Super Bowl XXXI - January 26 1997

The fans clustered around the TVs cheer as the screen shows a panoramic view of the stadium, and then zooms back to players just starting to line up on the field.

"Welcome back to the biggest game of the year. Super Bowl XXXI down at the Louisiana Superdome. We are just entering the second quarter with New England up 14 to 10."

The room is clearly divided with green and yellow shirts on one side while red, white and blue shirts stare at the TV on the other side. The second quarter opens very defensively, and the fans cheer in turn as their defensive lines force the other team to punt. In a friendly manner, the fans are buying drinks for the other side after particularly good plays.

"The Packers have the ball on their second possession of the quarter. Favre is deep in the pocket, looking around. He's scrambling. He sees Freeman... He throws... Touchdown Green Bay! John, that play just made history! Tell us more"

"Absolutely, Pat. 81 yards on that touchdown pass sets a new super bowl record! New England took the lead from Green Bay and then Green Bay took it back. I can't wait to see how the Patriots respond to this."

The fans also are waiting for the Patriots' next move. They are glued to the screens. The bartenders glance through the Patriots zone, and at several nods, place several more pitchers of Miller and Bud on the Green Bay tables.

"And it's a sack on Bledsoe! Meggett just could not hold Butler back. That's a nine yard loss, and there's Tupa prepping for the punt. Green Bay has stopped New England's drive cold, and the score remains 17-14."

The Patriots fans nod with resignation to the bartenders, who refill the beer for the Packers fans. The Green Bay fans excitedly watch the next field goal scoring drive, increasing their lead to 20-14, and winning another round of beer. The New England fans lean in with renewed determination as Meggett returns the ensuing kickoff 21 yards to their own 25 yard line, starting the next drive.

"Interception! Packers' defensive back Prior picked off a long pass intended for Patriots' wide receiver Jefferson. Green Bay has the ball again on their own 26 yard line. Things are looking grim for New England. The Patriots are having a rough time gaining any momentum."

The New England fans groan at another drive cut short, and signal for the bartenders to deliver more beer to their rivals.

The Dr Walks in, dressed casually and sporting a Packers jersey. She finds a seat in the appropriate side of the room and joins in on the fun of watching the game.

Marissa wanders in, wearing a green and yellow NFC conference championship golf shirt with an Atlanta Falcons pin on the lapel despite their abysmal 3-13 record. She glances at the screens first, to catch the score, and then around the bar. Nodding to the bartenders, Dr. Belgarde and a couple others, she settles in at a table with several Latinos.

"No habla espanol. Ingles?" is her opening gambit, and soon enough she is chatting with them while they enjoy the game, one of the guys translating for his buddies.

Dr Belgarde watches Marissa wander in and returns the nod. She doesn't get up to join their group but watches from her seat.