It may not have been a football game in the literal sense, but organizers of Saturday's "Soup-er Bowl" believe they scored a touchdown with the first-time event.

Members of the Starkville Young Professionals say they were pleased with the turnout for Saturday's Soup-er Bowl and plan to make it an annual event.

All proceeds from the event benefit the United Way of North Central Mississippi.

Though exact figures will not be available until this week, Jeremiah Dumas, who helped coordinate the Soup-er Bowl for SYP, said that the group had pre-sold around 150 tickets at $10 apiece.

Those attending the events and buying tickets at the door paid $15 apiece.

While SYP members had made 500 tickets, they were not quite sure how Saturday's turnout for the event, which was held at the State Theatre, would be, Dumas said.

"This being the first year, we didn't know what to expect, but we're definitely pleased with the response. We've got something to build on for next year as we make this an annual event," Dumas said.

The event allowed patrons to sample soups from 16 local restaurants, many of which are featured menu items at the eateries while others were created especially for the Soup-er Bowl.

Participating restaurants and their soups included:
• City Bagel Cafe — White Bean Chicken Chili.
• Dave's Dark Horse Tavern — The Taverner (based upon the restaurant's signature pizza).
• Doe's Eat Place — Red Bean Gumbo.
• The Front Door — Tortilla Soup.
• The Green Olive — Italian Meat Trio Soup.
• Harvey's — Crawfish Chowder.
• McAlister's Deli — Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Soup.
• Oby's — Turnip Green Soup.
• Old Venice Pizza Co. — Spinach and Feta Soup.
• Rock Bottom Bar and Grill — Venison and Wild Duck Gumbo topped with fried okra.
• Shaherazad's — Red Lentil Soup.
• State Theatre — Poblano Chili and Corn Soup.
• Sweet Pepper's Deli — Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup.
• The Veranda — Purple Peruvian Potato and Pancetta.
• Wasson's — Brunswick Stew.

Those attending the Soup-er Bowl voted by secret ballot for four awards including Best of Show and those for hot (third place), hotter (second place) and hottest (first place). For many of the Soup-er Bowl-goers, choosing their favorite soup was difficult.

"I've narrowed it down to my six No. 1 choices," said Shelley Bock, who attended the event with her husband, Dennis.

"What's impressed me with some of the restaurants is their creativity. We're seeing some soups that are not necessarily on their regular menus,” Bock added.

Many Soup-er Bowl participants found the various samples from the restaurants to be quite filling.

"I'm full, but I'm going to try some more," said Arleen Clapp after finishing her 11th sample. “There are just so many good ones to try.”