Christopher Adams
palmettoreport@gmail.com

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — A purported Super Bowl party at Winthrop University failed to come together after there appeared to be little student interest in the event, despite interest in the game between the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams.

A number of students said they preferred to watch the game someplace else, even if it meant watching alone.

The party, in the Richardson Ballroom, was initially promoted on Winthrop’s official Instagram account via its story function, but those stories ultimately disappear after 24 hours.

Thus, some students wondered if posting events on Instagram, using the story function, was the best way to spread the word about an upcoming campus event.

R.J. Scott, a junior at Winthrop who was hanging around the recreational area just outside of the Richardson Ballroom prior to the game, said he was surprised no one was there.

“I thought there was going to be a party, but it looks like there’s not going to be one since no one is here,” said Scott.

Scott said he didn’t plan to attend the party, but intended to watch the game to support Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley.

“Since Colin Kaepernick protested (by kneeling during the National Anthem), I haven’t really been a fan of the NFL,” he said. “The only reason I’m even watching the Super Bowl today is because Todd Gurley has an organization that gives back to the youth and at-risk communities.”

Winthrop student and Rams fan Darius Graham said he wasn’t interested in attending the party and planned to watch the game in his dorm room.

“I’ll probably just watch it with my homeboy in the room and just chill out and relax,” said Graham.

As an avid football fan, he said he tries to follow the NFL through out the year.

“It’s hard to keep up with everything while school is going on, but during the year I try to make sure I know which teams lost and which teams won each week,” said Graham.

He said he was eager to see if the experience of the Patriots versus the youth of the Rams would be a factor in the game.

“It’s the Rams going against the Patriots: the powerhouse of the NFL. (The Patriots) get to this game, seems like, every year. Tom Brady has played in this game nine times in his career,” said Graham.

“This is Jared Goff’s, Todd Gurley’s and Aaron Donald’s first time here. We just trying to dethrone the giant.”

Ultimately, the Patriots defeated the Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl LIII.