Super Bowl Sunday is perhaps the most fun Sunday of the year in the United States. It marks the ending of the NFL football season each year and the majority of Americans celebrate in some form. The Super Bowl started in 1967 as a competition between the American and National Football leagues at the end of their season. In 1970, when the two leagues merged it signified the ending of the NFL football season.

Super Bowl Sunday with all its hype can end up being very expensive and this is where I can offer tips. Whether you are planning to travel to Phoenix in 2008, hosting a party, watching it at home or celebrating with friends, here are some tips to save money.

The dream of going to watch the Super Bowl in person is usually not a realistic one for most American families. However, if you are one of the lucky ones that has disposable income here are some suggestions. Tickets for the game are hard to find and can be very expensive. Make sure you know who you are dealing with and if you are buying online, make sure the website is secure. Fans have purchased tickets on eBay or on Craigslist, traveled to the event city to pickup the tickets and sadly these deals often fall through. Know who you are dealing with, this is just common sense. Many secondary market ticket sites offer 100% guarantees to their customers, this way you have the ticket company standing behind your purchase.

If you are like the majority of Americans and will stay home for the game, here are some suggestions. Every year our church hosts a Super Bowl party and all the proceeds go to a mission in El Salvador. The event is usually really cheap, there is good food, and one can spend a fun evening with friends and family. Many churches nationwide host these type of events, check to see if your Church has a Super Bowl Party this year. Another idea is to host a Super Bowl party at home. You can provide the main dish like tacos or sloppy joes and ask your guests to bring one dish each. Don't worry about the house, remember your guests have come to visit you, not your house!! (easier said than done) Many large food companies dish out huge coupon offerings and food savings on Super Bowl munchies so be sure to check your local paper for current offers.

Many fans travel to their local pubs to watch the game on wide screen TVs. While this can be fun, please watch your amount of alcohol consumption. Local governments across the United States are increasing their vigilance on catching drivers under the influence of alcohol. I know I sound like a broken record, but this is a very serious issue across America.