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So, while I’ve always been a sports fan (definitely not an elite athlete—let’s not get confused!), I have to admit, my love for football really kicked off when the world started buzzing with stories about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. That spark led me to discover not just the game, but also the best place to watch football with other fans.
Growing up, some of my best memories involved watching hockey games with my dad. We’d stretch out on the couch—him with a rye and Pepsi, me with chocolate milk—yelling at the TV, jumping up in excitement, and feeling that adrenaline rush. Watching baseball and curling with my grandma was fun too, but much calmer—picture someone critiquing the refs quietly and politely. But when it came to football, I was clueless.
Football wasn’t part of my PE classes, and we never played it at recess. There were no local leagues or fields, so the extent of my football knowledge was that my dad cheered for the Raiders. That’s about it.
Then came 2023, when you couldn’t escape the chatter about Taylor Swift attending NFL games to support Travis Kelce. Suddenly, football was everywhere—on social media, in entertainment news, and on TV. While I’m as into their love story as the next person, it also got me curious: How exactly does football work, and what makes someone a true football fan? So first, I had to learn all about football, before I decided the best place to watch football. Psst, if you’re just about to dive headlong into sports fandom, get matching fleece scarves for the family and fellow bandwagoners!
Learning the Game
First things first, Google is your friend! I started researching the rules, the objectives, and soon enough, my obsessive personality took over. Websites like Ducksters offer a great breakdown of the basics—like understanding ‘downs,’ which clears up 95% of the confusion about what’s happening on the field. For example, the NFL gives teams four downs to move the ball 10 yards, while the CFL only gives three. DAZN has some fantastic resources on scoring, explaining things like touchdowns, extra points, and how NFL scoring differs slightly from the CFL’s.
Even with all that, penalties still leave me scratching my head. The games are rough and physical, and trying to figure out what’s allowed and what isn’t is half the fun (and confusion) for me! So I’m working on that still, and I’ll definitely share what I learn as I learn it. However, as for the best place to watch football…
Finding the Best Place to Watch Football
What I learned is that being a football fan isn’t just about understanding the game; it’s about finding the best place to watch it with like-minded fans. Whether you’re into NFL games, college football, or even international football like the Premier League or Champions League, the vibe of a sports bar makes all the difference.
If you’re like many people, and want to immerse yourself in the football culture, look for spots with plenty of TVs, large screens, and even outdoor patios with outdoor TVs. Neighborhood sports bars with ample space and lots of TVs are the perfect places to catch a game, enjoy craft beers, and dive into classic pub fare like wings and sliders.
The best place to watch football is often a place with a lively atmosphere—think live music before the game, drink specials during happy hour, and maybe even a few arcade games or a pool table to keep you entertained during halftime. Some venues even have outdoor beer gardens or giant screens set up specifically for big games. Whether it’s an Irish pub decked out with sports memorabilia or a spot near a college campus buzzing with local fans, finding your favorite sports bar is key.
In Las Vegas, there’s no shortage of excellent choices. From places offering NFL Sunday Ticket packages to sports bars showing CU games, you’ll never run out of options to catch your favorite teams in action. Some spots cater specifically to big groups and host special events, like watch parties for the World Cup or alumni association gatherings. Others are known for their specialty cocktails—Bloody Marys, anyone?—and hearty food menus featuring large portions that are perfect for sharing.
In complete and total honesty, the best place to watch football as far as I am concerned though, is in my home with very little distractions, because I get really annoyed when people talk over the game. I want to hear all the commentators and the announcements from the refs.
Staying Connected in the Offseason
One of the things I love about football is that there’s always something to look forward to, even during the offseason. When the NFL wraps up in February, the CFL is just around the corner with preseason games starting in May. And if you’re missing the excitement, there are always sports channels on SiriusXM, podcasts, or even a quick Google search to keep learning about the game.
I was lucky enough to get a football for Christmas, and now, tossing it around with my family members in the backyard is one of our favorite ways to spend time. It’s possibly the next best thing to watching a game at a great spot filled with football fans, large screens, if you’re into that kind of thing, and a casual atmosphere where you can relax and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year—football season!
Share your thoughts on passing the offseason in our Forum, and tell us your best place to watch football, alone or in a croud?