I am an unabashed NFL fan. It is, really, the only sport I follow. Sure, I can watch and appreciate baseball, basketball, auto racing. Heck, even bass fishing. But only the NFL keeps my attention for the entire season and beyond.

Today, of course, is Super Bowl XLI in Miami, between the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Pre-game festivities begin, well, actually, they’ve already begun.

The Super Bowl is big. It is a de facto holiday in this country. For all you non-football fans who won’t be drawn in to watch the game anyway, today is a great day to do your shopping, go to a movie, or just be out and about. (After kickoff, anyway.)

Of course, it’s also the biggest commercial opportunity of the year. Thirty-second spots are going for around two-and-a-half million dollars this year. It’s a toss-up as to which industry will be spending more: American megabrewers or automobile manufacturers. (My goodness, it seemed like every commercial break last year featured the same Cadillac commercial.)

At least the beer ads will probably be clever.

Oh, sure, there will be a few mavericks. GoDaddy.com has another slot this year. And there will be other tech companies with commercials. And Pepsi usually makes a good showing. And many of them will be funny. It’s no wonder that many, many people watch the Super Bowl for the commercials.

Personally, I will be watching the game. I’ve been quietly rooting for Peyton Manning and the Colts for some time now (when it didn’t conflict with rooting for the Giants) and will continue to do so. I’m hoping for a well-played, exciting game. I will, also, be watching for the beer commercials. I am looking forward to seeing how Anheuser Busch, SABMiller, and MolsenCoors will tickle my funny bone.

All while enjoying a locally craft brewed beer.