Austin, Texas: Upcoming NFL Football Game to be Shown on Giant Inflatable Movie Screen in Austin, Texas
More than a few Longhorn fans have expressed their disappointment about not making it all the way to the BCS National Championship Game. But local bar and restaurant managers say there's no shortage of Fiesta Bowl fever in Austin, and they're gearing up for big crowds tonight for the matchup between Texas and Ohio State.
Third Base sports bar downtown will show the game on a massive, inflatable movie screen in the bottom level of the parking garage behind the bar, with seating for an additional 170 customers, owner Brendan Puthoff said, and will have heaters on the patio.
Whenever there's an Ohio State game, Sam's Boat on Braker Lane packs in 100 to 300 Buckeye fans, and for this game they're expecting plenty of Longhorn enthusiasts as well, general manager Mike Robinson said.
"The last couple of years, whenever Ohio State played Texas, it's been a pretty good rivalry," he said. "It'll be packed."
ESPN Austin radio has Doc's Backyard on Brodie Lane staked out today, and they'll be broadcasting from the bar, manager Steven Martinez said. The bar and burger joint, which also has a location on South Congress Avenue, will have beer specials and is getting ready for big crowds, Martinez said.
The Lake Creek Alamo Drafthouse on Research Boulevard doesn't have to worry about the weather, but it may not be an option for late-coming fans. As of Sunday afternoon, all but a few seats at the theater had been reserved to watch No. 3 Texas and No. 10 Ohio State. As with most UT games shown at the theater, managers said they don't expect to have any empty seats.
"I think there's a lot of excitement," assistant manager Ian McKenzie said. "All weekend, we've had people asking us about the game. "
Excerpt from "Bars and restaurants gear up for Fiesta Bowl Fever" by Patrick George, originally published in the Austin-American Statesman. Read full article at: http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/01/05/0105fiestafever.html.