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                 Americans Getting Ready for Super Bowl Sunday

   by VOA News

   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.

   The game is the most watched televised event every year in the U.S.,
   with millions more joining in from various parts of the world.

   This year's game is the 49th and features the defending champion
   Seattle Seahawks from the Pacific Coast state of Washington playing
   three-time winners the New England Patriots from the Atlantic Coast
   state of Massachusetts. 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 (2330 UTC).

   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.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/americans-ready-for-super-bowl-sunday
   /2623369.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/americans-ready-for-super-bowl-sunday/2623369.html