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Superstitious Sports Fans Swear By ‘Game Day Foods’ For Good Luck

Burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs deemed lucky, while deviled eggs and garlic bread are bad omens, says poll.
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Burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs are considered the ‘good luck’ game day foods – while deviled eggs and garlic bread are deemed bad omens.

A poll of 2,000 sports fans found 44% have food-focused superstitions when it comes to a big game, with 85% of those only ever eating or serving certain dishes on game day.

Pizza, popcorn, and chips are also considered to bring positive energy, but mozzarella sticks, salsa and queso dip seem to have the opposite effect.

The study, commissioned by brioche brand St Pierre and conducted by OnePoll, found that when it comes to wider superstitions, 79% will carry out strict rituals ahead of a game to help improve for the chances of a good result.

Burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs are considered the ‘good luck’ game day foods – while deviled eggs and garlic bread are deemed bad omens. PHOTO BY ANTONI SHKRABA/PEXELS 

Of these, 34% must sit on the same part of the sofa for any game when watching at home, while 40% will wear a ‘lucky outfit’.

And to avoid cursing their favorite team, 32% will refuse to watch a match with specific people they deem ‘unlucky’.

“It seems people take sport and their superstitions very seriously – so much so that almost three-quarters of fans believe the final outcome of the game could depend on it,” a spokesperson for St Pierre said.

“We are big believers that food is more than a meal on your plate – it helps make memories, bring people together – and – judging by the results of this research, it helps sports teams win titles!”

More than seven in 10 (71%) of those who are religious with their rituals have gone as far as refusing to watch the game until they have been performed.

Burgers, chicken wings, and hot dogs are considered the ‘good luck’ game day foods – while deviled eggs and garlic bread are deemed bad omens. PHOTO BY ANTONI SHKRABA/PEXELS 

What’s more, 74% believe the outcome of a previous sporting event was determined by whether they took part in their pre-event ritual, or not.

Of the 58% who label themselves superstitious when watching their favorite team play, half are this way because of their parents, while 43% developed it themselves.

As 38% will eat a specific type of food as part of their own sporting ritual, 32% of those who have ever hosted a Super Bowl party say serving the correct food was their highest priority.

While 69% agree the snacks are almost as important as the event itself.

Making sure the game was displayed properly and having a good mix of friends round was also on the list of must-haves for a successful gathering.

It also emerged that almost half – 48% – admit they have attended a Super Bowl party for the food and drink only – while having no particular interest in the game itself.

A further 37% prefer to socialize rather than watch the teams play, and exactly three in 10 only take an interest in it because of the famed halftime show.

Kayleigh Swift, US Brand Manager for St Pierre, added, “With Super Bowl just round the corner, it’s been great to get an insight into what people think about the build-up and the social gatherings which take place all over the country.” 

TOP 20 ‘GOOD LUCK’ GAME DAY FOODS

  1. Pizza
  2. Hot dogs
  3. Burgers
  4. Chips
  5. Popcorn
  6. Chicken Wings
  7. Ice cream
  8. Chicken sliders
  9. Cupcakes
  10. Cookies
  11. Tacos
  12. Potato skins
  13. Assorted cheeses with crackers and fruits
  14. Nachos
  15. Salsa and queso dip
  16. Chicken tenders
  17. Trail mix with nuts, pretzels, and dried fruit
  18. Mozzarella sticks
  19. Chili
  20. Vegetable platter

TOP 20 ‘BAD LUCK’ GAME DAY FOODS

  1. Deviled eggs
  2. Garlic bread
  3. Salsa and queso dip
  4. Ice cream
  5. Chicken Wings
  6. Mozzarella sticks
  7. Mini burgers with various toppings
  8. Trail mix with nuts, pretzels, and dried fruit
  9. Pretzels
  10. Pasties
  11. Pulled pork sliders
  12. Jalapeño poppers
  13. Chicken tenders
  14. Chicken sliders
  15. Tacos
  16. Popcorn
  17. Vegetable platter
  18. Hot dogs
  19. Assorted cheeses with crackers and fruits
  20. Potato skins

Produced in association with SWNS Research

(Additional reporting provided by Talker Research)

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