Super Bowl weekend is peak time for sports aficionados and social butterflies — last year, an unprecedented 200.5 million people planned to tune in to the game and 112 million intended to host a Super Bowl get-together. On average, they spent about $86.04 per person.
This year’s Super Bowl gathering doesn’t have to suffer just because your extra cash is limited. Below are suggestions from professional event planners to help you throw a memorable, budget-friendly Super Bowl celebration on game day, Feb. 9, when the Kansas City Chiefs meet the Philadelphia Eagles.
Ways to Earn Extra Money to Pay for Your Super Bowl Gathering
We’re not picking sides in this matchup, but we all know a Super Bowl event can be pricey. If you need funds to bankroll your football fête — whether you’re backing the Chiefs or the Eagles — here are some of our go-to methods for making quick cash.
Create a Stadium-Like Setup at Home
One of the top items on your party checklist should be the entertainment area. Buying the newest, largest TV may not be feasible, but if you’re hosting a Super Bowl get-together, ensure there’s adequate seating, particularly if you expect a big turnout.
Short on furniture? Avoid splurging on premium pieces. Think about borrowing couches or chairs from neighbors or relatives.
You could also rent seating for the weekend and return it after the party. A set of comfortable folding chairs from a nearby party rental shop can do wonders.
If you want a more cinematic viewing experience, you might not have to shoulder the entire cost. Friends could chip in to rent a projector and make the game feel bigger.
Decorate to Match the Theme
Decorations help set a lively mood the moment guests arrive — and they boost team spirit. Stop by a craft store to pick up a few football-themed accents. Enhance the vibe by encouraging guests to wear their team’s colors.
Serve Classic Super Bowl Fare
Let’s be real: a Super Bowl party revolves around the food. Guests will walk in hungry and head straight for the snack spread. Fortunately, there are plenty of wallet-friendly snacks you can offer. Below are economical Super Bowl food ideas to help you plan.
1. Finger Foods
Favorites like chicken wings and nachos consistently top Super Bowl menus.
You can also keep things easy by buying stacks of frozen pizzas. Extra savings if you find them on sale or use a coupon. Some pizza chains even run Super Bowl specials.
Don’t forget quick munchies for viewers while the action unfolds. A bowl of pretzel sticks on the coffee table will disappear fast. A budget-conscious charcuterie board can cover snack cravings and add visual appeal to the food table.
2. Hearty Main Courses
Finger foods will only go so far. If guests expect a main meal during the game, opt for inexpensive entrees that scale well — think large batches of chili or soup that can simmer all evening. Choose recipes with affordable ingredients and buy in bulk.
3. Themed Dishes
Make your party food reflect the game. Use your team’s colors when selecting or dyeing treats. Football-shaped foods are a festive option: use cookie cutters for football cookies or melt chocolate to form mini footballs, finishing them with icing laces for authenticity.
4. Desserts
Set aside space on the table for sweets to satisfy dessert lovers. Football-shaped cakes and cookies are perennial favorites, but you can add low-cost confections as well.
Look for recipes with few components. Plug pantry ingredients into a site like SuperCook to shorten your grocery list. Desserts that can be cut into many small portions, such as brownies or fudge, help stretch treats across a larger crowd.
5. Ask Guests to Contribute
A potluck-style Super Bowl gathering can drastically reduce costs. Assign a few categories like beverages or desserts, or simply ask everyone to bring something. This not only lightens your budget but also introduces variety to the spread.
Mix Up Drink Options
At many Super Bowl get-togethers, attendees will imbibe a bit. Stock up on budget-friendly beer and offer one signature cocktail for those wanting something different.
Nonalcoholic options are just as important, especially later in the night. You’ll earn big points as a host for having plenty of soft drinks and ample water available.
Plan Super Bowl-Themed Games
Not every guest will watch every play or commercial. Party games keep the energy high for those who want a break from the TV.
Super Bowl Bingo is a simple way to engage guests. Purchase and print cards from Etsy for an inexpensive activity. Printable Super Bowl squares are another quick crowd-pleaser.
Football-style cornhole gives guests an outdoor or living-room activity. You can assemble a low-cost version using bean bags and mason jars or hunt down an affordable cornhole set.
Whether you’re playing Bingo or lingering by the snack table, what matters most is everyone enjoying themselves. With a touch of forethought, you can host an unforgettable Super Bowl party without draining your savings.
