An XL Party

Okay, so it's a little bit of a downer watching an NFL championship game that's not actually at Reliant Stadium, but for football fans, Super Bowl XL is the biggest game of the season and the last pigskin action until April's draft. (You know, when all hell will break loose in our city when the Texans draft Reggie Bush instead of Vince Young.) Unless you're from Seattle or Pittsburgh, there ain't a lot of hometown interest to this year's game, but that won't stop thousands of H-towners from piling into area watering holes and clubs.

Wanna join them? Try downtown spots like St. Pete's Dancing Marlin, Flying Saucer Draught Emporium or Slainte Irish Pub. Check www.deda.org for scheduled downtown events. Or venture to Midtown to The Wet Spot (160 West Gray, 713-523-7768), where they'll offer tons of flat screens and an outdoor tent viewing area. Seating goes fast, so get there early. There's also the venerable Montrose sports bar Griff's (3416 Roseland, 713-528-9912), a laid-back sporting environment. It's crawfish, cheap pitchers, contests and giveaways at SRO's Northwest Mall location (West 18th at 610 Loop, 713-683-5025) or the Champions location (6982 FM 1960 West, 281-537-0691). If you can't stand the thought of clamoring in front of a 60-inch plasma, head to the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema (Westheimer at Highway 6, 281-920-9211) for the big game on a movie screen.

If you're sticking it out at home, SportsRadio 610 AM Night Shift host Matt Jackson reminds you that it's "all about the gambling." "Root for the total or the point spread. Or do a pool, like who's gonna score the first touchdown." If that's too technical, Jackson suggests betting on the halftime entertainment, like maybe a wardrobe malfunction during the Rolling Stones show. "Take the under on whether there'll be breasts exposed," says Jackson. "It's an easy bet — nobody wants to see Keith Richards's nipples."
Sun., Feb. 5