READY FOR FOOTBALL? BUSINESSES SURE ARE

Since most people don't have tickets on the 50-yard line for Super Bowl XXVIII, many of us will have to settle for a front-row seat by the television set when the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys face off today.

But if your spouse could not possibly withstand another second of football, your television set is too small, you are fresh out of refreshments or you just want to watch the (insert team) lose with other football fans, several area establishments are ready to accommodate your needs.

Super Sunday has become something of national holiday, and there is nothing like gatherings for a holiday.

Jeremiah's Restaurant and Lounge, at 127 N. Water St., is throwing a Super Bowl party and everyone 21 and older is invited.

For $12 at the door -- $10 in advance -- you can indulge in all the draft beer you can drink and all the hors d'oeuvres and Imo's pizza you can eat, while watching the big game on multiple television sets. Soft drinks will be available for designated drivers and for non-beer drinkers.

"During half-time, Bluff City Beer will have a bunch of games where contestants can win prizes," said Jeremiah's manager Lori Haertling. "We've had Super Bowl parties in the past, but never anything this big; this involved."

Depending on how many people turn out for the party, Jeremiah's will open both bars in the building and have several televisions blaring with the Bills-Cowboys game.

Doors open at 2 p.m.; the party starts at 4 p.m.

The Purple Crackle, in East Cape Girardeau, Ill., has rented a couple of big-screen television sets for its Super Bowl activities.

Manager Dave Pearce said his establishment will have drink specials throughout the game, door prizes and giveaways.

The bar will also have a free "wild game" buffet consisting of turkey, goose, duck and deer-meat hors d'oeuvres.

"Since the Bills are in the Super Bowl, we're going to have Buffalo wings, too," said Pearce.

There is no cover charge on Sunday at the Purple Crackle. Following the game, the television sets and buffet table will be removed, setting the stage for an evening of music and dancing.

Port Cape West, at the West Park Mall, will have the gridiron match-up on the television sets and will be selling drinks at Happy Hour prices after the start of the game.

"It will be our Super Party culminating a season of Monday Night Football," said Doc Cain, manager of Port Cape and Port Cape West. "We will be serving food off the menu, but no free hors d'oeuvres or anything like that."

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar, at 202 S. Broadview, is also offering drinks at Happy Hour prices throughout the game, which will be shown in the bar area of the restaurant.

BG's Olde Tyme Deli will also be open during the Super Bowl and will be airing the game, but the restaurant does not have any special plans for customers so far.

"I'm sure we'll come up with something," said Art Knepp, manager. "We will probably come up with a promotion the day of the Super Bowl."

Bully's, in Jackson, will also be open and airing the game, but does not have anything special planned.