WASHINGTON – More Americans than ever are expected to watch the Super Bowl this year, and they’re also expected to spend more money than ever.

Americans are expected to splurge to the tune of $11 billion, according to a National Retail Federation survey.

That’s a lot of chips, dips, pizza and other snacks, but the survey also takes into account electronics, team swag, home decorations and other things.

The average game watcher is expected to spend $63.87 on related merchandise, apparel and snacks. That’s up from $59.33 last year.

The survey projects that 173 million people will watch the game, the most in the survey’s eight-year history.

WTOP’s Andrew Mollenbeck contributed to this report. Follow Andrew and WTOP on Twitter.

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