Everything you need to host a Super Bowl party (2024)

America's biggest day for sports fans is this Sunday, and whether you're rooting for the San Franciso 49ers or the Kansas City Chiefs (or Taylor Swift), the big game is a chance to gather with friends, eat good food, and watch some good ol' fashioned football.

Also:How to watch Super Bowl 2024: All your best streaming options

The Super Bowl is consistently one of the most watched events, and last year, about 115 million people watched it live. If you're planning on hosting a gathering of friends and family to watch the big game this weekend, you'll need some backup. ZDNET rounded up everything you need to host a Super Bowl party so that your guests can watch, hear, and enjoy the big game to the fullest.

A TV

Historically, one of the best times to buy a new TV is right before the Super Bowl, since many retailers offer TV deals during this time. Whether you are looking to upgrade your TV's display or sound, or just get a bigger TV to watch the game, we've rounded up the best TVs we've tested and recommend.

To watch the big game, you'll need a big TV, and this Samsung Neo QLED TV is 85 inches so you won't miss a play. This TV's upscaled 4K display as well as its 120Hz refresh rate means better detailing and smoother motion. The screen is also Pantone-validated for exceptional color accuracy and more lifelike images.

It works with both Dolby Atmos and Samsung's Object Tracking Sound+ technology to provide immersive, virtual surround sound that follows the on-screen action of the game.

View at AmazonView at Best BuyView at Best Buy

A soundbar

If you don't want or need to upgrade your TV but are still looking for a little more oomph while watching the game, a soundbar is a great addition to a setup, bringing the game to life with heavy bass and clear details. The best soundbars have features like included subwoofers, Bluetooth connectivity, sound customizations, and more. Here are some of our top picks.

This soundbar from Hisense is the best soundbar for most people at just $350. It has everything you need for the best listening experience, including a subwoofer and two wireless, surround-sound speakers. And, the soundbar itself has a whopping nine speakers built into it.

The specs speak for themselves: 5.1.2 Surround with 500W max audio power, Dolby Atmos, seven preset EQ modes, Roku TV ready, and more.

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A TV wall mount

Raise up your TV for the big game with a TV wall mount for better viewing angles. The best TV wall mounts offer flexible range of motions so that everyone in the room will be able to watch the game. We've listed our top picks that swivel, tilt, and resist glare.

This motorized TV mount from Vivo is an almost-perfect solution for finding the right spot for your TV. It mounts to your ceiling joists, which frees up wall and floor space and gives you plenty of placement options; which is great for smaller spaces like bedrooms or apartments.

It's compatible with a wide variety of mounting configurations, and can accommodate TVs up to 85-inches and up to 110 pounds.

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Smart kitchen appliances

Aside from watching football, the Super Bowl is known for good food. From dips and sliders to wings and chili, you'll need the best kitchen appliances to help you out in the kitchen. And thanks to built-in technology in smart kitchen gadgets, cooking is more accessible and more customizable, so you can actually have time to enjoy the game.

An Instant Pot is a staple in every modern kitchen, and it will help you be able to make virtually any meal for the big game. The device can serve the typical role of a pressure or slow cooker, but there are also exclusive functions like sous vide, yogurt maker, and more. You can use your phone to control the unit and use Wi-Fi to connect to the Instant Brands Connect app.

Also:The best Instant Pots

The app has over 2,000 smart recipes that you can click on, and the Instant Pot will start heating up to the proper heat and setting.

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You might also need...

There are a few other devices that could be useful to add to your Super Bowl party lineup so you don't run into any fumbles. Here are some other recommendations.

When is the Super Bowl?

The 2024 Super Bowl takes place on Sunday, Feb. 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. ET.

How can I watch the Super Bowl?

There are a few different ways you can watch the big game this year.

  • Cable: The Super Bowl will be live on CBS. Nickelodeon will host a "slime-filled, family-friendly" version of the game, and Univision will air the game in Spanish.
  • Streaming services: Paramount+, DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, and YouTube TV will be streaming the game. Paramlount+ is by far the cheapest option, at just $6 a month.
  • 4K: For the best display quality, FuboTV's Elite Plan offers 4K. In addition, YouTube TV, does as well but you'll pay an extra $10 for 4K.

Also:How to watch Super Bowl 2024: All your best streaming options

Who is playing the Super Bowl Halftime Show?

R&B legend Usher will be performing at the Super Bowl Halftime Show this year. You might have previously remembered him performing with the Black Eyed Peas at the 2011 Super Bowl.

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Everything you need to host a Super Bowl party (2024)

FAQs

What do you need to host a Super Bowl party? ›

How to host a winning Super Bowl party
  • Make it a potluck. ...
  • Lean into make-ahead options. ...
  • Be sure to have enough plates, bowls and utensils for everyone attending. ...
  • Encourage guests to bring to-go containers (or give away your takeout tubs).
Feb 6, 2024

How to host Super Bowl at home? ›

Here's everything you need to know to prepare your home for the Super Bowl.
  1. Properly Distance Your Couch From Your TV. ...
  2. Consider Temperature and Airflow. ...
  3. Ensure Ample Seating. ...
  4. Declutter and Rearrange Your Space. ...
  5. Reduce TV Glare.
Feb 8, 2024

What two foods are commonly served at Super Bowl parties? ›

Super Bowl Food: What is the most popular for parties?
  • #10- Chili. The plethora of different options for toppings and flavors makes chili a great dish for any Super Bowl party. ...
  • #9- Spinach Artichoke dip. ...
  • #8- Meatballs. ...
  • #7- Pigs in a blanket. ...
  • #6- Veggie tray. ...
  • #5- Deviled Eggs. ...
  • #4- Sliders. ...
  • #3- Nachos.
Feb 11, 2024

How do you throw a Super Bowl party on a budget? ›

Keys to hosting a Super Bowl Party on a budget:
  1. Don't get too extravagant with the food options.
  2. Decorations are fun, but don't go over the top.
  3. Plan ahead, make a budget and stick to it.
  4. Potluck style is a good option for everyone to contribute a little.
Feb 6, 2024

How do you host a football party? ›

Elevate Your Football Parties with these 15 Party-hosting Tips
  1. Take it Outside. ...
  2. Plan Out Multiple Entertaining Spaces. ...
  3. Create an Outdoor Theater. ...
  4. Make it Comfortable Temperature-wise. ...
  5. Have Plenty of Seating. ...
  6. Break Out the Grills & Smokers. ...
  7. Keep the Hot Food Hot. ...
  8. Keep the Cold Drinks Cold.
Sep 28, 2022

What are the 5 most popular Super Bowl foods? ›

Most Popular Super Bowl Foods in the Nation

Nationwide, the top Super Bowl foods are chili, buffalo chicken dip, guacamole, pigs in a blanket, and spinach and artichoke dip.

How early should I start my Super Bowl party? ›

You start the party too early

Foxsports.com suggests kicking off the celebration about 90 minutes before kick-off. Make sure you know these other 13 tips for throwing the ultimate Super Bowl party.

What time should a Super Bowl party start? ›

No more than 90 minutes before kickoff. The Super Bowl can drone on for hours. And people are going to be drinking. The less time you have people in your place, the less likely it is that people will have to sleep over.

How to make a Super Bowl box? ›

To play Super Bowl squares, you must make a 10x10 grid with 100 “squares”. A printable version of this template can be found here. If making the squares yourself, include a blank row and blank column for drawing numbers. Place one team on top and the other team on the side.

Can you host a Super Bowl without a dome? ›

In addition, the stadium configuration says, “The NFL requires climate-controlled domed Stadium if the historical average daily temperature over a 10-year period in the Host Community on the week of the Game is below 50 degrees.” There was one Super Bowl where the NFL wanted to try an outside game in a cold climate.

What is the #1 food consumed at Super Bowl parties? ›

"But what are people ordering for their Super Bowl watch parties?" is a question you may ask yourself because you're looking to create a game day menu. The three most popular Super Bowl dishes people order are pizza, chicken wings, and chips with dips.

Is it legal to have a Super Bowl party? ›

Viewing the Super Bowl in a private residence is obviously legal and appropriate. You are also in the clear to request friends bring food and drink in exchange for hosting. You can even charge your buddies money for buying beer in order to watch at your house.

Can I call my party a Super Bowl party? ›

They are not allowed to use the term “Super Bowl” in any advertisem*nt because the NFL simply owns the trademark. It's why you see restaurants and bars advertising parties by using the words "The Big Game".

How much does it cost to officiate a Super Bowl? ›

For the Super Bowl, every referee will get a bonus and their salary can rage from $54,428 up to a maximum amount of $462,622. Finally, in one of the most recent negotiations, referees managed to get around $18,000 a year deposited into their pension fund, which far exceeds many other professionals in the United States.

How much does it cost to host the Super Bowl? ›

Take a look at the $60 million budget that is paid for the LVCVA and the Super Bowl Host Committee: In all, 125,000 people like fans, vendors, contractors, NFL staffers, sponsors and media will be in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58. A total of 330,000 out-of-towners are expected for the Super Bowl, according to the LVCVA.

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