Clayton Resident Details the Anatomy of a Super Bowl Party

Super Bowl Sunday has something for just about everyone. For avid football fans, the NFL’s two best teams duke it out for 60 minutes and leave everything on the field while vying for the Lombardi Trophy.

For those who don’t like the gridiron, there’s an arsenal of entertaining commercials or the chance to see a headline-making halftime show a la Janet Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction in 2004.

Both of these groups, though, can appreciate one thing that makes this Sunday so special: the Super Bowl party.

Recently, I sat down with Clayton resident Kenny Shapiro, the host of a local Super Bowl party for the past six years, to learn the ins and outs of a successful pigskin soirée.

The genesis for Shapiro's party came when he and his family did some work on their house and built the perfect room for watching TV.

“During a home addition about six years ago, we decided to give the house a finished basement,” he said. “I thought it’d be great to get a 90-inch TV screen with a projector. That led to our first party.”

Outside of being at the game, there’s no better way to watch the biggest sporting event of the year than in a miniature movie theater. They even had a special treat a few years back to heighten the experience, Shapiro said.

“A couple of Super Bowls ago, the network decided to have a lot of the commercials in 3-D,” he said. “Before the game, I went out and got a ton of 3-D glasses for everyone. We had a blast every time they cut away from the action.”

After the success of the first few parties, what started as a small gathering of a few family and friends became a much larger get-together. About 50 people are expected to attend this Sunday, Shapiro said. 

“The event has slowly grown each year,” he said. “The people who come are mostly family and friends in the area, some guys I play golf with and neighbors. Plus, there are a lot of kids with all these families. The main issue we deal with now is parking.”

But parking would seem to pale in comparison to the logistics of catering such an event. Super Bowl parties are nothing without great food, so Shapiro makes sure that aspect is never a problem.

“We try to cover all the bases,” he said. “We always have various appetizers: chips, dips, wings, pigs in a blanket and all types of party platters. We’ve ordered pizza from Guido’s or massive sandwiches from Lenny’s. Also, people always bring food, which is a huge help.”

If you’re the type of fan who likes to keep track of every down and follow the game with a fine-tooth comb, hosting a large party may not be the path you want to choose, Shapiro said.

“I watch a little bit each year,” he said. “But because I’m playing the part of host, it’s hard to focus, and I don’t get to enjoy the actual game that much. Even if my Rams were in it, though, I’d still have the party, because it’s a great event and a lot of fun.”

Luckily for Shapiro, pro sports aren’t his passion: Events at the college level pique his interest. But that doesn't mean he is without a prediction for Sunday's game.

“I think the (Green Bay) Packers will take it this year,” he said. “Pittsburgh’s defense is a bit suspect against the pass, and (Green Bay quarterback) Aaron Rodgers has been firing on all cylinders. Plus, (Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback Ben) Roethlisberger has been an unsavory character off the field and made some bad throws last game versus the Jets. I like Green Bay.”

No matter who takes home the trophy this Sunday, one thing is for sure: The guests at this party will be the big winners.