Student University Programmers (SUP) hosted a free viewing of Super Bowl LVI featuring free food, raffles and touchdowns in the Chamberlain Student Center on Feb. 13. 

Upon entering the Student Center, students were met with the sight of a massive video screen complimented by broadcasters Al Michaels and Cris Collinsworth. The smell of Super Bowl party food – staples such as wings and an assortment of dips – filled the pit and greeted Rowan students as they walked down to the lounge chairs and seating for anyone to get their MVP treatment. 

Although students’ stomachs were satisfied, nothing could prepare them for the back and forth battle set to take place between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals. 

Prior to kickoff, Dwayne Johnson announced the teams while standing on the field, creating a weird dynamic as the two teams were idle behind him, waiting for the prelude to be completed. 

Students in attendance did not know what to make of it, some laughing through the absurdity of the moment, others silently watching, hoping for Johnson to declare his famous line, “Can you smell what the Rock is cooking?” Unfortunately, the line was left unsaid, but Johnson surely excited the fans in the stadium. 

The game itself got off to a slow start, both teams trading three-and-outs. That was until wideout Odell Beckham Jr. scored the first touchdown of the game on the Rams’ second drive. 

The bias in the pit seemed to lean towards Cincinnati, the underdogs, winning its first Super Bowl. Regardless, everyone was happy to see Beckham Jr. score a touchdown.

“Cleveland ruined this man,” a scarce Rams fan said while in the front row, referring to Beckham’s grueling time as a member of the Browns. On the field, Beckham could not establish chemistry with quarterback Baker Mayfield. Off the field, after his ACL tear in 2020, rumors about his unhappiness in Cleveland led him to sign with the Rams in late 2021.

Nonetheless, Odell Backham Jr. got his first career Super Bowl touchdown, shortly before he would suffer a non-contact leg injury later in the game. 

A few drives later, Bengals fans would get their fix of wide receiver exceptionalism. Quarterback Joe Burrow connected with rookie-phenomenon Ja’Marr Chase on a crazy one-handed-while-falling-down catch for 46 yards. Rowan students, no matter the fandom, roared with excitement for this play, as it was the first explosive play of the game for the Cincinnati offense. 

From this moment on, the game became a matter of big plays, as both defenses kept respective rushing attacks to a minimum. 

With every large gain, students reacted with various emotions. Rams fans clapped modestly when their team did well, Bengals fans went berserk, ultimately speaking to the polarity between the two fanbases. 

The legendary halftime show provided the music for the event, while the team-themed cupcakes satisfied any sweet tooths in attendance. 

Following the Los Angeles Rams Super Bowl victory, SUP gave out nine individual raffle prizes.

Some of the prizes included a cowboy hat, a laser-engraved coaster and Eagles, Rams and Bengals-themed gear. 

The SUPer Bowl Party was a fun opportunity for students who share the enjoyment of football. Rowan’s Student University Programmers hosts events year-round for both students and the community.

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