for "Star Wars: J.J. Abrams Saves Rian Johnson's Ass (also known as Episode IX)." There has been a small rumor Disney might ramp up buzz early during with at least some kind of teaser.
Whatever gets showcased today, there will be plenty to hit YouTube for after the game. Whether you missed a trailer or a great commercial spot, the Interweb is always there to save our day. With that in mind, here is the first "Avengers: End Game" trailer, just to get that blood flowing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hA6hldpSTF8
