Super Bowl Spending Expected to Be Down Slightly Over 2018 U.S. consumers will spend a total of $14.8 billion on Super Bowl-related retail purchases ahead of the Feb. 3 event, according to new estimates from the National Retail Federation (NRF) and Prosper Insights & Analytics. The average spend will be $81.30 as fans watch the New England Patriots play the Los Angeles Rams. This total marks a slight decline from last year’s $15.3 billion in estimated total spending, but average spend is slightly higher than last year’s $81.17. The total amount is down year over year mainly because fewer people plan to watch the game: 182.5 million this year compared to 188.5 million last year. Overall spending is still the third-highest on record, after last year’s figure and $15.5 billion in 2016. Average spend is also still the second-highest in the history of the survey, behind 2016’s record of $82.19. Young People Spend the Most The biggest spenders are those aged 35–44, who say they will spend an average of $123.26. The lowest are those 65 and older at $40.97. Viewers in the Northeast plan to spend the most, at an average $94.89, followed by the West at $84.01, the South at $79.09 and the Midwest at $69.24 — not surprising given the two teams playing are based in the Northeast and Southwest. [caption id="attachment_67981" align="aligncenter" width="620"] Source: NRF/Prosper Insights & Analytics[/caption] The survey found that 72% of adults plan to watch the game, down from 76% last year. Among those watching, 79% plan to buy food and beverages, 10% team apparel and accessories and 7% decorations. Some 7% said they will buy a new television for the game, while 4% plan to buy furniture such as entertainment centers. Close to a quarter (24% or 61 million people) plan to attend a party, while 17% (44 million people) will throw one. Many (43%) say the game is the most important part of the event, but fully 23% cite the commercials (which 76% see as entertainment), 14% getting together with friends, 13% the halftime show and 7% the food.