The anticipation is starting to mount. The final preparations are being made. All eyes are focused on Atlanta.

As Super Bowl XXVIII looms near, communities across the country are becoming engulfed in the pregame hype. Even the cozy towns in central Pennsylvania have been struck by the aura that surrounds the premier confrontation in the NFL -- State College is no exception.

"The Super Bowl is kind of like the Christmas of sports events," said Mike James, the general manager at Player's Sports Bar, 112 W. College Ave. "It's a real big deal. We've got hot dogs, shrimp and pizza -- we're also trying to think of a couple cool things to do at halftime."

Player's is not the only place in State College where one can watch grown men in shiny uniforms run around in shoulder pads, tackling each other. Other hot spots, like Champs Sports Bar & Grill, 1611 N. Atherton St., will also cater to football fanatics -- specifically to those gridiron supporters over 21, of course. Lou Lucchesi, a host at Champs, said the sports bar is already decorated with Super Bowl paraphernalia.

"We get a nice turnout every year and everybody enjoys it," Lucchesi said. "Again this year, we've got a couple of good teams. The ribs and wings are gonna be great -- there's a special on Dallas, Texas ribs and Buffalo wings. They'll have to fight it out and we'll see what happens."

But, what happens if you're invited to a Super Bowl party and you have nothing to wear? The 1990 AFC Champion Buffalo Bills shirt in the back of your closet just won't cut it this time around. Well, not to worry. Many local sporting goods outlets already have the right apparel to suit this occasion, including Champs in the Nittany Mall.

"We've got AFC and NFC championship hats and T-shirts," assistant general manager Carl Winter said. "The shirts are of nice quality -- they're pretty sharp. After the Super Bowl is over, we'll get in the hats you'll see the players wearing on the sidelines. It's a very big event."

However, if the Buffalo Bills finally prevail in this big event, don't expect to find Bills memorabilia at Rapid Transit Sports, 115 S. Allen St. Manager Jeff Webb said the team with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith will have to win in order for his store to reap the financial benefits of Sunday's game in Georgia.

"If Dallas wins, we'll get some Super Bowl shirts and hats," Webb said. "We don't have enough requests for Buffalo items. Dallas is the No. 1 selling team in the NFL. We'll get a lot of their business."

One local industry that isn't generating a profit from the NFL's world championship is travel. Since neither of the Super Bowl representatives are from the Keystone state, it appears as though many Pennsylvanians will be content to stay up north and endure the frigid temperatures.

"We've had a few people ask about packages for the Super Bowl," said Gail Anthony, a receptionist at Centre for Travel, 114 S. Hiester St. "The packages are very costly. We haven't had any takers."

Since most State College residents won't be witnessing the Super Bowl from inside the Georgia Dome, a couch and a big-screen television set will have to suffice -- along with a smorgasbord to eat and drink.

One beverage many consumers will be taking home with them is beer. The foamy, golden liquid is a staple when it comes to watching two professional football teams chase the NFL's most coveted prize.

"I'll have a couple of close friends over," said Matt Lohenitz (senior-administration of justice). "We'll drink some beers and get some eats. I'm kind of hoping Buffalo trashes Dallas. Jimmy Johnson is getting a little bit too cocky for his own good."

Just don't drink too much beer.