This was the day we’ve been looking forward to since September. The Super Bowl; ‘the holy grail’ of the NFL. The regular season games have been played, winners have risen to the top; now the athletes will fight on the gridiron again, these champions that have paid their dues to battle to win the ultimate prize in pro football, to hold the Vince Lombardi Trophy in their hand. Too mellow dramatic? This is not just another game. 
   
      Millions of people in search of the right place and company to watch this combat should have been in New Smyrna. Zack McDonald owner and CEO of the Thunder team had his annual gathering for staff, players and other friends. Special thanks to JT2 Marketing for flawlessly putting this event together. The all-outdoor event was catered by Sonny’s Bar-B-Q and served tailgate style with plenty of chicken, pork, coleslaw and southern iced tea. 

       Projectors were set up, one for a 24 foot high screen and the other on the side of the house. Speakers were set up so there was no problem hearing the game. There were 2 fire pits filled with wood and burning for warmth and atmosphere. Tents and canopies were set up just in case of rain to protect the projectors and whoever else. Thankfully there was no rain. 
 
       Among the approximately 150 in attendance were many generations of football fans; current players, coaches, owners and staff from the Thunder indoor football team, members of the World Indoor Football League, NFL alumni, even heard there were some politicians present. Friends that had not seen each other in a while were able to visit again. Kids played safely and the adults did not get out of hand, everyone got along together many as strangers to one another and left knowing new friends.

        There was a halftime fireworks show that rivaled many cities’ Fourth of July displays. Air traffic even had to be diverted for the fireworks show to take place. All in all it was a great time. 

         Now that all the drama is over, we can get back to our lives and argue over who really is the better team.