As a lifelong Pittsburgh Steelers fan, I'm obviously excited about my team's upcoming chance to get "one for the other thumb" (reference to the team's opportunity to win its sixth title and place a ring on 6 different fingers) but I quickly was brought back to Earth after looking into the cost of taking in Super Bowl XLIII in person.

Although I've seen all five of the Steelers victories in the big game and toughed out the brutal loss to the Cowboys in SB XXX, I've never witnessed any Super Bowl in person. Although I'm probably better off watching the big game at home where I can surround myself with people who understand (and possibly even appreciate) my fanaticism, I recently came to the conclusion that I'd like to take in sports biggest game up close and personal at least once in my lifetime. And after realizing that being a Steelers fan has spoiled me into thinking that making it to the Super Bowl is, and should be a regular ocurrence, I understand that my team's amazing run over the last three decades could end at any time so I better take advantage.

Realistically, I can't even afford a trip to Tampa and the game ticket would likely force me to eat Romen noodles for the next three decades, but out of curiosity, I looked into some prices anyway. Well, upon further review, I'm still way too poor to witness the big game in person and likely will be until at least SB XCIII. While game tickets range from $2,500 and up, I found a great deal for me and 35 of my closest friends. For a mere $369,330 or $10,259 each person and change, we could whoop it up in one of the luxury suites at Raymond James Stadium.

Just to give you some perspective about the type of money we're talking about, that same $10,259 would get you 1,430 Grand Slam breakfasts at Denny's, a first-class round trip flight to the Greek Islands, a brand new Nissan Versa subcompact, 1,818 packs of cigarettes or that 150-inch plasma TV you've always dreamed of.

Liek I said, I'm a huge Steelers fan and I would love nothing more than to witness my favorite team triumph on the biggest stage one more time, but unfortunately I'm not willing to give up those nutritious Denny's meals just yet. I'll take those over Ramen noodles three times a day anytime. Here's hoping Pittsburgh's tradition of excellence carries on until a time when I can afford to go and see them.