Carpe Weekend: Bearing the Super Bowl without the Chicago Bears

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Chicago Bears fans are bummed that their team didn't make it to Super Bowl XLVI.

Updated: May 9, 2012 10:13AM

Just like any form of popular entertainment, football has the potential to elicit a near-hysterical reaction from its fans.

I’m sure I’m going to get some flack for this comparison, but the kind of unbridled fervor you see exhibited by thousands of screaming “Twilight” fans lined up to see the latest movie installment, is generally pretty indiscernible from the kind you see in the stands at most sporting events.

Fandom is pretty universal across the board, regardless of what’s being enjoyed.

As a rabid Chicago Bears fan, I know the feeling. I’ve been known to get very cranky if I’m forced for some reason to miss a game.

I’ll watch the team through good times and bad, whether we’re trouncing the competition 73-0 or we’re losing horribly.

I’ll jump up and shout at the screen as if the players can actually hear what I’m saying and call an audible at the line.

I’ve been there; trust me.

What I’ve never been able to understand, though, is how someone can get just as worked up over two teams they have no vested interest in at all.

It’s really hard for me to care one way or another how Super Bowl XLVI turns out because I couldn’t care less about either team.

You put the Bears into the equation, and I’ll be foaming at the mouth with everyone else.

Otherwise, watching the Super Bowl is, for me, about as fun as watching the TV Guide Network. Sure, it’s something to do, but I’d much rather watch the grass outside my apartment grow.

However ...

If you absolutely must watch the game, here are a few places hosting great Super Bowl parties this weekend.

ED & JOE’S RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA: 17332 S. Oak Park Ave., Tinley Park, will host a Super Bowl party from 4 to 10 p.m. Feb. 5.

The cost is $30 per person and includes food, prizes and draft and domestic beer. One attendee will win a free pizza every week for 52 weeks. Reservations are required.

Information: (708) 532-3051, ednjoes.com.

THE CARRAIG PUB: Chicago Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, will host a Super Bowl party at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

The cost is $35 and includes an open bar, a buffet, raffles and snacks.

Information: (708) 687-9323, chicagogaelicpark.org.

DURBIN’S: 10240 S. Kedzie Ave., Evergreen Park, will host a Super Bowl party at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

The cost is $35 and includes pizza, nachos, dinner and an open bar. Reservations are required.

Information: (708) 499-0022, durbinspub.com.