Football Squares: The Ultimate Party Game Guide 🏈
Ever wondered how some party hosts keep their guests excited throughout every minute of a football game? The secret weapon is Football Squares - a game that transforms casual viewers into passionate fans and makes every scoring moment worth celebrating.
What Are Football Squares?
Football squares (also known as Super Bowl squares) is a beloved game day tradition that adds an extra layer of excitement to any football watching party. The beauty of this game lies in its simplicity - even guests who don't know the difference between a touchdown and a field goal can join in the fun and win!
The game uses a 10x10 grid, creating 100 squares that participants can buy. Each square corresponds to different possible score combinations for both teams, giving everyone multiple chances to win throughout the game.
How to Set Up Your Football Squares Game
Step 1: Create Your Grid
Setting up your football squares starts with a clear, well-organized grid. While you can draw one by hand, using a pre-made template (like our Football Squares Printable) ensures everything stays neat and professional.
The basic setup includes:
A 10x10 grid (creating 100 squares)
Spaces at the top and left side for team names
Clear areas for writing participants' names
Room for tracking winners each quarter
Step 2: Sell the Squares
Once your grid is ready:
Decide on a price per square (common prices are $1, $5, or $10)
Have participants write their names in their chosen squares
Keep track as squares are filled
Make sure everyone understands the rules before the game starts
Step 3: Add the Numbers
After all squares are filled:
Randomly assign numbers 0-9 across the top
Do the same down the left side
This creates unique number combinations for each square
Take a photo of the completed grid for reference
How to Play
The concept is straightforward: the numbers on the grid represent the last digit of each team's score. For example, if the score is Patriots 23, Eagles 17, you'd look for where 3 (Patriots) and 7 (Eagles) intersect on the grid.
Winners are typically determined at the end of each quarter, with the prize pool distributed as follows:
1st Quarter: 20% of the pool
Halftime: 30% of the pool
3rd Quarter: 20% of the pool
Final Score: 30% of the pool
Pro Tips for Hosting
Stay Organized: Use a clear template that's easy to read and understand
Collect Early: Get payments when participants choose their squares
Document Everything: Take photos of the completed grid before the game starts
Be Transparent: Make sure the grid is visible to all participants
Plan Ahead: Have your prizes ready for distribution after each quarter
Making It Digital
While traditional paper grids work well, many hosts are switching to digital solutions. Our Football Squares Printable comes in both PDF and PNG formats, making it perfect for both printing and digital distribution. This flexibility lets you easily share the grid with participants who might be joining remotely.
Creative Variations
Keep your football squares fresh and exciting by trying these variations:
Run multiple grids with different buy-in amounts
Create special rules for overtime scores
Offer bonus prizes for specific scenarios
Make it family-friendly using candy or points instead of money
Remember, football squares isn't just about winning - it's about creating memorable moments and getting everyone involved in the game. Whether you're hosting a Super Bowl party or watching a regular season game, this classic game adds an extra layer of excitement to any football gathering.