The iconic Superbowl. America’s favorite event. 114.5 million viewers. A time for friends and family to get together to cheer on their favorite team. Everyone loves the Superbowl and the atmosphere it surrounds us with. However, at college the Superbowl vibe is completely different. Don’t get me wrong, it’s definitely going to be a crazy, fun night, but it won’t be the same as when I’m at home. As a freshman, I’ve never watched a Superbowl without the company of my friends or family…

As I was thinking about all the great memories I have of the past 18 Superbowls I’ve witnessed, there were a core seven memories that I will remember for the rest of my life…

1. Not Getting Judged for Yelling at the TV

Not gonna lie, I’m a huge football fan. So, naturally I feel inclined to yell at the TV, asking players why they didn’t catch that or telling the refs how they should call a play.

2. Making Appetizers with My Mom

One of my favorite Superbowl traditions has always been planning and making appetizers with my mom. We would always go to the store together and get everything we knew my dad and brother would love. This was the one time of the year when my mom couldn’t protest buying the most unhealthy food we could find.

3. Eating My Weight in Food

After slaving over the stove making the food for hours, I definitely had to enjoy it all. I ate every appetizer we made, guilt-free.

4. My Dad Getting Teary Eyed During the National Anthem

As a proud American citizen, my dad would stand up in our basement, take off his hat, and sing the national anthem just as the players do, reliving his state championship. He would always say something along the lines of “They've heard it hundreds of times before, yet they know this game is for history! In three hours they may get a ring... That is the most motivating song in the world."

5. My Mom Telling Everyone to be Quiet...Not to Watch the Game But to Hear the Commercials

After every few drives, there would be a commercial break. My dad would relay the plays to us and talk football talk. My mom would have to yell at all of us to be quiet so that she could have a chance to hear and then later pick out her favorites of the commercials.

6. Being Able to Sit Down on my Couch Watching on my Giant TV as Opposed to My Tiny 26-incher Here

In a college dorm there just isn’t enough room to fit an 80-inch TV. Lucky for us we have a 26-inch one, but it just doesn’t do the game justice.

7. My Dad Rewinding a Play Just to Use it as a “Teaching Moment” for My Brother

I can't even begin to count how many times we have been watching a game and my dad will rewind it, play it again, and tell my brother how this guy ran his route right…or wrong.

8. And Finally, Just Simply Being with the People Who Have Raised Me and Taught Me Everything. Shout Out to You Mom, Dad, and Kenny.