High grocery prices affect Lincolnites’ plans to celebrate Superbowl

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Super Bowl LX is scheduled for this Sunday, and many fans usually prepare by stocking up on party essentials like chips, beer, and soda, but this year, grocery prices are up.

Because of this, many Lincolnites are changing how they celebrate.

Tonya Ellis decided to cancel her Super Bowl party this year due to increased costs.

“It’s just not really feasible for us to throw big parties as we used to,” said Ellis.

“It just seems like funds are a little tighter and, I don’t know, it just seems that money has to go to other things right now.”

A report from the Department of Labor Statistics shows prices have gone up 3% in the last 12 months alone.

Stacy Cink is aware, but says her family’s Super Bowl party is still intact because everyone contributes.

“We kind of expect there’s going to be a little bit more expenses, but when we all throw in together, it makes it a little bit more feasible,” said Cink.

“My stepdad will get the drinks. That’s kind of his thing, my sister will bring the dessert, and then all the kids look forward to that, and they’re running around having a good time,” she said.

One grocery store manager told Channel 8 that they know prices are up, but for this weekend, they’re running sales to accommodate popular items around this time.

Shopper Angelina Battle says she appreciates those sales.

“I’m not too much of a fan of football, but I’m going to take advantage of a good deal,” said Battle.

Others are just looking forward to the game and not paying mind to the prices at all, like shopper Travion Shannon.

“This year I’m going to throw one. I have a great job now, so I can afford a little bit more,” he said. “So yeah, I’m going to do it big this year.”

Aside from the house parties, many will simply head to the nearest sports bar, like Old Pub in downtown Lincoln.

“It’s usually really busy. We have a good, steady, regular base that comes in and hangs out,” said Bartender Chelsea Petersen.

She says that inflation has also affected them, but they’re making do.

“Yeah, we’ve definitely noticed just from day-to-day things, from lemons to limes, just simple things that you don’t think about but we try our best to keep our prices low and not raise them unless absolutely need be,” said Petersen.