Four years ago, Luanne and Richard Bonanno became more popular, drawing repeat visits from friends and family alike, particularly during football season.

But the attraction wasn't their fabulous personalities or great cooking.

It was their brand-new 50-inch plasma TV with surround sound.

The giant TV offers one of the best views of the New England Patriots' red, white and blue uniforms. The arrival of the television quickly transformed the Bonannos' home at 255 Merrimack St., Methuen, into a clubhouse for die-hard Patriots fans.

"Every week, I have at least six people in my house watching the game," Luanne Bonanno said.

She and her husband recently traveled to New Orleans. But their absence didn't stop the Patriots fans from piling into the Bonanno home when they weren't there.

"We still had eight people over to watch the game," Luanne Bonanno said. "No one would claim responsibility for the invitation."

Richard Bonanno prides himself as the master of the TV and remote control. He even has a leather recliner that would rival the chair Tony Soprano relaxes in on "The Sopranos." While it projects an impressive picture, Luanne Bonanno admits the big TV is her husband's territory.

"I can't use it. ... It's too big, too scary," she said.

Luanne Bonanno can only imagine what her house will be like on Super Bowl Sunday. She imagines the big TV will still pull in a crowd.

"I just wish 'the house' would learn to clean up after itself," she said, laughing.