This is the first time I've ever seen a major U.S. sporting event in a different country, which was quite an experience to say the least.
We went to a pub near the Old Course to watch the Saints beat the Colts (yes!) and while there I noticed some interesting differences.
First, the Super Bowl began at 11PM here in the UK. And it didn't end until 3AM. Still recovering from this one.
Second, the main reason to watch the Super Bowl (the commercials) is not applicable here in the UK. There aren't even commercials. During the US commercial breaks it went back to the BBC Studios to three guys who were basically explaining the game as opposed to analyzing it. So we ignored those chaps because, well, we're Americans who understand football and don't need an explanation.
Third, a lot of people here in the UK think football is pointless mainly because a very select group of players actually handle the ball. I can see that argument as generally the quarterback is the star and then you've got wide receivers, running backs, and sometimes safetys doing the rest. The group of toasted Scotsman next to us couldn't understand why lineman are necessary (obviously they haven't seen The Blind Side). It wasn't even worth trying to explain to them that linemen are the second highest paid individuals in the NFL because they protect the golden boy behind them. Oh well.
Fourth, nachos have dill on them here.
Our entire group with the exception of Spencer was pulling for New Orleans. Spencer's dad is a Colts fan and Spencer himself is a Peyton Manning fan. Oh well, he wasn't upset that the Saints won so we'll still let him be our friend.
At the pub, we were all crowded around a table in the middle of the room with a group of beyond toasted Scotsmen to our left and a group of hard core New Orleans fans (well actually one guy from New Orleans who is hard core and his friends that supported him and his passion). At one point the Scotsmen thought it would be funny to provoke the Saints table and start cheering for the Colts, and we were concerned we would inadvertently be in the middle of a brawl between two drunk parties. Fortunately that didn't happen.
But with the exception of Jon who had a class on Monday, we all stayed until 3AM and watched history being made. Then joined in singing an interesting rendition of "When The Saints Go Marching In". We left shortly after that to avoid any potential danger from intoxicated group #1 and intoxicated group #2 and I proceeded to sing "The Saints Are Coming" by The Skids.
A picture of our group who went to the pub minus Spencer who was taking it. From left: Merrill, Sandy, Jon, Amanda, and me.
Me and Spencer. This is before he realized he picked the wrong team.
The hard core Saints fan and his friend after they won.
All photo credit to Merrill Ward as I didn't feel like lugging the baby (Canon Rebel XTi) to the pub. Hazardous conditions.
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