A Bar’s Eye View If You Crave The Game Crowd But Can’t Be In Pasadena, Area Sports Bars Have Got You Covered

Mention the Rose Bowl and many a frustrated Coug fan is bound to sound off about the shortage of tickets. Not even everyone with great connections to Washington State University was able to get tickets, let alone the ordinary Joes off the street.

So what exactly are the rest of us to do? Watch the biggest game in memory on our puny 20-inch television in the living room?

The answer, from a selection of sports bars in the area, is a resounding “No!” The New Year’s Day hot spots are offering up their big-screen televisions for good Cougar viewing, and many will also have food and drink specials for people to feast on while they watch. (Just remember, when Michigan scores a touchdown, no fair throwing food at the screen.)

In true jumping-on-the-bandwagon style, many bars that are not traditionally sports bars are digging out televisions for the big day. The Fort Spokane Brewery, however, is a notable exception. The brewery recently acquired a television with an 80-inch screen and will open their doors to Cougar fans at 11 a.m. Four smaller televisions will augment the viewing experience. Reservations are advised, so call 838-3809.

For simplicity’s sake, we’re only listing some of the more popular sports bars in the area. Unless otherwise indicated, seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. And if you plan to take advantage of the drink specials, don’t forget to pick a designated driver.

Spokane

The Swinging Doors Tavern: 1018 W. Francis, 326-6794. TV count: A whopping 23, including one 104-inch screen, one 96-inch screen, and two 52-inch screens. There will be specials on well drinks and large appetizer platters for $5.99. Doors open at 9 a.m.

Finnerty’s Red Lion Barbecue and Sports Bar: 126 N. Division, 624-1934. TV count: 15, including one in the bathroom. Open at 11 a.m. and all drinks will be served for happy hour prices. There will also be specials on appetizers and dollar beers whenever the Cougs score a touchdown.

Double Dan’s Sports Bar and Grill: 1011 W. Broadway, 326-8182. Doors open at 10 a.m. TV count: 11, including one 10-foot projection screen monster and two other big screens. Food and drink specials are planned. Call for reservations.

Pepperdine Sports Bar and Grill: 2911 E. 57th, 448-8111. Doors open at 8 a.m. TV count: 19, no big screens. All drinks will have happy hour prices.

Jack and Dan’s Tavern: 1226 N. Hamilton, 487-6546. Doors will open at 10 a.m. TV count: five, no big screens.

The Ram Restaurant and Big Horn Brewery: 908 N. Howard, 326-3745. TV count: an astonishing 45, including a 10-foot video wall in the lower lounge and one big screen. The Peak (105.7) radio station will be there, and The Ram will be serving $2 beers in special Cougar glasses. Open at 10 a.m.

619 Bar and Grill: 619 S. Washington, 624-8818. TV count: three, including one giant screen that measures 10 feet (120 inches). Special Cougar cocktails will be served along with a variety of appetizers, including “BBQ Wolverines.” Open at 10 a.m.

Bigfoot Pub and Eatery: 9115 N. Division, 467-9638. TV count: eight, including three big screens. Happy hour prices will apply to beverages. Doors open at 7 a.m.

Spokane Valley

The Sullivan Scoreboard Tavern: 205 N. Sullivan Road, 891-9725. TV count: 15, including one with a 61-inch screen. The tavern will have a potluck of sorts, with people invited to bring their own munchies. Pitchers of beer will sell for $4. Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

McQ’s Billiard Parlour and Cafe: 9614 E. Sprague, 891-2622. TV count: 22, including a 12-foot projection screen and three other big screens. Pitchers of beer will sell for $5, and $15 will buy you a reserved seat and a buffet meal. Doors open at 11 a.m. Call for reservations.

North Idaho

Steve’s Sports Dugout: 1910 E. Seltice Way in Post Falls, (208) 773-4852. TV count: 12, including four big screens. Food and drink specials are planned. Doors open at 7 a.m. on the big day. Call for reservations.

Capone’s Pub and Grill: 751 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, (208) 667-4843. TV count: five, including one with a 60-inch screen. The pub will have special discounts on beer. Doors open at 10 a.m.

T.W. Fisher’s, A Brew Pub: 204 N. Second, Coeur d’Alene, (208) 664-2739. TV count: five. The pub, known for brewing its own beers, will introduce a new golden ale called “Run for the Roses.” Doors open at 9:30 a.m.

, DataTimes