If there is one annual holiday/event that I am glad the pandemic is messing with it is the Super Bowl. Undoubtedly the huge parties, packed bars, and movie theater screenings will be few and far between this year.

Good.

But I am not satisfied simply because social distancing standards will be respected. Rather, I am looking forward to the experience that millions of Americans will enjoy for the first time on Sunday: The chance to actually watch the Super Bowl in peace.

Super Bowl LV will be a quieter experience for many. Try to enjoy it!

Don’t get me wrong, Super Bowl parties are fun. Good food is prepared, alcohol is guzzled, bets are placed, coaching decisions are debated, and halftime musical performances are scrutinized. These gatherings easily get to the point where they are so fantastic that I have famously advocated for the Super Bowl to be moved to Saturday.

There is something to be said about watching the game with no distractions. No, let me take that back. There is something to be said about watching the Super Bowl with no distractions. We all know that the event taking place in Florida on February 7 is more than just the Buccaneers vs. the Chiefs. It is as much of Americana as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Nestled around the 60 minutes of football are must-see commercials, a national anthem performance, a concert, guaranteed viral moments, and much more.

However, it is impossible to catch every big play, every one-liner, every powerful note if you have more stimuli at your house party than at a Vegas casino. No matter how focused you believe yourself to be, you can’t serve both your fellow drunk partygoers and the CBS broadcast.

Now some of you might be saying so what? You claim that the Super Bowl is the afterthought and that the social gathering is the only thing that makes the football worth it. Okay, I kind of understand what your reasoning. However, this year most of you will probably have to give the broadcast a chance while skipping the big party.

I think you might actually enjoy yourself. You will probably find that four unobstructed hours of musical acts, competitive football, million-dollar ads, and pop culture references aren’t that bad. For optimal enjoyment, I would suggest having your favorite beverage in one hand and your smart phone (to follow real time social media commentary) in the other.

Take advantage of your quieter Super Bowl opportunity. Who knows, if by next year the Big Game still has not been moved to Saturday, you might want to skip the hangover and stay home again. Don’t Blink.