Underestimating the Superbowl’s popularity is a rookie mistake. The NFL’s Australian following has skyrocketed in recent years. But due to an unfortunate time zone disparity, it’s become something of a tradition to ditch work and call in sick on ‘Superbowl Monday’ to catch the decisive event. But before you start coming up with excuses to tell your boss, you’ll need to find a place to watch the game.
For those previously unaware of the Superbowl’s significance, the game might look like a hodgepodge of big-brand advertisements and star-studded musical performances with a few occasional glimpses of football. But it’s also a celebration of American culture. And an opportunity for Aussie’s to head to the pub on a weekday.
More than 100 million people watch the Superbowl every year, with record numbers predicted for 2023. Australian’s get the raw end of the deal with an early kick off time, but that won’t deter thousands of fans from giving their patronage to pubs, bars and hotels across the country from the early hours of the morning. With the Superbowl already less than a week away, it’s time to find the ideal location to watch it. We’ve done the hard work for you and compiled a list of the best places in each capital city to catch every action-packed moment of the big game.
What Time Does The Super Bowl Start?
Before we delve into the perfect locations for Superbowl viewing, it’s important you get there on time. Aussie fans can catch the game on the morning of Monday, February 13th. Don’t worry about converting the time difference in your head, we’ve got you covered. The Superbowl LVII kick-off times are as follows:
Perth: 8:30am
Brisbane: 9:30am
Adelaide: 10:00am
Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: 10:30am
Whether you’re a diehard fan or just in it for the half time show and commercials, these are the best places in each capital city you can spend your 2023 Superbowl Monday.
Sydney: 24/7 Sports Bar At The Star
The Star Casino’s 24/7 Sports Bar is the place to be in Sydney for the Superbowl. Complete with cheerleaders, a marching band and a DJ, the Star’s 24/7 Sports Bar will emulate the atmosphere of the Superbowl itself. The return of the annual hot dog eating contest also adds touch of American authenticity. A range of food and drink specials as well as live entertainment will make this Superbowl one to remember. With all this going on, you can still catch the game itself on a massive 36 metre mega screen to ensure you don’t miss a moment. Table bookings are available, but walk-ins are also welcome.
Honourable Mentions:
El Camino Cantina – Food and bev package with bottomless tacos, wings and drinks.
The Erskineville Hotel – $25 buckets of American style beers, loaded fries and wings from 9am.
Melbourne: The Common Man Lawn Party
The Common Man’s outdoor lawn party atmosphere is the best Melbourne has to offer. With a variety of food and beverage packages, experience the Superbowl live and loud on the Common Man’s mega screen. Complete with a purpose-built marquee and American themed drinks and food that will make the event feel like a classic backyard Superbowl party.
Honourable Mentions:
Sporting Globe – Locations across Victoria, signature American food, walk-ins welcome.
Ballers Clubhouse – Free entry, big screen, USA themed food and bev packages.
Brisbane: The Prince Consort
The Prince Consort is going all out with an all-American range of packages and interactive events to get you into the Superbowl spirit. Complete with a halftime show including cheerleaders, a real dunk tank and fan competitions, topped off with a mouth-watering buffet menu.
Honourable Mentions:
Story Bridge Hotel – Iconic spot, 9am start, build your own hot dog station.
The Regatta Hotel – No bookings needed, crazy 6:30am start, classic American menu.
Perth: The Saint George Hotel
Keen for an early start? Set your alarms and head to the Saint, which will open it’s doors at 7am for fans eager to start the celebrations early. With a huge outdoor screen, American beer on tap and the quintessential Superbowl snacks – hotdogs and wings, what more do you need to make this Superbowl one to remember?
Honourable Mentions:
Gosnells Hotel – Free entry, 7am start, $60 bottomless food and drinks.
Subiaco Hotel – Breakfast beers and burgers from 7am, what more could you ask for?
Adelaide: Memphis Slims
Shotgun Willie’s and Memphis Slim’s are going all out to celebrate America’s favourite game. With massive screens and unique drink specials, Memphis Slim’s is the place to be in Adelaide on the big day. Grab your mates, put on a jersey and settle in for an early start, with doors open at 9am.
Honourable Mentions:
Seacliff Beach Hotel – Open from 9am, 100 wings and drinks for $60.
The District Brewery at Sky City – American style menu, four-hour drinks package and live music.
Canberra: Bleachers Sports Bar
A classic sports bar if there ever was one. Spending the Superbowl at Bleachers Sports Bar will make you feel like you’re part of the crowd. With a special food and bev package, indoor and outdoor screens, you’re spoilt for choice. And the party doesn’t stop once the Superbowl ends, as the fun continues throughout the day.
Hobart: Fox Friday Craft Brewery
The rest of Australia will be looking enviously towards Tasmania on Superbowl Monday. The day of the big game just happens to fall on Regatta day, gifting many Tasmanians a public holiday and a fairly solid excuse for not showing up to work. The best place to catch the game will be the Fox Friday Craft Brewery, with craft beer on tap and US-themed food on offer.
Watching The Superbowl At Home
If you can’t make it to a venue, or the best places are all booked out, you can still catch the big game from home. Kayo Sports is streaming all the Superbowl on-field and off-field action in its entirety. To watch the game for free, head to 7mate on free-to-air tv or stream the game on 7plus. While Foxtel subscribers can tune into ESPN