Yesterday it was announced that Lady Gaga will perform the national anthem at the Super Bowl 50 taking place this Sunday 7 February.

Why is this a big deal you ask?  Well, previous stars to have had this honour include none other than Diana Ross, Bari Manilow, Billy Joel, Cher, the Backstreet Boys, Beyonce and Aretha Franklin.

Coldplay – with an appearance by none other than the Queen B – are confirmed to perform during halftime and Bruno Mars, Adele, Rihanna and Taylor Swift are also rumoured to make a cameo appearance.

As our American friends are making quite the effort to get to know our football, it seems only fair we dig a little deeper and find out how we can enjoy this spectacle from the comfort of our own homes – in the UK.

Thomas Davis #58 of the Carolina Panthers leads the fans in singing 'Sweet Caroline' after a win.
Image by Grant Halverson / Getty

Here’s what you should know...

When is it?

Sunday 7 February. Kick off 15:30 Pacific Time, so a painfully late (but worthwhile) 23.30 Greenwich Mean Time if you are based in the UK.

In other words, you may want to take the Monday off.

Where will it take place?

At the San Francisco Bay Area's Levi's Stadium, 40 miles from the centre of the city and build to fit 75,000 people when expanded.

Denver Broncos players run onto the field during player introductions before a game against.
Image by Justin Edmonds / Getty

What is the Super Bowl 50?

It’s the 50th anniversary National Football Leagues’ annual championship game and the must-see sporting event in the United States.

2015 saw a record-breaking 114 million viewers per minute making the Superbowl the most watched event in American TV history.

Who are playing?

The Denver Broncos from Colorado against the Carolina Panthers from North Carolina.

How to recognise the Denver Broncos?

Colours are white, navy and orange. If you ever watched Southpark you may have heard of the Denver Broncos as creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker are fans.

Their Mascot Miles has his own somewhat surreal Twitter account.

How to recognise the Carolina Panthers?

Colours are blue, black, silver, and white. Cheerleaders are the Carolina Topcats and their mascot is Sir Purr, a black cat wearing a jersey with number ‘00’.

Their team song is ‘Stand and Cheer’, but Neil Diamonds ‘Sweet Caroline’ is a favourite when celebrating home wins.

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Who is the favourite?

Odds are in favour of the Caroline Panthers as they have had a stronger season, but the Denver Broncos are still a force to be reckoned with.

Snacks you MUST have

It’s all about ease, grease and American comfort. If Buffalo sauce, melted cheese or any dip don’t quite feel right with your food in question, you need think again.

You’ll want to stock up on some American essentials and think about picking up or ordering hot wings, nachos, pizza or anything Mexican on the day.

If you prefer homemade food you could of course also make grilled cheese sandwiches or anything that involves chicken with cheese or some Buffalo sauce twist.

Foodies and advanced party planners may want to visit Martha Stewart’s website.

Image by Andrew Francis Wallace / Getty

How To Watch It

BBC Two will be running it for the first time and Sky Sports will broadcast live.

If you would prefer to leave the house and make a night out of it it’s worth checking availability at Epic Dalston, Pond Dalston or The Clapham North.

The Ryanville 2016 Super Bowl 50 ad for Hyundai you must stream online

Main image by VALERIE MACON / Stringer / Getty