Super Bowl XLV -- enjoy festivities safely

By Michele Watson, Army Flier StaffFebruary 3, 2011

Super Bowl XLV -- enjoy festivities safely
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers fans will have the opportunity to cheer on their respective team Feb. 6.

The Packers, champions of the National Football Conference, and the Steelers, champions of the American Football Conference, will square off in Super Bowl XLV in Dallas.

With the event just around the corner, it is time to make plans for where you will be watching the game. Will you go out' Are you planning to watch the game at a friend's home' Or, have you decided to have friends over to watch the game at your house'

Wherever you decide to watch the game, make sure safety is at the top of your kick-off plans.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 100 people died during the 2009 Super Bowl weekend in crashes involving impaired drivers with blood alcohol levels of .08 or higher.

"We encourage everyone to enjoy the Super Bowl with friends and family this weekend," said Maj. Jay Massey, Directorate of Public Safety deputy provost marshal. "If you already know you are going to be drinking during the game, go ahead and make plans to make sure you arrive back home safely. If are going to drink, have a designated driver.

"Drinking and driving is absolutely unacceptable. Be safe, think responsibly and always have a plan in place to encounter the unexpected," said Massey. "The potential always exists for the unexpected to occur.

"You may depend on your designated driver to get you home safely; then, when it is time to leave you discover that the designated driver is intoxicated and unable to drive," he said.

Massey suggested people plan ahead by writing down a few local cab company numbers and putting them in a wallet. Also, they should put a little extra money away, just in case.

"If you prefer a friend to pick you up, go ahead and let that friend know you do have a designated driver, but, just in case a problem occurs, they can pick you up," said Massey. "Be safe not sorry."

He also provided the following safety tips to help celebrate Super Bowl XLV responsibly.

If going to a sports bar to watch the game, pace yourself while drinking and hand your keys to a sober designated driver before you begin to watch the game. Or have a sober friend make plans to pick you up after the game.

People hosting a Super Bowl Party can be held liable and prosecuted if someone they served alcohol to ends up in an impaired driving crash. Hosts should make sure all guests have a designated driver, or help them arrange for a ride home. Additionally they should stop serving alcohol during halftime. Serve coffee or dessert or soft drinks with some sort of food.

"Most importantly, remember 'Wingmanship,'" Massey added. "Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive impaired.

"Too many individuals still do not understand, drinking and driving do not mix," Massey said. "We don't want to see anyone get a DUI, but we are going to do our jobs of enforcing discipline and regulatory guidance to ensure a safe and secure Fort Rucker environment.

Super Bowl activities:

Football fans will cheer on their favorite team Feb. 6 during Super Bowl XLV, played in Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.

The staffs at The Landing Zone, located on Novosel Street, and Mother Rucker's, located on Fifth Avenue, invite people who are still undecided on where they want to watch the Super Bowl, to watch the game at either location.

People looking to shoot pool or throw darts while they watch the game should visit Mother Rucker's. Mother Rucker's is the spot for people who are 18 and older and want to be in an adult atmosphere.

Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. The game will be shown on all 16 televisions including the televisions on the patio.

Mother Rucker's is also participating in the "Pick Your Score" contest. Also, individuals can enter to win a jersey from each team at half-time. Menu items will be available throughout the day.

A more Family-oriented atmosphere is offered at the Landing Zone.

The Landing Zone will have bucket deals throughout the day. The Landing Zone is open for all ages. Full menu items will be available all day. The game will be shown on all 25 television located in The Landing Zone.

The Landing Zone will also be participating in the "Pick Your Score" contest, as well as a jersey giveaway.

"This event is a combined effort," said Rachel Montoya, The Landing Zone, promotions coordinator. "If you are hunting somewhere for you and your buddies to go and enjoy the game, visit Mother Rucker's. If you are hunting somewhere for your Family to eat and watch the game, visit us here at The Landing Zone. We serve individuals of all ages."

The Super Bowl kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.

For more information on Super Bowl activities, call Mother Rucker's at 503-0396 or The Landing Zone at 598-8025.