If you can’t make it to Foxboro for a game, you’ve got options.
There are varying opinions on the best way to enjoy football on Sundays. Some people enjoy the experience of attending games in person, to soak up the game day atmosphere inside the stadium. Others don’t enjoy long lines, uncomfortable seats, and overpriced beers. To each their own, as they say.
Everyone is different, and the fact of the matter is, experiencing a game in person isn’t something that is available to all football fans. That means it is important to maximize your game-day experience when you stay at home. Wondering how you can do so? Here are five ways to best enjoy a New England Patriots game at home.
“The Snack Fleet”
One of the not-so great things about going to a stadium are the limited food options. Hot dogs, nachos, and beer. That’s it. Now, of course those aren’t bad choices, but I like a little bit of variety in my life. That’s why I like to keep a little fleet of snacks and food around throughout the day.
You can pick whatever you like, but I personally always have a bag of peanut M&M’s on hand. (In full transparency, I am crushing a shareable sized bag by myself as I write this story.) Add to that fleet with some chips and a soda, and you’ve got a stew going.
“The Crock Pot Hack”
Speaking of stews, it’s important to have some real food throughout the day, it can’t all just be snacks. What would your mother think?
Instead of having to get up in the middle of the day and start cooking, use what I like to call The Crock Pot Hack. After you run your game day errands in the morning, set up a nice meal in the crock pot. As the great Rachel Ray would say, “set it and forget it.” Enjoy the smells throughout the day, and eventually you’ve got a full meal ready to go with minimal effort. The fact that stews, chilis, and soups are perfect for football season is an added bonus.
“The Frozen Cup Trick”
Rounding out our food and drink portion of this helpful and well written piece is the Frozen Cup Trick.
There is nothing better than a frosty beverage on a fall Sunday, and this will help you get that every time in your own home. The trick is filling one cup with ice and throwing it in the freezer; 30 minutes later you’ll have a frosty cup for the game day beverage of your choosing. Bonus tip: Keep a couple of cups in rotation for maximum frosty efficiency.
“The Double Monitor”
Watching football at home is nothing without NFL RedZone. It’s become crucial to my game day experience. The only problem that comes with it, is the sacrifice of not being able to watch every play of your favorite team’s game. The solution? Double monitor.
Pull up your favorite team’s game on the TV, and throw RedZone on your second screen. Whether it be a computer, laptop, phone, or tablet, you can maximize the football in your home. Doesn’t that sound beautiful?
“The Friends and Family”
Now we arrive at the sappy portion of the proceedings.
The last two years have been difficult for us all. The driving force behind that has been the isolation from those that we love.
Many of us spent the 2020 football season alone, without being able to share the joys of victory and/or the agony of defeat with others. This year, hopefully you can. So invite your friends and family over, or accept the invitations that have been extended and share the tips and tricks you learned today with them. You’ve earned it. They’ve earned it. We’ve all earned it.