Getting together, ordering some wings and watching football with his buddies -- a tradition that Scott Klinghoffer has no intention of changing for Super Bowl XXXVIII.

"This year, I'm kind of bummed because the Eagles didn't win ... it sucks when your team's not in it," Klinghoffer (sophomore-health policy administration) said. He added that he would likely watch the game because his friends were Patriots fans and were planning on watching the game in his apartment.

Students and businesses are gearing up and looking to have a good time this Sunday, which marks the kickoff for the anticipated game.

Chris Viscount (junior-marketing), an avid football fan, will be watching the game as well as celebrating what has become one of America's favorite pastimes, though he, too, was disappointed by the Eagles' loss.

"I'm obviously disappointed, me being a huge Eagles fan ... but it's the last chance for six months to watch football," he said.

Viscount and his friends have decided they may throw a Super Bowl party, the details of which may not be decided until the last minute. Nonetheless, such a plan might incorporate ordering what some consider to be a necessity: chicken wings, as well as other takeout food.

Penn State Sub Shop, 225 E. Beaver Ave, manager Nichole Deininger expects a sales boost this year, due to the popularity of wings among students and that the shop is running a wings special.

"I think wings and beer go together. I'm a big football fan, so I totally understand," she said.

To accommodate the proposed takeout and delivery orders, Deininger said four or five cases, each holding about four bags of wings, will be ordered. Normally, one case suffices for three days, she said.

"It's just part of the hype ... everyone does it. Chicken wings and football just go together," Viscount said.

According to a 2003 Nielsen Media Research study, one of the more popular Super Bowl foods includes chili-seasoning mix with a sales increase of 100 percent. Comparatively, tortilla chip sales only increased by 14 percent.

Jim Piteo (junior-economy) plans on watching the game but doesn't want to spend money purchasing takeout food.

"I plan on getting the usual chips and dip," he said. "Tostitos are the best for dipping," he added.

McLanahan's Student Store, 414 E. College Ave., general manager Grace Mehalick said though more students are expected to purchase snack food items, such as chips, pretzels and dip, a significant increase will most likely not occur.

"Local teams [playing in the Super Bowl] would increase sales because of students from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh ... but nothing would compare to a Penn State home football game," she said.

Even though some students aren't into sporting events, they are still looking to have a good time during the game. Ashley Royer (freshman-biology) said she isn't a huge football fan but likes the idea of partying with her friends to celebrate the event.

"My boyfriend's a big fan of the Patriots. We'll probably be getting together at his house," she said. "I'm not really looking forward to [the game]."

DP Dough, 1460 Martin St., owner Turtle Patterson said last year's Super Bowl helped increase business by 40 to 50 percent, and he said he is hoping for the same result with this year's game.

"More people are interested in football than usual. They could cook, but most eat out. And that's why we love the Super Bowl so much," he said. "When there's a big gathering, DP Dough loves it because that means [customers] are going to be eating calzones."