Locals Gear up for Superbowl

Parkite Linda Steadman and her daughter Anne cheered on their beloved Chiefs in Floria at last year's Super Bowl. Photo: Linda Steadman

PARK CITY, Utah – Today’s Super Bowl LV marks the first time the storied game is being played by any team in its home stadium. But home field won’t carry its usual advantage: Due to the pandemic, the stands in Tampa Bay today will be filled with vaccinated health care professionals as a gesture of gratitude for all their hard work.

The rest of the world’s fans, including countless Parkites, will be at home as Tom Brady leads his new crew, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, against the Kansas City Chiefs. Kansas City superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes was in kindergarten when Brady, 43, was competing in the first of his 10 Super Bowls.

The Steadmans’ good luck charms include an autographed football and a photo of her parents, who are also longtime fans. Photo: Linda Steadman

Park City resident and Superfan Linda Steadman is no stranger to the spectacle. She and her daughter Anne Steadman trawled to last year’s big game in Maimi Gardens, Florida to root on their beloved Chiefs.

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“We are amazed they are back at the Super bowl and sad not to go because of Covid,” Steadman said. “We are still going to love every minute, and we will celebrate every score!”

Another Park City family rooting for the Chiefs is Craig and Emily Elliot. Locals know Craig as a regular voice announcing Park City High School Miners football games; Emily for her KPCW Radio NFL official unofficial game predictions and broadcasts. In the Elliot household, it’s all Chiefs, all the time.

But in a mountain town like this one, it’s easier to find locals gleefully heading for the slopes than it is to find football fans. Skiers and boarders know that Superbowl Sunday traditionally means light crowds, shorter lift lines and more fresh tracks. Several Parkites contacted for comment admitted they didn’t know who was playing in today’s game, and frankly did not care.

“I’m working at PCMR and then going to the gym,” said Jennifer Gardner. “I never watch it.”

Also challenging is finding locals rooting for Tom Brady, who garnered plenty of detractors in his years with the New England Patriots.

“I’m praying for Tom Brady to throw six interceptions,” said Dan Glasser.

Erika Swan Lawyer said her plans for the big game included pulled pork sandwiches and a “Tom Brady voodoo doll,” which did not sound promising for the Buccaneers.

But look hard enough, and a local might sort of admit they actually want TB12 to prevail, or at least give him props for past successes.

“TB12: One of last super bowls where he lead the Patriots from behind (big time) to win. I almost stopped watching the game, but him bringing it back from behind remind me we can never quit on the one yard line!” said Ruth Gonzalez.