If your youth group, camp or school is looking for a fun new way to build connections through an event, 9 Square in the Air has the perfect idea for you. With these step-by-step instructions, you can plan the best Superhero Showdown event that everyone will be talking about.

The Theme: It’s time to see who’s team Marvel and who’s team DC. Invite your group to come dressed to represent their team, complete with capes, masks, and, for those brave enough, tights.

Continue your theme with decorations, putting up posters with messages like, “Choose your side!” and “May the Best Superheroes Win!” Think about tacking up a few Marvel and DC banners, then add lightning bolts or other superhero symbols to your 9 Square in the Air game set.  

Add More Elements: Set up a photo booth where you have a superhero backdrop, plus props like masks and capes. Toss in some comic book speech bubbles that say, “Zap!” and “Kapow!” 

Add a music playlist for your Showdown, with plenty of themes from superhero movies and television shows, mixing up versions from every decade.

And Now…The Showdown! There are plenty of ways to get creative with your 9 Square in the Air game, tailored as a superhero battle:

Power-Up Round: Each player in the King square chooses a power-up for the round. Superman (Marvel) can swap squares once per round. The Flash (DC) gets an extra hit before elimination. Wolverine (Marvel) gets a free pass back into the game. Wonder Woman (DC) gets to call out one shot block using her invisible shield.

Villainous Takeover: Designate one counselor, teacher or leader as your villain. Have them dress as the Joker, Thanos or another evildoer and run in to disrupt the game. They can try to get members of the opposite team out or toss distractions like beach balls or small pillows into the game. 

Ultimate Battle: There are no power-ups in this round, just a good, old-fashioned battle, where the final player left in the King square is crowned the Ultimate Superhero Champion. 

What’s a Party Without…Food, of course. Invite your attendees to compete in a superhero cookie-decorating contest. You can have them compete to see whether more Marvel- or DC-themed cookies arrive, or you can have a competition for best design.

Another option is to serve movie theater staples, like popcorn, boxes of candy and soda. 

Settle In: Depending on the group you’re hosting, the night may still be young! Once your winner of the Superhero Showdown is crowned, allow them to choose the superhero movie to close the night. Whoever wants to keep playing 9 Square in the Air can continue while others relax with a movie. 

Ready to play your Superhero Showdown? It’s easy with 9 Square in the Air and a bit of planning. Contact us to get your game ordered and let us know your best ideas for your event!