CUMBERLAND — The Super Bowl is more of an event than a sporting contest, not that true fans always see it that way. But put true fans of the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers together with food and drink and friends, and you’ve got a super party.
Just make sure the two sets of fans don’t get too close together. While many fans host parties at home, others headed to venues like Uncle Jacks’s Pizzeria and Pub. That’s where Michelle DeHaven, born and bred in Cumberland and wearing a Ravens jersey, was planning to watch the game.
“I’m looking forward to Ray Lewis going out with a Super Bowl win. That would make my day and year,” DeHaven said.
DeHaven said she had a wager of sorts on the game with the owner of the restaurant, Brian Dillon. Dillon has a small replica of the Lombardi trophy displayed near the front of the restaurant. Tied to the trophy and floating above it was a ballon decorated with the 49ers logo.
DeHaven said Dillon has promised her the trophy if the Ravens win. Dillon is a Steelers fan, DeHaven said.
As game time approached, there were no 49ers jerseys to be seen at Uncle Jack’s. Several televisions, including a big wide screen, featured the game.
The restaurant offered a number of pizza and drink specials to fans on Sunday night.
The approach of the game drew vibrant enthusiasm from some fans.
“Baltimore! Baltimore! Baltimore! Baltimore! I am counting on them to win. Born in Baltimore 47 years ago, I ... consider it a belated birthday present,” said Sherree Casper Grebenstein of Williamsport, who planned a party at her and her husband’s home.
And the food?
“We are having lump crab cakes at our party. What else would we serve?” said Grebenstein.
Several fans responded to a Times-News question on Facebook asking for comments and predictions.
There are plenty of Steelers fans around, and Marty O'Toole, of Cumberland, is one of them.
“I'm a Steeler fan; but today I'll be rooting for the “home” team, which of course is the Baltimore Ravens,” O’Toole said.
Big families make for big celebrations, and Glenda Mill of Cumberland was hosting.
“We will be having the grandkids and parents so at least 10 crab cakes, spinach dip, buffalo dip, wings of course ... chips and lots and lots of cheering.
Mill and her husband are longstanding Chicago Bears fans but, along with Steelers fans in the family, rooted for the Ravens on Sunday.
There’s more to the day than just football, though, Mill said.
“Really for our family it is just an excuse to be together, be silly and play with the grands and tease them ... life, love and laughter rules at this house,” said Mill.
Sharon Derlan of Cumberland put in a prediction: “Ravens win 24-13,” Derlan said.
Of course, there are a few non-football fans out there.
“I only watch for the commercials. I just don’t understand football,” said Charlene Hipp-Syx of Cumberland.
And even non-fans can have a favorite team.
“I have no interest in football, but hope the Ravens win, since they are from our state,” said Donald Edward Rice of Mount Savage.
Contact Matthew Bieniek at mbieniek@times-news.com.
Local News
Related Photos
-
From left, Cathy Amann, Kevin Yost and Deborah Martin watch the Super Bowl at Mezzos Sports Bar on Sunday. Ken Nolan/Times-News
Big game a time for parties, family
- Local News
-
-
‘Time just kind of stood still’
Helmeted rescue workers raced Tuesday to complete the search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb where a mammoth tornado destroyed countless homes, cleared lots down to bare red earth and claimed 24 lives, including those of nine children.
-
Times-News graphic designer wins first place editorial contest award
Times-News graphic artist Shannon Burnside won first place for Best Feature Page Design in the 2013 Maryland-Delaware-DC Press Association Editorial Awards Contest.
-
City hopes economic strategies clear way for job creation, growth
Shawn Hershberger, economic development coordinator for the city, gave an update of the strategies being pursued for economic growth, including developing an educational center at the former Human Resources Development Commission location.
-
Protesters rally at FirstEnergy meeting
At least 200 union workers picketed FirstEnergy’s annual shareholder meeting in West Virginia on Tuesday, demanding the Ohio-based utility hire enough people to keep the power on without forcing an ever-shrinking labor force to work as many as 1,800 hours of overtime a year.
-
For all the marbles
-
Retired Garrett emergency services chief receives state EMS award
Brad Frantz, former director of the Garrett County Department of Emergency Management, is the recipient of the Leon W. Hayes Award for Excellence in Emergency Medical Services and was honored during a Tuesday ceremony in Annapolis by the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems.
-
Appalachian Lab professor honored for fracking report
Keith Eshleman, a professor at the Appalachian Laboratory and an expert in the field of watershed hydrology, has been honored by the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science with the President’s Award for Excellence in Application of Science.
- In Brief - 05/22/2013
-
DelFest activities kick off with annual teaching academy
As temperatures in the Cumberland area soared into the upper 80’s Monday and hit 90 on Tuesday, the DelFest folks were going full tilt at the Allegany County Fairgrounds, getting ready for their upcoming Memorial Day weekend music festival.
-
2 adults, 3 teens charged in former Sacred Heart Hospital breaking and entering
Two adults and three juveniles have been charged in connection with a recent breaking and entering of the former Sacred Heart Hospital complex on Seton Drive, according to the C3I Unit.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Police Ram House to End Hostage Standoff
Families Begin Returning to Their Homes in Moore
Lawyer: Feds Investigating Susan Powell Case
Raw: Aerial View of Moore Tornado Damage
Crews Race to Find Survivors of Okla. Twister
First Person: Baby Falcons on a New York Bridge
Oklahoma: Images of Devastation, Reunion
Reunited Dad, Son: 'We Just Praise God'
Moore, Okla. City of Reunions, Tears After Storm
Gov. Fallin: Okla. Facing Horrific Disaster
Former IRS Chief: Can't Say How List Happened
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
