By Bob Keelaghan
The roar of the crowd. The thud of the defensive line sacking the quarterback. The occasional expletive that slips through the television broadcast. Whether you watch the big game at home or at a good venue, a great Super Bowl party can bring you all the excitement with a tiny fraction of a bill from a trip to the Houston Astrodome. [Image credit: http://istockphoto.com/aksonov]
Nothing beats the wall-to-wall coverage and great sound of a sports bar when it comes to catching Super Bowl action – but if you do plan on watching the Patriots and the Falcons square off at one of these locations, be sure to look into reservations and tickets in advance so you aren’t left out in the cold.
Started by house music duo Smalltown DJs, Home and Away is the sports bar for hipsters keen on nostalgic sports memorabilia and vintage skateboard displays. The menu offers you steak tartar and craft beer if you’re not into cheap buckets of Budweiser. Warm up for the game with the Tecmo Bowl video game tournament or shooting hoops in the corner as Home and Away’s collection of games will be free all day. Plenty of big-screen TVs ensure a good view, along with the pull-down cinema screen.
The Garage – Eau Claire Market’s most expansive sports bar – hosts its second annual Garage Wing Ding wing eating contest on Super Bowl Sunday. No, they will not be serving sauced falcon wings. That would be partisan, not to mention illegal. Those who are keen to load up on chicken, shoot some pool on the ample number of pool tables or dominate the foosball table before the game are in for the best of times and the worst of stomach aches.
The popular Shark Club chain of sports bars boasts 65 screens, meaning you can turn a Super Bowl 51 party into a mind-altering, sensory-overload experience. This will be enhanced by comfortable chairs, plenty of elbow room and a menu of lagers, cocktails and whiskies that appeal to a devoted NFL fan. Both Shark Club locations promise plenty of giveaways and swag between quarters.
A Super Bowl Sunday classic, Atlas Pizza is not just old school, it might be the oldest school. The family-run sports bar and Greek pizzeria has upheld the Super Bowl party tradition since 1976 – before the NFL expansion, the Baltimore Colts midnight move, O.J. Simpson’s fall from grace and the growing national self-awareness that "Redskins" is a racist team name.
Oh, the stories they could tell. But why would they? There’s no use reflecting on the past when Atlas has a devoted following for its pizza, pool tables and electric atmosphere on game day. Super Bowl Sunday will be no exception.
For those who step into Kensington's Side Street Pub and Grill, the football logos on the wall may be a dead giveaway that something has to be happening for Super Bowl. The friendly neighbourhood sports bar has earned itself a fine reputation from its affable card shark owners, chicken wings and pizza. All of those will be in full effect for the big game, along with pigskin and yardsticks. Shoot pool, play darts, Golden Tee off, or pretend you’re a Big Buck Hunter before the game – or if Lady Gaga doesn’t get you fired up at half-time.
Shanks is a colossal institution among Calgary’s sports bars. Its two locations are just plain big – it’s like the Astrodome of sports bars. Considering it promotes active enjoyment of the sports bar environment through mini-golf, video games and bowling, you can feel good about yourself by being slightly active after ordering jugs, eating wings, inhaling nachos and playing armchair quarterback for the better part of a Sunday. Mini-golf is also great for spouses and children whose favourite sport isn’t football.
If you'd rather trade the raucous atmosphere of a sports bar for a more casual experience, you may feel more at home watching the big game at one of Calgary's premier pubs.
Of course, beer and the Super Bowl go hand in hand for most football fans – so having a selection of more than one hundred taps at CRAFT is a game day dream for draft connoisseurs. According to CRAFT promo, basement bargain happy hour prices will be in effect all day – which makes it easy to understand why CRAFT Super Bowl ceremonies are tremendously popular. Oh yeah, and there are giant TVs. You'll probably want to see what the score is now and then.
If you’ve fantasized about watching the Super Bowl in Texas with ZZ Top, a decent consolation prize might be kicking back with southern barbecue, beer, beards, stoner rock and vintage country at The Palomino Smokehouse. Generally known for rock 'n' roll ribs, it’s perfect for anyone who wants the sports and party atmosphere without the sports bar. The Palomino also promises a wicked tailgater, featuring a chili cook-off and bean bag toss on their patio – covered and heated, of course. Conveniently located on the downtown LRT line, leave the keys at home.
Want to combine your Super Bowl bash with a good cause? Hang out at Vagabond for the Team TaTa fundraiser for the Alberta Cancer Foundation. This upscale pub in the redeveloped Victoria Park area stakes its reputation on its craft beer menu and elevated comfort food. Some of these delectables will be on special, prizes will be held high and squares (football’s equivalent to bingo) will be played at high stakes. Ticket sales go to the Ride to Conquer Cancer.
If you're looking to save money or avoid the crowds, there's nothing stopping you from hosting a great Super Bowl party right at home – but you'll still want to get your food reservations in ahead of time.
A Super Bowl party is your chance to indulge in foods you might avoid the rest of the year – everything from deep-fried chicken to nachos. Get your drumsticks and wings from Wow Chicken or order a delicious speciality pizza from Pizza Bob's Classic Pie.
Don't forget to cater to those guests who might prefer a healthier option – pick up antipasto or charcuterie trays from Sunterra Market or cheese and vegetables from the the Italian Centre.
The Super Bowl is shaping up to be an exciting matchup between the perennial contender Patriots and the red-hot Falcons. Whether you're glued to the action or just waiting for the next commercial break, there's no shortage of options in Calgary to enjoy the big game.
