NEW YORK — Are people going to Super Bowl parties this year for the game, or just the free food and drinks? A new survey finds 17 percent of Americans plan to watch less than 20 minutes of the actual game between the 49ers and Chiefs.
According to the poll of 2,000 adults who watch the big game each year, 40 percent look forward to attending or hosting a Super Bowl party — but they barely spend any time in front of the TV. Respondents average watching only 29 minutes of actual gameplay, and nine percent admit they are unlikely to know which teams are even playing before they turn on the TV.
When asked who won last year’s Super Bowl, only one-third can correctly identify the Kansas City Chiefs as the reigning champions. This may be because 29 percent spend more time in front of snacks and food than anywhere else at the party.
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Charbroil, the results also reveal that the halftime show (55%), commercials (45%), and drinks (40%) all outweigh the competition on the field (38%) for Super Bowl partygoers.
Though they may disagree on the best parts of the big game, more than three-quarters (77%) can agree that it’s rude to stand and talk in the same room that people are watching the game. When hosting a viewing party, respondents typically spend about eight days planning the menu, inviting guests, and preparing. Thirty-one percent are likely to spend more time planning for the Super Bowl than for a holiday celebration (24%) or a graduation party (8%).
Many respondents have gone so far as to purchase a grill or outdoor cooking appliance (57%), nearly twice the amount of those who’ve purchased a TV (32%), to prepare for the big game. Others bought serving bowls and dishes (52%) and a new couch (46%).
“Super Bowl gatherings are about celebrating the highs and lows of the big game with good friends and great food,” says spokesperson Tom Penner, the CEO of Charbroil, in a statement. “Think of your grill as your game day MVP — making the food prep easy so you can focus on the fun. There are many quick, tasty recipes to help you plan a winning menu with ease.”
More than three-quarters (77%) believe that the food and snacks are imperative to the overall Super Bowl experience. The best gametime party foods include chips (55%), dips (50%), hot dogs (42%), pizza (39%), hamburgers (37%), and even grilled veggies (15%). To cook these foods to perfection, respondents use a pizza oven (54%), a smoker (48%), a griddle (41%), and gas (39%) or electric (20%) grills.
For all that goes into this feast, the average respondent will start cooking five hours before game time and, ideally, needs three people to help them.
So, what elements specifically make up the perfect Super Bowl snack? For most (64%), it means something relevant to the game, such as Philly cheesesteaks if the Eagles are playing or barbeque in support of Kansas City.
“Super Bowl snacking is all about that unique twist, and 43 percent of fans are craving something out of the ordinary this year,” says Penner. “Versatile, multi-functional grills are perfect for those looking to experiment — from classics like wings, to on-trend smash burgers — without extra clutter or cost. We invite everyone to explore new flavors and make this Super Bowl spread one to remember.”
Survey methodology:
This random double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American adults who watch the Super Bowl was commissioned by Char-Broil between Dec. 8 and Dec. 12, 2023. It was conducted by market research company OnePoll, whose team members are members of the Market Research Society and have corporate membership to the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the European Society for Opinion and Marketing Research (ESOMAR).