For many years, churches and sports bars have been the host of large Super Bowl viewing parties, which display the game on large-screen televisions. Over the past few years though, the National Football League has taken action against those venues whose space and television sizes violate copyright law. Also, the NFL has warned against using their term the "Super Bowl" to promote these parties. In particular, the NFL actively pursued churches that held such parties, until pressure from church and government officials pushed the NFL to exempt the churches from the law, arguing that they should have the same rights as those sports bars that are exempted. In fact, the copyright law does not fully exempt sports bars from hosting Super Bowl parties, but does allow for these particular food and drinking establishments to be almost twice the size of other venues before having to face audio and visual constraints on their displays. Many believe that the NFL is abusing copyright law. However, while the discrepancy between the different types of establishments requirements may not be fair, according to copyright law, the National Football League has the right to ban churches and other large venues from holding big-screened Super Bowl viewing parties until new legislation is passed or licensing agreements are made between the NFL and the hosting party.

    In an article from 2004, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported the efforts of the National Football League to protect its Super Bowl copyright in a number of big casinos.  The NFL sought out and warned casinos and resorts against holding Super Bowl parties that violated copyright law by either charging a fee to watch the game, or by displaying the game on screens larger than 55 inches. 
    In addition, the NFL not only pursued action against venues in Las Vegas, but also many in New England and North Carolina, the hometowns to the two teams that were competing in the year’s championship.
    According to the article, the NFL argued that by violating the NFL’s copyright over the Super Bowl and unfairly charging people to view the game, these venues were hurting ratings by not capturing these viewers.  In turn, this hurt advertisers and thus hurt the NFL’s overall monetary gain.
    In response to the NFL’s action, some of the venues cancelled their events, while others refunded charges and installed smaller screened televisions to display the game.
    The importance of this article highlights the fact that the National Football League has not only pursued action against large churches, but food and drinking establishments as well.  Here, the NFL spokesperson argues that the league pursues action against those establishments who violate copyright law based on the venue’s size, and their compliance with audio and visual requirements, such as the size of the screens displaying the Super Bowl.  Moreover, the NFL pursues action against both food and drinking establishment and non-food and drinking establishments, and therefore does so to protect their copyright as laid out in the U.S. legal code, not to prevent one type of establishment from transmitting the Super Bowl to the public over another.

Click on the Marathon on the Square link.  Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you can't go wrong here. Wide variety, easy-going atmosphere. And don't miss a lovely stroll through Rittenhouse Square on your way.

Some recommended gustatory adventures in western Center City

Experience the Stephen Starr Experience at any of these fine restaurants.  Feast your senses, and loosen the hinges on your purse just a little - nothing shocking!  Continental Mid-Town, Striped Bass, Barclay Prime, and Alma de Cuba are all within walking distance of 17th and Chestnut, and come highly recommended.

Fun, relaxed.  Modular menu ensures palatal satisfaction even for groups of mixed taste.

A classic, if a little pricey. Locally grown ingredients crafted into delicious dishes and a cozy atmosphere make the White Dog a popular place. And the little chachki shop nextdoor, the Black Cat draws you in after a lovely meal, drinks, or desert.

Ah, pub food! Stop in for a pint and some shepherd's pie, a brew and a burger, a sandwich and some slainte! It's all here, and if Philadelphia is the birthplace of American independence, then the New Deck is to America as Quizzo is to independence. Or something.  It won't matter after a few pints.

If you're half the nerd I think you are, you'll take the time to review the Bubble Tea and Tea menus online before visiting our beloved Bubble House. Good for you, smarty! There's a lot of selection, not only in terms of beverages, but also delicious lunch and dinner options, and cocktails, too!

If you're looking for a meal, snack, or drink close to campus...

Philadelphia restauranteur Stephen Starr's contemporary pan-Asian cuisine in a relaxed-yet-schmancy atmosphere.  Check out the menu, pick prepared plates circling the sushi bar on conveyor belt, or ask the chef to create your own sushi rolls.  You could go wrong, but it will be your own fault!