The big day, at long last and I’m not referring to Cats v. Musketeer Part 2, but rather SB 59. While I won’t blow it off completely and if I win big again on my squares, I won’t be sorry that the season is finally coming to an end.

As someone who prefers seeing games in person, I’ve been considering under what conditions I’d attend a SB. Fifteen years ago or thereabouts, I met an older couple of avid sports fans who had attended every SB with another couple. This was during the era when one of the credit card companies ran commercials highlighting this brand of superfan. There weren’t that many back then. This might have come on the heels of the baseball fans that tried to see a game in every MLB ballpark in a single season.

I know that the couple I met, used the SB as an excuse to get together with their friends and doing so in a different city along the way. As I haven’t attended an NFL game in over 20 years, I’m not likely going to ever pay to see a Super Bowl.

I’ve been lucky enough to have been a guest at a terrific party over the past couple of decades. I don’t have to think about menus or how much to buy. Years ago, I hit a couple sports bars but, the drink package and unlimited food are no longer practical or enjoyable. Bars only make money by keeping their seats full and waitstaff only makes money if they are selling and not just refilling water glasses.

Over the years, circumstances dictate that I alter my plans and stay home, thus reducing my menu. And believe it or not, the world doesn’t completely stop for the SB. If one is flying solo, what is your go-to SB dining at home or a hotel room (on the road)? Is some sort of dip-chip combo an essential? Does any single person stock up on the crudité when there’s nobody around to scold you?

Is it possible to just drink for the 3+ hour broadcast? I have neither the stomach nor will indulge in that manner despite the combatants.

As much as a good conspiracy can fuel better debates and storylines, I don’t believe the NFL needs to resort to such tomfoolery. That’s not to say that the best players don’t get more calls. MLB and the NBA do need for certain teams to play in the finals or the numbers will suffer. It’s unfortunate that people don’t like it when smaller market teams reach the finals. Because of legalized sports betting and fantasy football, more casual fans are more knowledgeable (sort of) about more players and teams.

If the two teams merit a SB appearance, the fans will tune in. Carolina-Jacksonville would draw better numbers than most NBA matchups.

One guy at work is hell bent on the conspiracy theory but is taking the Eagles-even though he can’t name five players. Some people just like to make a fuss.

Even this late in the day, the touts are blowing smoke-the same geniuses that had the Lions and Bills. Along those lines, and maybe through no fault of their own, the leading columnists have come up short in their SB columns. We can’t just blame it on Mahomes fatigue either. Maybe we just need to move on.