超级碗橄榄球大赛，美国胜似过节

Sunday is an unofficial holiday in the United States as millions of Americans gather in front of televisions for the annual National Football League championship; the Super Bowl.

This year's game is the 49th and features the defending champion Seattle Seahawks playing three-time winners the New England Patriots. The Patriots are making a record eighth Super Bowl appearance.

The official cost for tickets this year ranges from $800 to $1,900, but they are nearly impossible to get at those prices. Ticket brokers are charging several thousand dollars per ticket in the hours before game time.

However, most Americans will watch the game in bars and restaurants, and at traditional Super Bowl parties in homes across the nation.

Just as popular as the game are the television commercials, with sponsors presenting their most creative advertisements in hopes of boosting reputations and sales by reaching the huge audience. The cost of a 30-second ad this year is $4.5 million, with some companies buying several minutes of air time.

The halftime show is yet another major feature of the Super Bowl, with this year's entertainment provided by pop star Katy Perry. She is known for her lavish costumes, extravagant concerts and unique personality.

As for the game itself, the oddsmakers have made New England a slight favorite to beat the Seahawks in Sunday night's matchup at the University of Phoenix stadium in (Glendale,) Arizona (in the southwestern U.S.).