Super Sunday

Millions will be tuning in for the gridiron action — and commercials

The Los Angeles Rams will meet the Cincinnati Bengals this afternoon when the biggest day in American sports kicks off.

The game starts at 5:30 pm at Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, California. You can watch it on NBC or stream it on the Peacock service.

The Rams are the favorite and observers expect 31 million Americans to wager about $7.6 billion on the game. With sports betting new legal in 30 states fans have more of an opportunity to legally back their opinion than ever before. And it’s not just which team will win. Bookmakers offer a wide variety of proposition bets — including whether the opening coin toss will come up heads or tails.

Of course, there are still those who don’t bet on the game. Some who don’t even care much about the action on the field. Millions watch just to join in the excitement and for the commercials.

Companies go all-out every year for the game. As well they should. This year a 30-second spot costs a record $6.5 million.

People will be hosting their friends at parties all over the Twin Cities. Local watering holes, too, will be welcoming patrons and looking forward to a big payday on this Super Bowl Sunday. For them, it’s like the Black Friday shopping spree is for retailers.

No telling how many steaks and ribs, burgers and dogs will be grilled. Nor how many brews will be consumed.

And that’s where you have to be careful. We all know that some tend to overdo it on Super Bowl Sunday. The police know it, too. Officers don’t want to spoil your fun. But they have a job to do, lives to protect. Make it easy on them. Don’t get behind the wheel if you enjoy adult beverages today.

That aside, all in all it’s a great day here in the U.S. A day to put cares aside, gather with family and friends and celebrate a true American tradition.