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Many people here in Utah threw their own Super Bowl parties, which could mean a boost for some local businesses during these tough economic times.
For some local businesses it was a nice shot in the arm, and given the down economy, many folks we spoke with said they were happy to be out celebrating, having fun.
At Free Wheeler Pizza in Salt Lake, this Sunday may not qualify as utterly super, but business is very good. Manager Don Murray said, "When it's sunny like this, we would normally not expect to do much, but the Super Bowl is definitely having an impact."
The steady flow of customers seems to prove that there's a strong correlation between sporting events and consumption of pizza.
We found Phil Johnson picking up pizza for his party. He said, "Game time pick up. I think I'll miss the beginning, but that's what the TiVo is for. I'll TiVo it."
Across town in Sandy, the place was packed at Club Allure, where they should be changing the name to "Club Steel-er", led by the woman known simply as "Mom," age 91, who came here 20 years ago from Pittsburgh. Jane Sands, a.k.a. "Mom" said, "I love it here, but I still like my Steelers."
"Mom's" son Bill said, "Mom over here is 01. It's my greatest wish to be 91 with all these people right here watching Steelers football. Come on, let's go Steelers."
Amazingly, we were able to find a Cardinal fan, though dressed in a 49ers jersey.
Midvale resident and Cardinal fan Dartanian Wilson said, "It's a little intimidating, but you gotta go for your team. You gotta root for them."
All in all, it was great game and a fun time to stir it up, what with the economy down.
Jane Sands said, "I think we need to. Things are bad, I know that, but once in a while we have to live it up a little bit, you know, and do something good for ourselves. Yeah Mom!"
The Steeler fans were ready for the victory dance tonight and of course "Mom" has now seen her team cruise to 6 Super Bowl victories. Not bad.
E-mail: jdaley@ksl.com
