LEWISTON — Sports bars are a good place to find yourself on Super Bowl Sunday, presuming you are a football fan.
Gridiron Restaurant and Sports Pub in Lewiston was packed Sunday evening, like it is for most Super Bowls.
The pub and eatery offered a “no ticket needed, all are welcome” Super Sunday, with specials on many of its appetizers — including 50 cent chicken wings and tenders and $1 pretzel sticks.
This time, with the Patriots again playing for the title, it was easy to see who most people were supporting.
The jerseys, hats, and Pats-colored clothing were everywhere, especially at the bar where the most excited patrons sat.
Dino Umbro of Lewiston wore his Rob Gronkowsi jersey — No. 87, of course — while sitting with his friend Karen Cullins and her husband.
Umbro said they came out to watch the Super Bowl, but also “to hang out with great friends, great food and good entertainment.”
His prediction for the game was a close one with a final score of 31-28, in favor of the Patriots.
Cullins said her favorite part of the game is “all of it.”
“The commercials, the game, the food, the company,” she said.
Her husband is a Steelers fan, but she said he was rooting for the Patriots tonight.
“I’m really surprised,” she said. “He usually roots against anybody ‘New England.'”
Cullins said they go to Gridiron almost every year for the game, but also hang out there often during the rest of the year.
The crowd at the Lewiston sports bar was energized and excited Sunday night, with whooping and cheering as the national anthem was ending and as the coin was being tossed.
Richard and Kathy Marquis of Sabattus were also excited for the game, but were unfortunately unable to find Patriots jerseys to wear.
“We went looking for shirts today, but everywhere was sold out,” Kathy said.
She said they normally stay home for the game, but decided to head out to the Gridiron this year.
They were also rooting for the Pats, and were hoping for a 30-12 game.
Other local restaurants also had Super Bowl specials, especially take-out party foods for people who wanted to watch the game at home.
Gippers Sports Grill in Auburn offered “deconstructed nachos” for pick up Sunday afternoon, and closed for regular business at 2 p.m.
Starting at 3 p.m., they had a ticket-only party at $50 a person to include reserved seating, an all day buffet, pools, and randomly drawn prizes including a grand prize 50″ flat screen TV.
Legends Sports Bar and Grill also had a party with offerings that included 75 cent wings, discounted drinks, chili and chips and unlimited nachos.
They also had a pool tournament at 6 p.m. for those who were not so interested in the big game but still wanted to go out and have some fun.
Gritty McDuff’s Brewing Co. in Auburn also had discounted drinks and appetizers Sunday night, with plenty of televisions set to the same channel.
Some people want to enjoy the game in a low-key way, without going out to watch it.
Deb Masselli Clarke, who works in Lewiston, said she prepped by cooking and baking pulled pork, BBQ honey wings and “something sweet.”
“I’m watching all the pre-hype and rooting for New England, wearing my lucky ‘Gronk’ socks,” she said.
Lewiston Public Works Director Dave Jones said he made a pot of chili Saturday for the game Sunday.
“Always tastes better the second day,” he said, adding that his plan was to “chill out and watch all the hype, then the game.”
Some people do not even care to watch the actual game
Gendron Touchette of Lewiston said he will be “recording the game to watch the shows and the commercials, but not the game itself.”
Patriots fans wait eagerly Sunday night for the game to start at Gridiron Restaurant and Sports Pub. (Amanda Cullen/Sun Journal)
Dino Umbro watches the pre-game shows Sunday night at Gridiron Restaurant and Sports Pub while wearing his rob Gronkowski jersey. (Amanda Cullen/Sun Journal)
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