Americans Will Spend $14.6 Billion on Hosting and Attending Super Bowl Parties This Year

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While the overarching point of the Super Bowl is to watch two teams go head to head on the gridiron, eating delicious game-day appetizers and hanging out with family and friends is an added perk. Whether you're hosting a watch party or meeting people at your local sports bar, you likely plan to spend some money this Super Bowl Sunday, but how much? A new report by the National Retail Federation reveals that 90 million people are planning to throw or attend a party, and we'll collectively spend a total of $14.6 billion.

The spending report is based on data from a survey conducted from January 3 to January 11 that was fielded to nearly 8,000 adult consumers. Researchers found that those participating plan to spend an average of $78.92 on the sporting event. That number is up more than four dollars since last year, when the average adult spent $74.55. Despite the ongoing pandemic, researchers say that consumers are feeling more comfortable bringing back their game-day traditions.

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According to the results, 184.5 million United States adults said they planned to tune into the big game. Despite the large viewership, some watchers are more interested in snacks and commercials rather than the actual Super Bowl. The survey shows that the game is most important to 40 percent of viewers, but the commercials are favored by 21 percent and 18 percent are excited to watch the halftime show.

So, how are Americans planning to spend their money on the event? Unsurprisingly, food and beverages are the most popular purchases by 79 percent (what's game day without buffalo chicken dip, right?), followed by team apparel by 11 percent, TVs by nine percent, decorations by eight percent, and furniture by five percent.