The Party Continues
The first day of the new year marks the end of all those seemingly endless holiday celebrations, but that doesn't mean the party's over.
At least not when there's a full week of college football bowl games yet to be played. And, if you're already slipping into the post-holiday doldrums, why not use football as an excuse to extend the celebration?
Get out of the house. Find a spot to watch the game -- there are plenty -- and commune with fellow fans. Eat cheap food, win promotional T-shirts, drink free booze.
While college bowl week doesn't quite receive the attention that Super Bowl weekend commands on the Strip and throughout Las Vegas, several casinos and local bars are treating it in a similar fashion.
"These are some of the best bowl games of the year," Mark Dufty, race and sports book director for Jerry's Nugget, says of today's lineup.
The bowl season started in December but the biggest games are scheduled to be played during the next seven days, including today's Rose Bowl, Friday's Sugar Bowl and the BCS Championship game Jan. 8.
There are several reasons to leave the comforts of home behind to watch the games in a sports book or bar.
"Most people don't have the screens we have," notes Jay Kornegay, executive director of the Las Vegas Hilton's race and sports book, referring to its giant television screens.
Fans also can watch more than one game at the same time, because sports bars and books broadcast all of the games, even those being played simultaneously. Then there's the cheap, or even free, booze.
Several bars are offering drink and food specials while some sports books provide free alcohol.
Short of attending the football game, nothing can match the intensity of watching with a large group of people, all emotionally invested in the outcome, says Bob Scucci, director of race and sports books for Boyd Gaming.
Now that you're all fired up for some football, here's a list of local bars and sports books that are offering promotions during bowl week. It's not inclusive so if your favorite spot isn't listed, call them.
• Jerry's Nugget, 1821 Las Vegas Blvd. North
Today, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., a carving station will be set up in the sports book selling hand-carved brisket on homemade rolls for $5.
"We have five major bowl games today, so we'll have a captive audience," Dufty says. "We want to make sure they get a good sandwich so they don't have to stray too far."
There are six giant-screen televisions and 20 large LCDs that will broadcast all five games. The sports book seats 100 on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early for the best seats.
On Jan. 8, when Oklahoma takes on Florida, a hot dog and pizza cart will be on hand selling pizza slices, hot dogs and beer for $1 each.
• ESPN Zone in New York-New York, 3790 Las Vegas Blvd. South
If you feel like playing video and arcade games while watching a football game, this is the place to do it. Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, all games in the ESPN Zone's sports arena are half-priced. There are televisions everywhere, including the restrooms, so you never have to take your eyes off the action. Drink specials featured during the games will include a domestic pint for $6.20 or Big Daddy (25 ounces) brews for $7.80. Premium pints are $7.20 and Big Daddy, $9.97. The Ultimate Tailgate platter with spinach artichoke dip and chips, buffalo and barbecue wings, sliders, chicken tenders and barbecue ribs costs $37.99 and feeds four.
• RoadRunner Saloon, 2430 E. Pebble Road, 948-8282; 921 N. Buffalo Drive, 242-2822; 5990 Centennial Center Blvd., 309-6015.
During all bowl games, drink specials include $2 beers, $3 mixed drinks.
• Montana Meat Co., 6371 Centennial Center Blvd., 396-7615
It is showing all of the games throughout the week, but as an Ohio State University fan bar, the Fiesta Bowl on Monday will be the best time to go. Specials include $1 Miller Lite drafts; bottles of Miller and Miller Genuine Draft for $1.50. Ohio chili -- the kind made at Ohio State's stadium -- will be served in bread bowls for $2. A Buckeye hot dog, which is a large hot dog with chili, also is $2.
The atmosphere will be electric, says general manager Eric Snyder, because the bar has a large pool of Ohio State customers. Giveaways of Ohio State T-shirts, bumper stickers and hats will be offered through the game.
• Tommy Rocker's Rock 'n' Roll Topless Club, 4275 Dean Martin Drive, 261-6688
Don't let the name fool you; it's not a topless club until after 10 p.m. Sports are broadcast 24/7, though.
During each bowl game, today through Jan. 8, specials will be offered, including $1 off of well drinks, wine and draft beers ($4 to $7). Food specials include wings, $3.95; spinach dip, $4.95; cheeseburger, $4.25; bacon and eggs, $3.50.
Games will be shown on seven screens and one 54-inch big-screen television.
• Boulevard Bar & Grille, 9860 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 939-2583
An Ohio State bar, they're taking reservations for the Fiesta bowl on Monday. Walk-ins are welcome, but can't be guaranteed seating. Food and drink specials will be offered. Giveaways of T-shirts, hats and other Ohio State merchandise will take place throughout the game.
• Kopper Keg West, 2257 S. Rainbow Blvd., 254-5495
Another Ohio State bar that will be showing all bowl games. Food specials include macaroni cheese curds, $3; hot dogs and chili dogs, $3; bratwurst, $4; Mini tacos $4.50. Buckets of five bottles of domestic beer, $12.
• Rave theater at Town Square, 6587 Las Vegas Blvd. South, 362-7283
Watch the Florida Gators and Oklahoma Sooners play for the BCS National Championship in 3-D. The game will be broadcast live Jan. 8 starting at 5 p.m. Tickets cost $25.
Contact reporter Sonya Padgett at spadgett@ reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4564.
