Watching the game on TV is not what it used to be, and that’s a good thing! There was a time when game day meant a small set on a corner stand and some friends arranged on the sofa plus a few spare chairs. Nowadays, the party is more elaborate, and it’s also a lot more fun!

Today we have home theater rooms, and they’ve become the favorite spots for families and friends to get together. They’re centered around a large TV on the wall, perhaps accompanied by an entertainment center and a table full of snacks and drinks. But the key factor, the one that makes your theater room the one everybody wants an invite to, is the seating. Modern movie theaters have made luxurious seats a priority, and that trend has happily found its way into our homes.

Here’s how to choose home theater seating that will put every visiting fan into a cushy spot on the virtual 50-yard line.

A Chair That’s More Than a Place To Sit

Why is a losing football team like an overstocked bakery? Answer: they both have too many turnovers. However, you’ll never fumble if you own some good reclining chairs. While it might be fun to occasionally sit on the edge of your seat, nobody wants to do that for an entire game. With a fine recliner, you can sit up straight when you’re energized and lower your back when you’re ready to settle in for your team’s long touchdown drive. With some chairs, such as zero-gravity chairs, you can even lie all the way back for a nap at halftime.

All recliners, including the manual variety, offer several agreeable positions, but the ultimate in customizing your sitting and viewing experience comes with the power reclining chair. These offer the blend of comfort and technology that allows you to adjust your home theater seats to the exact angle you desire with the touch of a button. And seat angle is only the beginning. There are recliners with adjustable headrests, footrests and lumbar support. Some have extra-high backs so even the tallest guest can find the setting that feels just right. Heating and massaging features are available on many units. There’s nothing like getting a back rub while your favorite wide receiver griddies in the end zone!

Watching the action from your favorite chair is even better when everything you need is at hand. Many recliners come with lighted cup holders and tray tables. With your drink within arm's reach, you won't have to miss a single play fumbling for your beverage. Lots of today’s chairs come with USB ports, so you never have to worry about your phone battery running down when you most need it.

The most feature-packed power recliners will even memorize your settings for you. If you find a position that feels like the chair was custom-built for you, you can return to it anytime with the push of a button.

Room for the Whole Gang: Sofas, Sectionals and Loveseats

Your local cinema just has individual seats, but, at a moviehouse, people aren’t encouraged to talk, socialize and move about while the action is on the screen. At home, the camaraderie is as important as the televised action. That’s why the most inviting theater rooms have multi-seat options like sofas and loveseats. Today, these pieces are designed with the movie or sports party in mind.

There are individual power controls for every individual seat. While couchmates may argue about which team to root for, there’s no need to disagree about the angle of the seat back. Many sofas come with center consoles that provide additional cup holders, extra USB ports and a space to set a plateful of goodies. In some models, the center console flips up to make room for one more.

There’s nothing like a power reclining sectional to make a group feel like they’re part of the team. Some seat half a dozen or more fans, with plenty of room for pennant-waving and celebratory touchdown signals. With a sectional, it’s easy to imagine you’re at the stadium, watching from your own private suite.

When the final wrap-up is complete and the guests have gone home, a power reclining loveseat is the ideal spot for two people to enjoy a final beverage and savor the day’s events. Even though the controls allow separate seat positions, some lovebirds will choose to synchronize them for just the right touch of end-of-day intimacy.

Sumptuous Upholstery: Leather and Other Choices

For those who want to add a touch of luxury to their home theater, leather seating is a fantastic choice. Leather not only looks sleek and stylish, but it’s also incredibly durable, making it an ideal option for game day seating. It’s easy to clean, resists stains, and ages beautifully, maintaining its look even after years of use. Leather naturally repels spills, an essential feature when the chips and dip are flying during the big game.

If leather isn’t your style, imitation leather comes in as a close second. It’s also stain-resistant, easy to clean and durable (if not quite as long-lasting as the real thing). Some people not only appreciate the lower price point but even prefer the more consistent appearance and texture.

There are also fabric options. Their big selling point is the variety of colors and patterns you can choose to highlight the room’s decor. If you’re a big enough fan, you might even order them in the home team’s colors! If fabric is your preference, be sure to look at the stain resistance options that are available.

Extras That Make the Party Complete

Do you know how to keep an inept football team from crashing your party? It’s simple: just decorate your home theater room to look like an end zone! Even if this idea doesn’t appeal to you, a little game-day decor can lend your get-together that additional “wow” factor.

A few pennants and football-themed balloons transform your snack table into a gridiron celebration. How about some Nerf footballs to be tossed between rival fans at highlight moments? Take an informal poll by setting out napkins and/or paper plates with the logos of each team. Offer team koozies and coasters for the cans and bottles of beer and soda pop.

As for the food on that goodie table, you want a layout that encourages your football enthusiasts to help themselves. A nacho bar with chips, melty cheese on a hotplate and all the “loaded nacho” accouterments is tasty, filling and low fuss. Keep the backup foodstuffs in the kitchen for easy resupply. In addition to beer and wine, offer a pitcher of a premixed cocktail with a catchy name like “Hail Mary Margarita” or “Pigskin Punch.” Provide a booze-fee version as well.

A great football gathering includes a large TV, plenty of yummy snacks and decor that proclaims party time. However, an assortment of high-quality seating for home theater will serve you for years of sports and movies, and it will make your home theater room a place everybody will fondly remember.