WASHINGTON – For those who like money, skipping the Super Bowl can have its advantages.
When millions sit down for the Big Game next Sunday, Feb. 5, non-sports fan savants will be dining in the most exclusive restaurants, skiing down empty slopes or cruising on wide open golf courses, says The New York Times.
The folks at Opentable.com, a restaurant reservation site, tell the Times they typically seat half the number of people on Super Bowl Sunday than on other Sundays — fewer people than on Oscar night, even. In fact, the site says that particular Sunday is the least busy night of the year.
For travelers, flying on Super Bowl Sunday can be ideal, says The Times. Traffic dips considerably on these days, so flyers are more likely to get a seat in a coveted empty row, airlines say. Many airlines have TVs on seatbacks, so you can still catch the game. If they fly Jetblue, travelers can take advantage of the day’s drink specials, where alcoholic beverages cost $1, and buffalo wing pretzels are free to all.
The first week of February marks the start of prime golfing season, and courses typically get very busy. While many golfers try to get in 18 holes before the Big Game, the courses tend to clear out by noon.
“You’re going to have the course to yourself,” Brett Brooks, spokesman at Troon Golf in Phoenix, tells The Times.
Also empty are the ski slopes. Lift lines are essentially nonexistent, and savings are abundant. Last year, Liftopia.com, a ski deals website, says prices were down 40 percent on Super Bowl Sunday.
Another great Super Bowl substitute: theater tickets. In New York City, tickets to “The Book of Mormon” are 20 percent less on Feb. 5, says online ticket company Stubhub.com. For “Wicked,” prices are down 15 percent. Deals abound in other cities, as well.
Theme parks also empty out on Super Bowl Sunday, The Times says. Disney World says 10 to 12 percent fewer people visit the park on that day, and lines are much shorter.
For more great Super Bowl Sunday ideas, check out The New York Times story.
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