The Super Bowl - "Panem et Circenses" - US In Party Mode As Super Bowl Spending To Hit $11 billion

Christina Cheddar Berk writes in USA Today: "Pollsters are estimating a record number of people, perhaps as many 173 million, will be watching as the New York Giants take on the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI on Feb. 5.

That means the event could generate significant consumer spending as sports fans head out to buy food, decorations, and perhaps even a new television to watch the two teams go head to head. According to a survey from the Retail Advertising and Marketing Association conducted by BigInsight, the average game-watcher will shell out $63.87 on game-related merchandise, apparel and snacks, up from $59.33 last year.

About 5.1 million people are planning to buy a new television, specifically to watch the football game, according to the survey. Last year, BigInsight estimated 4.5 million people were planning to buy TVs. That means total Super Bowl spending is expected to reach as much as $11 billion.

And as for that other Super Bowl tradition — the commercials — nearly three-quarters of the viewers say they see them as entertainment."

For more: Party time: Super Bowl spending could hit $11 billion – USATODAY.com