Turn the Super Bowl into a Super Party

It's coming just around the corner. What you may ask? Feb. 3 and the Big Game – The Super Bowl! In this article we'll talk about throwing that blow-out football party that will be the envy of others. And at the same time, we'd be remiss if we didn't mention any of the legal ramifications. So buckle up and read on for some information that's sure to help you plan a great football party using that fantastic flat-panel HDTV that you got for the holidays or decided to get for just this occasion! Let's make it fun and memorable!

With today's technology, gone are the days of a few friends getting together to huddle in front of the 20-inch TV set. No sir. We have large flat-panel HDTV now to bring those games to life in a way they've never been seen before. You say you don't have HDTV? -- That's OK! A large flat-panel TV in and of itself adds an entirely new dimension to the experience. Don't get me wrong. Those little get-togethers with the guys are great. But if you want to show off that brand new HDTV you got for the holidays, it's time to pull out all the stops and have a celebration.

Aside from a desire to be refreshed with good food and drink, your guests demand to be entertained. Get your football party off to a great start by being prepared with at least three TVs. And think big. In the main room for "The Big Game" you'll want a large flat-panel HDTV. While you're at it, it sure wouldn't hurt to have a DVR hooked up. We're not talking about just any DVR though. You want to have the ability to do chase play so you can relive that exciting moment when it happens with your friends. It'll also make sure no one misses a beat of the biggest game of the year! Many DVRs on the market have this ability (read the specs before purchase). Or you can always go the route of TiVo that made this technology a standard. 

Depending upon how many guests you're expecting, you're going to want a couple extra TVs for other rooms. It's OK if they're smaller sets! Why have multiple TVs for one game? Well, as you might expect, the people you invite will get restless. They don't want to sit planted in one spot for this event. Give them the latitude to move around AND not miss the game, exciting commercials, OR the biggest halftime show of the year – you never know what controversial event might happen! Hey, we all know that some of the best commercials of the year debut during the Super Bowl. Your guests will be enjoying a football bowl party the likes of which they've never seen before by being able to move from room to room and not miss anything.

This article is not complete without including a little bit of legal information. In fact, the average home owner doesn't have much to be concerned with, but if you're writing invitations, you MAY NOT say or write Super Bowl, Super Sunday, NFL, AFC, NFC, National Football League, American Football Conference, National Football Conference, any team name, or use the logo associated with the Super Bowl. All of the above are copyrighted and trademarked. Advertising any of the above verbally is also a no-no. Last, but not least, – don't charge for admission to your gathering.

So, the question begs to be asked. What can you do? You may refer to it as The Big Game, The Big Game in Phoenix, The Professional Football Championship in Phoenix, or The Game on Feb. 3, 2008. You may name the cities from which the teams are coming, but NOT the team names. Regarding the bowl party itself, if you'd like to ensure that you're in compliance with applicable laws, please see this information on copyright law where section 5 specifically outlines items the homeowner is most concerned with. Perhaps the most interesting portion is that which mentions 55-inch screens.

Sadly, as you can see, America is not as free as we'd like it to be at times. There are also ramifications to using a DVR or TiVo. If you did employ the use of a DVR or TiVo, be sure to delete the event after it's over. The NFL has clearly stated in the past that their programming is not to be reproduced for rebroadcast without their explicit permission. I don't think they'll be changing their minds this year, but if they do, you'll know and can then ignore this part.

So there you have it. Outside of the mandatory food and beverages you want on hand, make technology work for you this year. Throw an amazing bowl party with your new flat-panel HDTV, DVR, and one or two more additional TVs. You'll be the talk of the town!

by Shanen Hate, writer for Digital Landing