News 12 at 11 o'clock, February 7, 2010

AUGUSTA, Ga. -- With money tight for many families, some people have had to cutback on the usual Super Bowl festivities, a recent survey shows.

A Nielsen Company survey, shows 90 percent of U.S. households said they would watch Super Bowl XLIV in a house rather than a restaurant or bar.

The survey also shows only five percent of households expect to spend more on food and beverages for the Super Bowl this year.

But in Augusta, you wouldn't be able to tell by the lack of parking spaces in the parking lot and the long lines at Kroger on Washington Road, just hours before the game.

Though the spaces were full, some stated they were buying less than the usual or at least watching how much they spend this year, including Kevin Graham who was getting some items to enjoy the game with his friends.

"Pick a couple dishes and stick with those," Graham said. "Try to save money like everybody else."

U.S. Attorney Ed Tarver also was caught doing some last minute shopping at Kroger, but he said he can't cut back, because it's like a national holiday.

"No cutting back in my household today," Tarver said. "I have to come pick up my chicken drummettes, chips and dip and all of those things I don't normally get to eat on Sunday afternoon."

Across the street, the parking lot at Somewhere in Augusta was also full and inside the restaurant was at capacity as well.

Fans from both teams were cheering in their respective teams memorabilia, including Billie Scott, who was cheering for the Indianapolis Colts.

She brought all of her family out, including the children to enjoy the game and some friendly competition, since her husband was rooting for the now, Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints.

But no matter who they are rooting for, it was all about the family time together even though they spent some money to watch the game, Scott said.

"Everybody buy a little this, buy a little that and just have a good time," she said. "You don't have to spend a lot of money, we just like to come out here for the environment."

Not everyone is a big Super Bowl fan, like Scott Small and his girlfriend Melissa, who decided to stay at home to watch the game, because it is just something they can't miss.

"You can watch the highlights, but if you didn't see that one play or that one commercial, I mean you're not going to understand what everyone is talking about," Small said.

Though they will be enjoying homemade popcorn while watching the game, Small said he will also be working on an exam for his students at Augusta State University.

"Always multitasking," he said. "It's hard to give up four or five hours without getting something accomplished."

But whether it was at home or out, everyone News 12 spoke with about watching the game were just happy to be enjoying quality time with people close to them even if they weren't really into the game.