With the New England Patriots making it to Super Bowl LX, the Hampshire County community is gearing up to get together and watch the game this Sunday at sports bars in the area.
The Patriots will be making their first Super Bowl appearance since 2019 when they take on the Seattle Seahawks in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sunday. Ten years ago, these two teams met in Super Bowl XLIX in Glendale, Ariz., which the Patriots won, 28-24, on a game-saving interception from Malcom Butler.
Here’s what to expect from some of the best places to watch the big game:
JJ’s Tavern | Florence
Down at JJ’s Tavern, the bar will have two separate viewing areas on Sunday. Downstairs will be first-come, first-served seating like a normal game day. The banquet room upstairs will be set up for the more diehard fans, with a 10-foot projector set up for more of a “watch party” vibe than downstairs.
The building is set up with full surround sound, immersing all of the fans in attendance. Patriots decorations will be littered throughout, with flags, banners and as much red, white and blue as possible.
“We think it’s gonna be a good day, a busy day for sure,” JJ’s owner Jon Neumann said. “[It’s a] new generation of Patriots and Patriots fans as well. A younger crowd that hasn’t seen all the Super Bowls that we’ve seen.”
Food and drinks will be flowing throughout the day, with a few specials set up to make game day special. The bar will have 99-cent wings on Sunday, while giving 10% off the bill of anyone wearing a Patriots jersey in attendance. Fans looking for takeout may be interested in their game day special, a 50-wing platter with all the fixings.
Reservations have already started flowing in, with some fans even requesting the same booth they saw the Patriots’ most recent Super Bowl victory in. Most of all, JJ’s is hoping to have a great atmosphere for fans of all ages throughout the day on Sunday.
“We just like them to be loud,” Neumann said. “High energy on a good defensive play or a touchdown. Just everybody’s hands are up in the air… having young kids, especially when we’ve got families coming in with [their] kids, and they’re just ecstatic. It’s good to see that generation of kids into the sports and so we’re just hoping that we can keep that camaraderie alive.”
Se7ens Sports Bar and Grill | Easthampton
Over at Se7ens Sports Bar and Grill, Easthampton residents will also be in for a bustling atmosphere on game day. For fans looking to make sure they have a good view of the game, regardless of where they’re sitting, this may be the place to go.
With 25 TVs in the building, the big game will be front and center for customers all around the bar. Extra sound was put in at the beginning of the NFL season, and you can be sure the broadcast will be coming through the speakers throughout the day.
“We’ve had a phenomenal start to the new year,” Se7ens general manager Courtney Medeiros said. “It has been going strong through the holidays and everything. We were really prepared for slow months, and it’s just been nuts. We’re grateful that everyone keeps coming out and keeps supporting a small business. We try and cater events like [the Super Bowl] to make them come out and make them happy.”
There will be a few fun food specials for the big game, including a “pick six” where customers can choose six appetizers for $6. The staff is also hosting a “commercial bingo” for people in attendance.
Game day should bring a big crop of Patriots fans out to the bar, with Se7ens hoping it can be a great time for everyone involved to celebrate and watch the Patriots’ final game of the season.
“Every single day, we have people come in here that don’t know each other, and they leave friends,” Medeiros said. “That’s always the vibe we’ve got. Everyone has a good time… We have tons of people that come in on their own, and they’re really not on their own, because they have a bunch of fans sitting next to them.”
Toasted Owl Tavern/Fitzwilly’s | Northampton
Right in downtown Northampton, the Toasted Owl Tavern and Fitzwilly’s are gearing up for Super Bowl Sunday. Both buildings will be ready with TVs throughout, and extra wings on deck for both in-person and takeout orders.
The Office Sports Bar | Florence
Back out in Florence, The Office is hosting a game day potluck for all fans in attendance. They’re expecting a sizable crowd, especially leading up to the game, with plenty sticking around to hopefully watch a hometown victory.