Sleepy European wants to stay awake in Super Bowl

February 4, 2007 12:07 PM

How can I stay awake during the Super Bowl tonight, whilst watching in Europe (game kicks off just before midnight our time)

Its not that I don't enjoy the game, its just that it lasts a long time and is during the wee small hours of the morning.

Any tips to staying awake - Maybe monitoring stats or something similar?

I want to make it through at least till the main part of the game is over - I guess this is typically some time in the final quarter as opposed to worrying about seeing the post match frenzy!

Thanks for any tips.

PS. I will be by myself as my wife does not share this passion and the kids have school tomorrow!

posted by pettins to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (18 answers total)

That's why God gave us espresso.
posted by Steven C. Den Beste at 12:15 PM on February 4, 2007

Drink something caffeinated.
posted by amyms at 12:16 PM on February 4, 2007

Steven C. Den Beste said it more creatively than I did, so I'll pretend I was seconding his answer.
posted by amyms at 12:17 PM on February 4, 2007

Take a nap beforehand
posted by mmascolino at 12:21 PM on February 4, 2007

You could always cue up the American adverts to play during the breaks, since you won't get to see them otherwise.
posted by holgate at 12:25 PM on February 4, 2007

Red Bull
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 12:25 PM on February 4, 2007

Small, regular doses of caffeine work much better. A big dose will get you hopped up, and then you crash and burn. I like to make a large pot of very mild green tea, and sip it slowly for hours. Alfi carafes work great for this. They keep the tea hot for about 10 hours.
posted by Manjusri at 12:27 PM on February 4, 2007

Record it and watch it tomorrow? I assume it will not exactly be water-cooler discussion material over there.
posted by Rock Steady at 12:51 PM on February 4, 2007

I saw the SB 2 years ago in Rome- at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Via Veneto. Kick-off was 12:40 am local.

I got through one quarter and had to go back to the hotel.
posted by wfc123 at 12:53 PM on February 4, 2007

... Maybe monitoring stats or something...

STAT ATTACK !
The usual suspects at superbowl.com or espn.com have all the stats. ESPN has a game center.
posted by Webbster at 1:20 PM on February 4, 2007

Crystal Meth can keep you awake for days at a time and has the added benefit of making you think you are covered in bugs!
posted by bcnarc at 1:27 PM on February 4, 2007

I'll hop on the caffeine bandwagon.
Call some friends, grab some drinks, and enjoy yourselves. I find it's much harder to fall asleep when there's company.
posted by pants tent at 1:50 PM on February 4, 2007

you'll need a nanna nap.
posted by Tixylix at 2:18 PM on February 4, 2007

Speaking as someone who watched the World Series from London once, a nap beforehand is good. If you have like-minded company, good conversation helps too. You sort of keep each other up that way. Caffeine may work as well, as long as you have smaller, steady doses. It doesn't seem to affect me, but it's probably worth a shot.

Avoid things like milk, turkey, and honey, as these can lead to drowsiness due to natural compounds within them.
posted by cmgonzalez at 2:44 PM on February 4, 2007

Red Bull (and vodka) did the trick for me when the World Cup was in Japan/Korea and the games were in the wee small hours here.
posted by bink at 4:03 PM on February 4, 2007

When I was Edinburgh a few years back the Superbowl was coincident with Robbie Burns' birthday. We (Americans, Canadians, and our Brit friends) spent the night watching the game, wearing kilts, and eating sausages. It was a great experience. I suggest finding a local holiday (however obscure) or custom and making a night of combining the two with local friends. I promise you'll at least have beer in common no matter where you are in Europe.
posted by monkeymadness at 5:09 PM on February 4, 2007

Response by poster: Thanks all - Great replies!

I have made it into the 3rd quarter so far and feeling good. My wife stayed up for the first quarter which was brill and now I am on my second weak coffee that is keeping me going.

Plus it is a great game - So exciting!

Thanks again
posted by pettins at 5:30 PM on February 4, 2007

Response by poster: I did it :-)

Its now 3:05 am and I have made it through the full game :-)

I had a few snoozes along the way but I saw most of the game. Also tried the Commercials and the ESPN site to keep me going all the way.

Thanks all - Enjoy the celebrations for those staying up:-)
posted by pettins at 7:06 PM on February 4, 2007