Yes, it’s time for another Super Bowl. This one is billed as “LI” (that’s 51 for all you non-Latin speakers out there). If that wasn’t exciting enough, the game features helmet-t0-helmet combat between, uh, the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons. For sports fans, the Feb. 5 occasion is one of the biggest days of the year. For the rest of us, it’s a chance to see what Lady Gaga’s going to wear.
No matter which side of the sports fence you’re on, Vancouver is manning up with its own Super Bowl celebrations. In particular, the Donnelly Group is partying like it’s 1999 with four of its drinking establishments (Cinema, Bimini, Butcher & Bullock, Lamplighter) given over to screening the game. Here are a few places you catch the action.
Cinema Public House (901 Granville St.) – Watch the game on this Granville St. establishment’s 20 HD screens. If that’s not enough, there’s a pre-game Happy Hour from 11-3, then $5 local beers and Caesars all day. During the game, contests will give away NFL jerseys and a PS4.
The Bimini (2010 W. 4th Ave.) – The newly renovated neighbourhood pub in the Kitsilano neighourhood will show off its 195″ HD screen, the biggest TV screen in Kits. The Bimini will also have beer features all day and the chance to win Beer for a Year at halftime.
The Butcher & Bullock (911 W. Pender St.) – Enjoy American sports in an English-style pub, and on a 202″ HD screen. The day will also include jersey giveaways, along with $5 beers all day and a special tailgating food menu.
The Lamplighter Pub (92 Water St.) – If BBQ is more your style, then this Gastown gin-joint may be for you. Besides BBQ on the patio, local craft brewery Parallel 49 will have beers on special. With 195” and 160HD projection screens and 15 additional HD screens throughout the pub, there’ll be no avoiding the smashing, grunting action. And that’s just Lady Gaga’s set.
The Yale Saloon (1300 Granville St.) – Also on Granville Street. The Yale has 11 big screens, an HD projector, surround sound, pool, darts, a game-day favourites menu, drink specials, and football-themed games and prizes. There’s also a halftime bull riding competition. And, if you’re idea of a good time is a bucket of Bud ($20 for a bucket of five bottles), this is the place for you.
Update: The Rio Theatre is also showing the game. The venue at 1660 E. Broadway will also be serving drinks, popcorn and grilled cheese sandwiches. From the event’s Facebook page: “Enjoy the ultimate game day experience on Sunday, February 5th at our annual (not to mention FREE!) Super Bowl screening and party at the Rio Theatre.” Jacques Lalonde is hosting. Doors at 3 p.m., game at 3:30.
