超級碗橄欖球大賽 美國勝似過節
Sunday is an unofficial holiday in the United States as millions of Americans gather in front of televisions for the annual National Football League championship; the Super Bowl.
星期天可謂美國的一個非正式假日。在晚上的超級碗橄欖球大賽時，億萬美國人將在圍坐在電視機前，觀看這一美國年度最大的體育賽事。This year's game is the 49th and features the defending champion Seattle Seahawks playing three-time winners the New England Patriots. The Patriots are making a record eighth Super Bowl appearance.
今年第49屆超級碗比賽對戰雙方是來自西雅圖的海鷹隊與來自波士頓的新英格蘭愛國者隊。這也是愛國者隊第8次進入超級碗決賽。比賽將在中立場地亞利桑那州菲尼克斯市進行。
The official cost for tickets this year ranges from $800 to $1,900, but they are nearly impossible to get at those prices. Ticket brokers are charging several thousand dollars per ticket in the hours before game time.
今年大賽的官方票價爲800到1900美元，但是早已搶購一空。開賽前的幾個小時內，黃牛票價可高達幾千美元一張。
However, most Americans will watch the game in bars and restaurants, and at traditional Super Bowl parties in homes across the nation.
然而，大多數美國人將在酒吧和餐廳觀看比賽。全國各地還有傳統的超級碗派對。Just as popular as the game are the television commercials, with sponsors presenting their most creative advertisements in hopes of boosting reputations and sales by reaching the huge audience. The cost of a 30-second ad this year is $4.5 million, with some companies buying several minutes of air time.
和比賽一樣受歡迎的是電視廣告。贊助商展示最具創意的廣告，希望通過接觸龐大的觀衆提高聲譽和銷售。今年30秒廣告的費用爲450萬美元。一些公司購買好幾分鐘的播出時間。The halftime show is yet another major feature of the Super Bowl, with this year's entertainment provided by pop star Katy Perry. She is known for her lavish costumes, extravagant concerts and unique personality.
中場休息是超級碗的另一特色。今年的娛樂節目由著名歌星凱蒂·佩裏提供。佩裏以其服飾奢華，音樂會鋪張和個性獨特而著稱。As for the game itself, the oddsmakers have made New England a slight favorite to beat the Seahawks in Sunday night's matchup at the University of Phoenix stadium in (Glendale,) Arizona (in the southwestern U.S.).
在比賽預測推算中新英格蘭隊稍稍領先。據稱新英格蘭愛國者隊將在亞利桑那州鳳凰城大學體育場比賽中擊敗海鷹隊。
