Most of the country will collectively shut down for a few hours on Sunday afternoon, as the Indianapolis Colts take on the New Orleans Saints in Super Bowl XLIV. Whether it be food, beer, commercials or the actual game that draws them in, 58% of Americans — in a poll conducted before the match up was set — are especially looking forward to the Super Bowl this year. But while Super Bowl Sunday may amount to a national holiday, it is not the most anticipated sports event of the year. Just over six-in-ten Americans (61%) are especially looking forward to the coming Winter Olympics. How could the Olympics top the Super Bowl? More women are willing to join their male counterparts for the winter games. Though most men (59%) are also anticipating the Olympics, even more women are (63%). And while two-thirds of men are ready for some football, just half of women are especially looking forward to Sunday’s game. Older women are the least likely to watch. Just 44% of women over age 50 are excited about the Super Bowl, compared with 55% of women under age 50. There is no age split among women on the winter games. Read More

Russell Heimlich  is a former web developer at Pew Research Center.