The Super Bowl in Rio

By Jayme Monsanto, Senior Reporter

RIO DE JANEIRO – Next Sunday, the United States of America will stop to watch the 44th edition of the NFL (National Football League) Super Bowl, the biggest sporting event in the country. The Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints promise a clash of epic proportions, and expectations are high.

Super Bowl XLIV will be held at the Sun Life Stadium, in Miami, at 6PM local time (9PM Brazilian time). Two different TV stations in Brazil will broadcast the game live: ESPN and Bandsports. Another reason that makes the Superbowl a can’t-miss event is the Halftime Show. This year, the main attraction will be a live performance by legendary British band The Who.

Lead by star quarterback Peyton Manning, the Indianapolis Colts put on a great performance in the regular season, winning fourteen matches in a row and losing only two. After that, they defeated the Baltimore Ravens by 20-3 and New York Jets by 30-17 in the playoffs, claiming the American Football Confederation (AFC) spot at Superbowl XLIV.

In 2009, including the playoffs and the regular season, Peyton Manning has thrown for 5123 yards and 38 touchdowns. In 2007 he was named NFL’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for his effort at the Superbowl XLI.

The New Orleans Saints have never been to a Super Bowl, and to fans their 2009 season has been memorizing. They put on a thirteen game winning streak during the regular season, and in the playoffs they defeated the Arizona Cardinals by 45-14 and the formidable Minnesota Vikings by 31-28.

The Saints were founded in 1967, and are led by quarterback Drew Brees, who has thrown for 4388 yards and 34 touchdowns in the 2009 season, now representing the National Footbal Conference (NFC) in Super Bowl XLIV.

Most of the pubs and bars that cater to the football-loving crowds in Rio are located in Ipanema. Shenanigans, The Irish Pub, Banana Jack and Lord Jim Pub are probably the best options in the neighborhood. The first three are in the surroundings of Praça General Osório, while the last one is located at the Paul Redfern street.

Shenanigans has the “Heineken Super Bowl Party” this year, and offers six TVs and a big projection screen for the game. Space will be limited and the entry fee is R$25 for women and R$40 for men.

In Copacabana, Mud Bug Sports Bar is probably the best option. The bar has two different branches, one at Rodolfo Dantas, and the other at Paula Freitas.

The American Society of Rio will promote a party at the Marriott Hotel, also in Copacabana, for the Super Bowl. American Society members can pay R$50 for a buffet and all you can drink of national beer, soft drinks and water. Those planning to go need to send an email to [email protected] by Friday, February 5th to receive all the information.