Thank you Crain's reporter Lisa Fickenscher:
Sports bars in the city are making their own wagers on Super Bowl Sunday—and in each scenario they win. The battle between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots promises to be one of the most profitable Super Bowls ever for local businesses, simply because the match involves a hometown team.
“The Super Bowls that the Giants have been in have been huge for us,” says Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant and Sports Bar general manager, Bart Alexander, who expects revenues from this year’s game to be 50% greater than last year’s. Fans are expected to arrive earlier and stay later, drinking and eating more in the process. “They treat themselves well, ordering a steak instead of burger,” adds Mr. Alexander.
At Back Page sports bar, general manager, Jack Foley, is ordering 3,400 pounds of chicken wings, 800 pounds more than last year.
ESPN Zone employees expect fans to camp outside the Times Square sports Mecca all night to get inside the place on Sunday when it opens at 11 a.m. In previous years, hard core fans gather by the entrance around 8 a.m., says Susan Abramson, regional marketing manager. Groups of eight or more can reserve a table starting at $115 per person, which includes food, beer and wine. For the first time, the Disney-owned bar/restaurant is raffling off two recliners—each one with a team logo—in its lobby. “We expect to be at maximum capacity,” says Ms. Abramson.
Back Page
1472 3rd Ave
New York, NY
ESPN Zone
1472 Broadway
New York, NY
Mickey Mantle's
42 Central Park S
New York, NY
