Courtyard by Marriott's Survey Reveals Americans' Favorite Super Bowl Party Snacks and Where We'll Gather for Super Bowl XLVI

BETHESDA, Md., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Courtyard by Marriott, the Official Hotel Sponsor of the NFL, shares the results of its Super Bowl survey, revealing what party-goers chose as their favorite game-day foods and where they'll be when Super Bowl XLVI kicks off on February 5.

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According to the survey commissioned by Courtyard and conducted by Toluna, party hosts who want to plan a crowd-pleasing menu should put chips and dip atop their game-day shopping lists. Sixty-one percent of Americans chose the dish as their favorite food to eat on Super Bowl Sunday.  Other favorites include pizza (55 percent), nachos (41 percent), subs/sandwiches (38 percent), barbecue (chicken, ribs, etc.) (37 percent), fried finger foods (35 percent) and burgers (32 percent).  Twenty-eight percent named vegetables or other options. 

Courtyard's Bistro offers morning and evening food and beverage at more than 400 newly renovated Courtyard hotels nationwide.  Fans will find many favorite foods on the Bistro menu, including spinach and artichoke dip, hummus, buffalo wings, turkey BLT and a cheddar French dip, among many others. 

"Courtyard customers love professional football, and through our NFL partnership, we are able to create exciting ways to provide our guests with a great sports experience," said Janis Milham, Vice President and Global Brand Manager for Courtyard by Marriott.  "The Bistro is an ideal option for on the go travelers to work, recharge and relax while grabbing a bite, watching the latest game and connecting with other fans."

The Courtyard survey also revealed that watching the game in the company of others is a tradition likely to continue.  Nearly a third (29 percent) of Americans watching the Super Bowl will catch the game at a family member or friend's house.  Courtyard's revitalized lobbies feature multi-purpose public spaces perfect for watching games with others, without having to leave the hotel.

In addition to the survey results, Courtyard will be showcasing its refreshed lobby at the Indiana Convention Center during the NFL Experience, pro football's interactive theme park open to the public Friday, January 27 through Saturday, February 4.  Courtyard is holding NFL player autograph signings with NFL stars including Cam Newton, Matthew Stafford, DeMarco Murray, Mark Ingram and more.  Dhani Jones, former linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals and host of Travel Channel's Dhani Tackles the Globe, will also be in attendance.

While meeting the NFL players, fans can relax in Courtyard's renovated lobby on-site at the NFL Experience complete with video walls, public seating areas, media pods with TVs and even the Courtyard GoBoard®.  Fans will also have a chance to experience Courtyard's Greatness on the Road photo booth, where images of iconic football stadiums across the country will be dropped into a green screen for fans to create a virtual picture album of themselves in front of their favorite stadiums.  For more on Courtyard's Super Bowl activities, visit www.facebook.com/courtyard.

The Courtyard by Marriott Super Bowl Survey was commissioned by Courtyard by Marriott and conducted using Toluna's field services. The study was conducted online and reached a national sample of 1,053 American adults ages 18 and older. The margin of error for the total sample is plus or minus 3.1% at the 95% confidence level. 

Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced.  Intuitive services and design accommodate guests' needs for choice and control.  With more than 900 locations in 37 countries, Courtyard by Marriott hotels participate in the award winning Marriott Rewards frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.  For more information, go to www.courtyard.com.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com.

SOURCE Marriott International, Inc.