People from across the country and the world have chosen to make Arizona their home. Most are quick to fully embrace the amazing weather, beautiful landscapes and outdoor recreation opportunities that define the enviable Arizona lifestyle. However, they are usually a little slower to relinquish the support for their hometown sports teams. But as a place with people from lots of other places, Arizona offers a great selection of bars and restaurants where sports fans can catch a game, enjoy a cool drink and find nearly everyone cheering for their team.
“Arizona has truly captured the excitement of hosting the biggest events, which includes delivering an unforgettable experience for sports fans, whether they’re visiting us from out of state or live right here,” says Debbie Johnson, director of the Arizona Office of Tourism. “With so many great sports-focused restaurants and bars, there’s always a close place to enjoy a great bite to eat and local craft brew while cheering on your favorite teams.”
Here are just a few suggestions of many great options for places to watch the Super Bowl, or any game, across the Valley of the Sun, courtesy of the Arizona Office of Tourism.
Philly’s Sports Grill
As the name states plainly, Philly’s Sports Grill in Tempe aims to be the Arizona home base for all fans of the Philadelphia Eagles. With four locations across the Valley offering plenty of big-screen TV’s and serving cold beer, fresh pizzas, calzones and, of course, Philly cheesesteaks, this is the place to go for an amazing green-and-white great game day experience.
For the most zealous fans, the all-ages Eagles Zone AZ fan club meets at the Philly’s Tempe location, which offers more than 30 flat-screen TV’s, an indoor/outdoor bar and welcomes pets on the patio. Fans are encouraged to head over on the morning of Feb. 10 for a chance to show their Philly fandom off during a segment on 3TV’s Good Morning Arizona show, which will be broadcasting from the restaurant. For more information, visit www.phillyssportsgrill.com.
Pub Rock Live
Pub Rock Live in Scottsdale spends most of its time as a live music venue showcasing upcoming bands, Phoenix-based artists and even well-known acts. But during football season, Pub Rock Live transforms into the biggest Arizona home for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Like many origin stories, this one started off small. With three Chiefs fans deciding to enjoy a cold beverage and enjoy the game at Pub Rock many years ago. Now the venue typically welcomes more than 600 fans for each Chiefs game during the NFL season. With their team competing in the Big Game, Pub Rock is hosting a series of Kansas City Chiefs fan events, live music, parties during the week leading up to the game. And of course, there’s an “epic” free watch party on Feb. 12. For more information, visit pubrocklive.com.
Blue 32 Sports Grill
Blue 32 Sports Grill is a destination sports bar specializing in showing all the top sporting events, including championship games, tournaments and prime playoff games. The four locations across the Valley excel at serving fresh, delicious food in a family-friendly environment.
The locally owned restaurants each offer 30-plus TV’s, local craft brews and a well-rounded menu of burgers, steaks, seafood, sandwiches, and salads topped with house-made dressings and sauces. All locations are opening at 3 p.m. to watch the Super Bowl and tables can either be reserved or taken on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on location. For more information, visit www.blue32sportsgrill.com.
Hob Nob Sports Grill
Hob Nob Sports Grill in Chandler offers a Chicago-friendly atmosphere perfect for true die-hard Chicago sports fans and everyone else, too. Whether you’re craving salads, burgers, sandwiches, chops, seafood or more, you can bet that Hob Nob has something to hit the spot and a full bar to help wash it all down.
Drop by Thursday evenings for Team Trivia or any time to catch games on a variety of flat-screen TV’s. Whether you’re a Chicago sports fan or not, Hob Nob Sports Bar is a great a place to watch the Super Bowl (or any game), enjoy live music and hang out with friends. For more information, visit hobnobsports.com.
Majerle’s Sports Grill
Owned by former Phoenix Sun Dan Majerle, a Sun’s Ring of Honor inductee and head men’s basketball coach at Grand Canyon University, the downtown sports bar has been a fan favorite since it opened in 1992.
Whether it’s a pre-game destination or a game-day stop for the sports-minded, the “original downtown sports bar” serves up a winning and hearty lineup with appetizers, salads, sandwiches, and entrees like Sir Charles Southwest Chicken Pasta, as well as a kids menu for rookie starters. For more information, visit majerles.com.