I had originally written an article about the fervor of Steelers fans and their unabashed idolatry, but I decided against it. Nobody wants to read another article proclaiming that Steelers worship is a modern version of patriotism or religion or whatever. We got it. You love the Steelers. So do I. Like the sunrise or our imminent doom, we can take this fanatical fandom as fact.

I do want to take some time to consider modern day traditions and how we experience a communal event like the Super Bowl. Like many people in Pittsburgh, on Sunday I will gather with friends at a local watering hole and drink about a million beers and eat some kind of awesomely disgusting sandwiches (ahem, I’m lookin’ at you, Primanti’s!) On any other day, I would hate this whole scene. Picture a short, brunette version of Larry David scoffing at the boozed-up jagoffs at every house and pub in Pittsburgh. But, Sunday…Sunday is SUPER BOWL SUNDAY and the PITTSBURGH STEELERS are playing for their 7th ring! I couldn’t possibly care any MORE about something that has absolutely ZERO lasting effect on my personal life. Sports are funny like that.

So, I want to know, what are your favorite football traditions? (Please, ALL football fans are welcome to answer…not just Steelers fans.) Do you go to Grandma’s house and eat home cookin’ for the game? Are you the type to DV-R the game and watch it later without the hours of commercial breaks? What’s your go-to brew? What are the best sports bars in the city? I’d really love to hear your thoughts about your football traditions. The comments section below would be a great place to offer up your thoughts on what makes football America’s real favorite pastime.

As for me, I’ll be one of thousands in the masses in the Southside this Sunday. There’s something invigorating about the energy of so many people hoping for the same thing (no matter how seemingly trivial that thing may be.) I’m looking forward to seeing friends that I haven’t seen for a while, and being able to eat and drink and laugh together. At the risk of sounding sentimental, isn’t that what your favorite memories are about?

It’s going to be a great weekend, and with any luck, next week we’ll all be able to watch our team soak up all that love in a victory parade downtown. Here’s hoping! Here we go!