IT WILL BE pretty easy to spot NFL fans on the way to work on tomorrow morning.
They are the ones with suitcases under their eyes, the mug of triple espresso in each hand and, possibly, two odd shoes.
We know because we’ve been there for the last 19 weeks but, tomorrow, our numbers will swell as non-regular American football viewers attempt to stay awake for the sport’s marquee event, namely Super Bowl XLIX, a game that will only draw to a close when most people are 3/4 of the way through a full night’s sleep.
With that in mind, here are five tips I’ve picked up along the way that have helped me survive late night games and still manged to be a productive member of The42 the following day.
1. Watch with friends
Friends are great aren’t they? They pick you up when you’re down, cheer you on when you’re doing well and constantly tweet reminders of how rubbish the NFL team you support is.
They’re also great for watching the game with as you can chat away during the six hundred mentions oft the NFL London games on Sky Sports.
2. Choose a team
Even if you don’t have a team – or you do but their season has been over since October like us Raiders fans – it’s still better to have someone to cheer for in the Super Bowl than watch dispassionately.
Luckily, we’ve created the perfect quiz to help you choose between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks.
3. Load up on carbs (or any type of junk food)
Energy drinks and coffee might seem like a great idea when your eyes start drooping at 2am but it’s worth remembering you probably have to be in work at nine so you want to be able to sleep once the game is over.
With that in mind, make sure you have plenty of snacks to hand. And remember, the Super Bowl only happens once a year for some of you so they don’t have to be healthy snacks.
4. Have a little flutter
Even if you don’t know the first thing about American football or the NFL there are loads of little bets you can have such the number of times ‘Deflategate’ will be mentioned or which song Katy Perry will begin her half time show with.
And You don’t even have to bet big or with a bookie. However, if you are betting with mates don’t make the forfeit like a tattoo or something you’ll regret and never bet more than you can afford.
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5. Stay engaged with Super Bowl bingo
If you do have to watch the game on your own this should keep you entertained. Failing that, get on Twitter and start talking to other fans. You’d be amazed at how much more enjoyable it can make a game, especially during the breaks.
Any other advice for helping non-regular NFL watchers stay awake, including what sickies to pull? Let us know in the comments below.
A version of this article first appeared in January 2013.
