Counting down to kickoff

Football fans can enjoy Super Bowl no matter which team they root for

JIM MILLER/VIEWNew England Patriots fans cheer after their team scores during the AFC Championship game, Jan. 20, at the Cavalier Lounge, 3850 E. Desert Inn Road. The lounge will host Super Bowl activities this Sunday as the Patriots play the New York Giants for the NFL title. Advertisement

It was a chilly Sunday afternoon in late January, and the air crackled with anticipation. For serious fans of four NFL teams, the stakes were high.

The teams were competing for a chance at the Super Bowl, and elated fans wrung their hands, bracing for the big win or crushing loss they knew was inevitable.

As the winners emerged and losers licked their wounds, bars and restaurants around town began gearing up for Super Bowl parties on Sunday. Most will feature food, drink and gaming specials.

HOFBRAUHAUS LAS VEGAS

Hofbrauhaus Las Vegas, 4510 Paradise Road, may specialize in German fare, but the venue definitely knows the specifics of how to throw a great Super Bowl party.

Hofbrauhaus will hold a Big Game 2008 party featuring eight big-screen televisions inside the venue's indoor Beer Garden and specials on American foods such as buffalo wings, football-shaped meatballs and German beer.

"The Beer Garden is where the party will be, definitely," said vice president of operations Klaus Gastager. "Things will be set up so that any place is a great seat, but we expect to get full quickly. There will be great food, and an Oktoberfest feeling. Beer will be served in 34-ounce servings."

Gastager encourages interested parties to make a reservation as soon as possible.

"We expect a tremendous turn out," he said. "This is going to be the best party of the year."

The party will begin at 11 a.m. For more information, call 853-2337.

CAVALIER LOUNGE

Red, white and blue jerseys were the day's uniform, a show of solidarity as fans at the Cavalier Lounge, 3850 E. Desert Inn Road, huddled around the big-screen televisions and brisket buffet.

New England Patriots fans such as Joy Ruby wait for moments like this one all year long.

"My father had some of the first Patriots season tickets available," Ruby said with a thick Boston accent. "I grew up a Pats fan. It's a way of life."

She was not alone in this affirmation. More than 50 rowdy, but good-natured New England fans gathered to watch NFL games at the lounge on a weekly basis.

"This is a Patriots bar," event host James Dyess said. "We support our team and we support each other. What could be more fun than yelling for the same team and feeling that enthusiasm from everyone else? It's like being at the game."

According to Dyess, football fans in general are always welcome to turn out and enjoy the game, but especially on Super Bowl Sunday.

"You don't have to be a New England fan to come hang out with us," Dyess said. "We're going to have some fun stuff going on, and everyone is welcome."

The fun stuff will include a tailgate cookout with chicken, beef, potato salad and cole slaw for $10; a T-shirt and hat give away; two-for-one drink specials and pre-game coverage beginning at noon.

The crowd erupted in cheers as the game wound down and the Patriots were declared the victors, defeating the San Diego Chargers, 21-12.

"Can't wait 'til Super Bowl," Ruby said. "It's gonna be a lot of fun."

For more information, call 335-3414.

JOHNNY FONTANE'S BEACH HOUSE

New York Giants fans from across the valley flocked to Johnny Fontane's Beach House, 5310 W. Sahara Ave., to watch the game that would pit the boys in blue and white against the Green Bay Packers for a bid at the Super Bowl. The Giants won, 23-20.

The Beach House is a Giants bar, where devoted fans can gather and know that they are on the same cheer team.

"That's important to a lot of people," manager Joey Scroppo said. "You don't have to be a Giants fan to enjoy football here, but if you hate our team, it probably won't be much fun."

Scroppo admits that more middle-of-the-road football fans might also enjoy the Beach House experience.

"If you're just a football fan in general, we won't get under your skin. You'll enjoy yourself here," he said. "That's our hope for Super Bowl. We're going to be packed to the gills, but we hope that not just Giants fans will turn out. Let me put it this way, if you're against the other team, come cheer with us."

Game day festivities will begin at 3 p.m. and include gaming specials, cash giveaways, $1 draft beers and $6 cheese pizza.

For more information, call 335-3414.