Pete's Blog: Super Bowl XLV from Ozzie's: Second Quarter and Halftime

-The Steelers are breathing new life into the fans, sustaining their first drive and showing signs of an offensive pulse. They’re on the board with a field goal, and I officially can barely hear myself think upstairs.

-The Packers are controlling this game so far, coming up with another crucial turnover. Conversations upstairs are decidedly shorter, and these interviews will only get tougher if the game keeps going like it is.

-The downstairs is flipping out, with no letdown in crowd noise.  The Packers score again. I’m officially afraid to venture upstairs. 21-3 Packers.

-There’s a sense of urgency upstairs, and a lot of chewed up fingernails. This two minute drill needs to end in points.

-Just talked to Soloman from Olivette and Frank from Washington D.C. They snuck out at the two-minute warning to smoke a cigarette with the new smoking ban and immediately bonded over the warmth of the fired up coals set up out front. “Upstairs is crazy,” Soloman said.  “I just met a Steeler fan from England.”

-I went upstairs when the Steelers were in the Red Zone, and it sounded like VE Day after the TD to Heath Miller. Unbelievable how one play can completely change the mood of a crowd. Confidence is officially back in Steel Town.

-Halftime has the obligatory mad dash to the bathroom, the bar or outside. Steeler fans are a blast to talk to after their late score, and pose for one of the better pictures I’m going to get.

-Pittsburgh's fans are passionate, and they are confident in their boys right now. I let it slip I’m from Boston, and get jovially ripped for loving the Patriots, ouch. I respect it though, because Pats fans would do the same, myself included.

-I’m told there’s a website for the club in St. Louis for likeminded fans. That’s a group of fans right there.

-Todd and daughter ChloeAnn from St. Charles are decked out in paint and hair coloring. “Me and my girl are thrilled to be here, and we love our Steelers.” Todd said.

-The Black-Eyed Peas are getting about as much attention as a veggie burger right now; which is too bad, because this performance looks expensive. I take that back, “Sweet Child of Mine” just came on with Slash from Guns and Roses and its officially Ozzie’s karaoke.

-Let the third quarter begin...