Who, What, When, Where to Watch Super Bowl LI

Whether you are an avid sports fan or just in it for the 7 – layer dip and good company, it is that time of year again where Americans all over the country will gather around the television set to watch this season’s final episode of the NFL: Super Bowl LI (51). Although our own New York GMEN will not be participating due to their tragic defeat to Green Bay last Sunday, this does not mean we cannot relish in the tradition and celebration of one of America’s best known past times – all politics aside. 

Here are the facts about this year’s Super Bowl (and football in general) so you don’t look like a total novice:

When: Sunday, February 5, 2017

Kick-off: 6:00 PM EST

Where: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

Who: New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons

Halftime show performance: Lady Gaga 

The Stars – Patriots 

Tom Brady #12, star Quarterback for the Patriots 

Fun Facts: 39, 6’4”, 17 seasons. Brady has won 4 of 6 Super Bowl Championships for the Patriots – more than any quarterback in history – and two MVP awards; married to Brazilian supermodel and formed Victoria Secret Angel, Gisele Bündchen (check out her instagram @gisele for adorable pics of Tom and the kids)

Rob Gronkowski #87, Tight End

Devin McCourty #32, Safety

Julian Edelmen #11, Wide Receiver
The Stars – Falcons 

Matt Ryan #2, star quarterback for the Falcons 

Fun Facts: 31, 6’4″, 9 seasons. Lead team at Boston College to 3 Bowl victories; named 2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the year with the Falcons; met wife Sarah Marshall at Boston College – Marshall, also an athlete, was BC’s starting point guard and basketball star and she now works for the Atlanta Dream (WNBA).

Julio Jones #11, Wide Receiver

Jake Matthews #70, Offensive Tackle

Desmond Trufant #21, Cornerback 

Football Jargon – If you are like me, it took a few seasons to learn how to follow football commentary, and even more importantly, knowing when to cheer and when to boo the enemy. And I have to admit, I still don’t fully understand what is going on at times. As such, we have curated a list of the top 10 terms to know while watching the game, defined simply by the American Football Terms and Definitions Football for Dummies cheat sheet.

1. Down: A period of action that starts when the ball is put into play and ends when the ball is ruled dead (meaning the play is completed). The offense gets four downs to advance the ball 10 yards. If it fails to do so, it must surrender the ball to the opponent, usually by punting on the fourth down.

2. End zone: A 10-yard-long area at each end of the field. You score a touchdown when you enter the end zone in control of the football. If you’re tackled in your own end zone while in possession of the football, the other team gets a safety.

3. Field goal: A kick, worth three points, that can be attempted from anywhere on the field but is usually attempted within 40 yards of the goalpost. Like an extra point, a kick must sail above the crossbar and between the uprights of the goalpost to be ruled good.

4. Fumble: The act of losing possession of the ball while running with it or being tackled. Members of the offense and defense can recover a fumble. If the defense recovers the fumble, the fumble is called a turnover.

5. Kickoff: A free kick (meaning the receiving team can’t make an attempt to block it) that puts the ball into play. A kickoff is used at the start of the first and third quarters and after every touchdown and successful field goal.

6. Line of scrimmage: An imaginary line that extends from where the football is placed at the end of a play to both sides of the field. Neither the offense nor the defense can cross the line until the football is put in play again.

7. Red zone: The unofficial area from the 20-yard line to the opponent’s goal line. Holding an opponent to a field goal in this area is considered a moral victory for the defense.

8. Rushing: To advance the ball by running, not passing. A running back is sometimes called a rusher.

9. Sack: When a defensive player tackles the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of yardage.

10. Touchdown: A score, worth six points, that occurs when a player in possession of the ball crosses the plane of the opponent’s goal line, when a player catches the ball while in the opponent’s end zone, or when a defensive player recovers a loose ball in the opponent’s end zone.

    

Now that we have covered all of the basics, lets dive into where to watch the Atlanta-New England showdown. Having a lit sports bar on every street corner is just one of many perks that come with living in NYC – however, it can become a little overwhelming to chose the best party. Below is our NYC sports bar guide where you are guaranteed to have the Sunday Funday of your life:

1. Amity Hall | 80 W 3rd St, New York, NY 1001

In the heart of Greenwich Village, Amity Hall boasts two levels of drinking space and 40 beers on tap – not to mention a variety of burgers and bar food to chose from.

2. SideBAR | 118 E 15th St, New York, NY 10003

Located in Union Square, great atmosphere if you are coming to get rowdy. This place gets packed above capacity around game time each Sunday and it is commonplace to dance along the chairs and benches.

3. Bounce Sporting Club | 5 W 21st St, New York, NY 10010

The red carpet of sports bars, this Flatiron spot treats every weekend like Super Bowl. Bottles, sparklers, dancing Stormtroopers..you name it.

4. Village Pourhouse | 64 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10003

This local East sider joint clad in sports memorabilia offers fair prices, flat screens, and a fun atmosphere to relax and enjoy the games, among a diverse crowd of New Yorkers.

5. Blue Haven | 108 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012

Though not as spacious, this sports bar draws quite a Sunday Football following. Reserve a table with some friends, as standing space is limited, and post up with a personal beer tower and loaded nachos.

6. Rochelle | 205 Chrystie St, New York, NY 10002

Rochelle, short for “Leave Rochelle Out of It,” has a funny history – as both owner’s found out they were dating the same girl. You guessed it, Rochelle. This brought them together

7. The Watering Hole | 106 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003

If you want to spend Super Bowl neck deep in the excitement with people who actually care about the outcome, spend Super Bowl at this Atlanta Falcons Bar.

8. The Village Tavern | 46 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014

This West Village Hot spot has quite a rep for rowdiness and a loyal New England following. Its friendly, pub-like atmosphere and “younger” vibe will ensure you get your drink on in front of their flat screens.

9. Houston Hall | 222 W Houston St, New York, NY 10014

Classic beer hall equipped with rows of pic-nick bench seating, serving mugs of ale, lager and warm pretzels to their crowd. Come here to watch the game on their big screen.

10. Berry Park  | 4 Berry St, Brooklyn, NY 11211

Similar to Houston Hall, this chic Brooklyn spot has two levels and an outdoor patio with phenomenal views. Its identity resides somewhere between a beer hall and trendy bar, serving craft cocktails and truffle fries.