WASHINGTON – Restaurants will be a major player in many Americans' Super Bowl Sunday plans, according to the National Restaurant Association.

The NRA estimates that 48 million Americans will order takeout or delivery food from a restaurant while watching the Super Bowl Feb. 5. Another 12 million will visit a restaurant or bar to watch the championship game.

"Sporting events and great food go hand in hand, so it is no surprise that millions of Americans will incorporate restaurants into their plans for watching the professional football championship game this year," said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group for the NRA. "When it comes to favorite game-watching foods, dips, chicken wings and pizza top the list. But, about two out of five individuals who plan to watch the big game say that healthful food items are a must on their table that day."

The NRA's research shows that 31 percent of individuals who plan to watch the big game at their own home or someone else's home expect to order restaurant takeout or delivery. Younger adults (18 to 34 years old) and individuals with children are more likely to order restaurant food for game day gatherings, at 52 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

As for food choices, 69 percent of survey respondents said that salsa, dips or spreads are must-have foods on game day. Sixty-three percent named chicken wings as their must-have, 61 percent said pizza, 50 percent said desserts, and 49 percent said subs/sandwiches. In addition, 42 percent said that healthful-food items will have a place on their game day table.

The association surveyed 1,014 American adults on Jan. 19-22 about their dining plans for the Super Bowl. Projections are based on economic analysis and research conducted by the NRA.