Watching NFL in situ?

corblimey

For the first time ever, I believe, I'm going to be in the States during the regular season, the next 2 weeks basically. I'll be in Ohio and I've looked into the possibility of tickets for the weekend, but Browns are on a bye, the Bengals want silly money and the Steelers are just a little bit too far away (I'd get back to my hotel at like 4am on a school night if I went to see them).

So it seems seeing a live game just isn't on the cards, but what's the best way to experience all the fun without actually going to a game? Is it really just a matter of finding a bar that has good wings and cold beer and hoping they're showing an interesting game? Should I be looking for decent sports bar nearby? Or what about local dives?

Also, am I right in thinking that they don't show 'local' games locally, ie the Bengals game will be blacked out, so the chances of getting in with the locals watching a game is pretty slim anyway, unless I find a secret club of 49ers fans somewhere in downtown Columbus.

SixtyTwo

corblimey wrote: »

For the first time ever, I believe, I'm going to be in the States during the regular season, the next 2 weeks basically. I'll be in Ohio and I've looked into the possibility of tickets for the weekend, but Browns are on a bye, the Bengals want silly money and the Steelers are just a little bit too far away (I'd get back to my hotel at like 4am on a school night if I went to see them).

There is tickets on sale for the next two for $55-$75 which works out at what 45-60 euro. Not bad prices at all in fact the fact its the Bengals and they have regular tickets on sale you are lucky.

So it seems seeing a live game just isn't on the cards, but what's the best way to experience all the fun without actually going to a game? Is it really just a matter of finding a bar that has good wings and cold beer and hoping they're showing an interesting game? Should I be looking for decent sports bar nearby? Or what about local dives?

If you are in Columbus you are in a huge College town. Ohio State University is in Columbus and you should look to see if they are at home on the next 3 saturdays and if they are go and experience college football ten times better atmosphere especially in a college like Ohio.

Edit: Home in Bold

11/03/12 vs. Illinois * TV Columbus, Ohio 3:30 p.m. ET
11/17/12 at Wisconsin * TV Madison, Wis. TBA
11/24/12 vs. Michigan * TV Columbus, Ohio 12:00 p.m. ET

On the bar front you will find plenty of Bars knocking about both sports and dive especially it being a college town/city.

Also, am I right in thinking that they don't show 'local' games locally, ie the Bengals game will be blacked out, so the chances of getting in with the locals watching a game is pretty slim anyway, unless I find a secret club of 49ers fans somewhere in downtown Columbus.

I wouldn't imagine the blackout affect Columbus as the Browns and Bengals are in different Cities and past the 75 mile broadcasting zone .

corblimey

The price I was quoted was about 150 bucks for the game, although I was still sorely tempted. Any point in driving up there on the day and seeing if there are any last minute bargains? I might just go up anyway to see what a NFL stadium looks like when it's full - I've only seen Candlestick Park in the off season.

Thanks for clearing up the blackout thing for me. I arrive next Monday 5/11 and am there until the following Sat week 17/11, so really just one full weekend (and it would be the one where the college are on a bye :rolleyes:). Oh well.

SixtyTwo

corblimey wrote: »

The price I was quoted was about 150 bucks for the game, although I was still sorely tempted. Any point in driving up there on the day and seeing if there are any last minute bargains? I might just go up anyway to see what a NFL stadium looks like when it's full - I've only seen Candlestick Park in the off season.

Thanks for clearing up the blackout thing for me. I arrive next Monday 5/11 and am there until the following Sat week 17/11, so really just one full weekend (and it would be the one where the college are on a bye :rolleyes:). Oh well.

Go here

http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/160048E5BCFD5163?intcmp=tm102058&wt.mc_id=NFL_LEAGUE_TIX_CIN_HOME7

And click the upper and lower tiers and you will find tickets for $75-$90. Click into it and it gives you the cost for each seat.

davyjose

corblimey wrote: »

Also, am I right in thinking that they don't show 'local' games locally, ie the Bengals game will be blacked out, so the chances of getting in with the locals watching a game is pretty slim anyway, unless I find a secret club of 49ers fans somewhere in downtown Columbus.

If the games don't sell out they black them out on local TV, otherwise you should be able to watch the games just fine.

M three

I'd spend the money and go.
College game if you can, the atmosphere is unreal, get to the area early and soak it up, its a whole day long thing