Enjoying a round of golf followed by hosting or attending a Super Bowl party is possible in the Southland and one of the reasons we love to live here.
Regardless of team loyalty, there are plenty of options – from apparel to collectibles – for keeping the festivities vibrant. You can even toss around a Super Bowl 50 game ball from Wilson Sporting Goods or wear a Super Bowl 50 helmet from Riddell, but it might be better using the latter as a conversational centerpiece at the snack table.
Since passion for football is often worn on the sleeve, looking cool in a jacket, shirt or hat of a favorite NFL team is important. And, since many Southland football fans are transplants (such as Southland Golf’s editor, who remains a Vikings fan because of his Midwest roots), team loyalty often doesn’t go astray. Upscale items are also in demand these days, so Tommy Bahama and the NFL have teamed up again on an officially licensed collection of premium sportswear that has been popular the past few years.
“We understand how passionate football fans are about their teams, and our new NFL collection connects them to all their favorites,” said Rob Goldberg, executive vice president of marketing at Tommy Bahama. “We look forward to showing NFL fans how to relax in style.”
That style extends to NFL twists on classic designs, with Los Angeles-based JH Design Group doing well with its custom-designed varsity style jackets. Taking a wool core with leather sleeves and a satin lining, the firm produces the garment for all 32 teams to capitalize on demand from coast to coast.
“Varsity jackets are a timeless popular look that has enjoyed a long association with football,” said Omer Hadad, sports program design manager for JH Design Group. “It is an enduring fashion statement year in and year out.”
It’s also an item that wears well in a variety of ways.
“It’s a quality piece that can be worn and talked about forever,” Hadad said of the jackets. “Customers wear it also as a commemorative item as it’s not just an outerwear garment of functionality, comfort and overall value, but rather a way to show their commitment to their favorite team. It is a status symbol.”
When it comes to dining during the big game, passion for a given team is evident in the multimillion-dollar food and glassware industry as well. Hosts planning a gathering will have no problem finding plates, utensils, tankards, mugs, wine glasses, serving trays and cutting boards available with an NFL team logo etched in. It’s one of the reasons companies such as Picnic Time, Hunter Manufacturing and Boelter Brands have been catering for years to those that enjoy making Super Sunday as spirited as possible.
“The NFL has done a great job developing not only the game,” Goldberg said, “but the lifestyle around the game like the tailgate party and the barbecue game at home.”
