Super Bowl XLIV

New Orleans Saints vs Indianapolis Colts;Venues across Greater Copenhagen; TV Coverage from 22:00

Can you hear the murmur? It’s just around the corner now. The roar of the crowd like a heartbeat, the sharp crack of helmet to helmet tackles. It’s big hits, bigger plays, one handed catches and jukes for another ten. It’s Namath with his finger in the air, Elway flying 360, Montana going 92 yards, Dyson needing one yard, Bettis bussin’ through, Vinatieri sealing the win. Oh yes, indeed. It’s Super Bowl time baby!

On Sunday, the 44th Super Bowl will kick off in Miami featuring two high power offences. The New Orleans Saints led by quarterback Drew Brees will try to rein in the Indianapolis Colts, guided by future Hall of Famer, Peyton Manning. If you are like me and you live and breathe the game, you know it will be a cracker. Lots of points will surely be scored as the Saints try and win their first trophy ever. Manning will be trying for his second.

There is no off-season in football. Not for the teams, nor for the fans. You know you are a true pigskin maniac when you throw around yellow flags and call penalties when you don’t get your way at home. Unfortunately, my missus has begun throwing yellow flags in the bedroom announcing an ‘Encroachment’ or a ‘False start’. I counter with a ‘Delay of game’. Actually, we’ve discovered quite a few actual NFL penalty call names have sordid undertones ranging from ‘Neutral zone infraction’ and ‘Illegal formation’ to the more vivid ‘Clipping below the waist’ and ‘Unnecessary roughness’. At any rate it usually ends up with me having to ‘Rough the passer’ all alone. And to be honest, I don’t have a missus, just a mannequin wearing a John Madden mask. I know, too far.

Yet, is there dissention in the ranks? I hear grumblings that convey ill tidings regarding the TV coverage and whatnot. Because although Denmark is ranked as the number one NFL-watching country in the world per capita, outside the USA and Canada, it is not a crown jewel event and on free-to-air TV. Dastardly Viasat holds the rights (from 22:00 on TV3+) and the only channel I have that remotely comes close to showing sports is Eurosport. I know it sounds harsh but the Welsh International Open in Bowls from Llanelli and the Equestrian Indoor Championships in Antwerp just don’t cut it compared to gridiron. They might be showing it on German channel ARD, but you might risk the announcers being James Last and David Hasselhoff.

What’s the best scenario then? Well, seeing it with some friends who also enjoy the game is the obvious choice. But what if your friends dislike the game or perhaps you’re an antisocial loner who makes Patrick Bateman look like Roberto Benigni. Either way there is a host of options to consider when investigating your options.

1964 Sportsbar

Brøndby Stadion 28D, 2605 Brøndby; tickets 545kr; 4363 1964; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Out in the western suburbs of Copenhagen there will be a massive Super Bowl party. At Brøndby Stadium in the Michael Laudrup lounge the setting for an unforgettable night has been set. The lounge has two immense bars, 24 42-inch flat screens, five monster screens and numerous skyboxes used for entertainment such as EA Madden Endzone where Madden can be played all night. There is even a tailgate for VIPs. Attending are the Elming brothers, famous for their contribution to the rise of NFL in Denmark, who will lead the way in a quiz that contains prizes worth a total of 30 grand. The event will feature a huge Super Bowl buffet, which includes burgers, hotwings, nachos, cheeseballs as well as the legendary banana cream pie. Everyone who buys a ticket to the gig will be able to hop on a free shuttle back to the city centre after the game is finished.

Palads

Axeltorv 9, 1609 Cph V; tickets 175kr;  7013 1211, www.biobooking.dk

This event is set to be quite a beauty. For only 175kr you can watch the game live on the big screen at Palads Cinema. The price  - which includes the option of stacking up on popcorn, soda or Budweiser - also contains the opportunity to watch a sneak preview of the award-winning film The Blind Side starring Sandra Bullock. Based on a true story, it’s a story about a homeless boy who is taken in by a well-to-do family and with their support goes all the way to the NFL. It’s the life story of Michael Oher who plays for the Baltimore Ravens, and it’s a nice warm up for the big dance. The film begins at 21.00 and is followed by the Super Bowl, lasting until 4am.

WORTH A MENTION:

Kroegers House

Englandsvej 337, 2770 Kastrup; tickets 350kr; 3246 6300

Kroegers House and the local football team, the Amager Demons, are hosting a Super Bowl blow-out of their own. The evening starts at 22.30 and lasts until the final whistle blows. Featuring a massive screen and a sultry sounding menu of spareribs, coleslaw, spiced potatoes and bread and dressing, it could be an absolute belter, especially considering the 350kr. Takes care of the food and all the drink you can handle. Children under 12 are half price, although all you can drink + children = usually a bad idea.

Hard Rock Cafe

Vesterbrogade 3, Cph V; from 22:00; tickets 150kr; 3312 4333

The night kicks off at 10pm with quizzes and videos and there will be specials on food and drinks throughout the evening. Will be a brilliant place to watch the halftime show featuring The Who, and everyone knows that football and rock and roll always go hand in hand. Groups are able to book here, and it’s nice to watch the big game in the city centre if you fancy post-game shenanigans.

The Irish Rover

Vimmelskaftet 46 (Next to Jorck’s Passage on Strøget), Cph K, 3333 7393; www.theirishrover.dk

Free entry, Budweiser girls serving beer, free merchandise, 10kr hotdogs all night, four budweisers and a hotdog for just 100kr, and 10 fisherman shots for 100kr.

Southern Cross Pub

Løngangstræde 37, Cph K, 3311 0939;?www.southerncross.dk

English commentary, 40kr entry, free popcorn and snacks, and - wait for it - an American bartender!

The Globe

Nørregade 42-45, Cph K, 3332 0860;?www.the-globe.dk

Free entry, English commentary, free popcorn, happy hour prices and an American food menu.

ANOTHER OPTION ....

www.nfl.com

A good option for those who don’t understand Danish but want to enjoy the game in the comforts of their home. Al Gore is supposed to have invented it. The internet. On www.nfl.com you can sign up and pay 400kr and not only can you watch the Super Bowl with the best American commentators you also get unlimited access to NFL Network 24x7, and access to the 2008 and 2009 full game archive until 31 July 2010. So hook up your projector to your computer and watch the biggest one-day sporting event on the planet in style. Incidentally, you can also sign up during the regular season and watch all the games or just your favourite team.

PS Sorry about the Madden joke. I just miss him so much.