While Thunder Bay considers itself a hockey town, it has room to celebrate the biggest football game of the year.
Overtime Sports has watched Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers gear fly off the shelves since the two teams won their way to the Super Bowl two weeks ago. While Christmas is a busy time to sell merchandise from all NFL teams, leading up to the big game brings even the most casual fan into the store. Employee Alex Vaillant said it’s hard to tell what the more popular team has been. But with no jerseys or shirts left and only a couple of hats left, it looks about even.
“It’s been a 50-50 spilt. Both teams have been selling fast,” he said.
The best part for Vaillant has been watching regulars come in who support either the Ravens or the 49ers.
“They get in pretty heated debates on who’s going to win the Super Bowl so it’s nice to see,” he said.
While Stanley Cup fever brings more people by, Vaillant said the Super Bowl is a close second.
“Football is up there for sure. It gives hockey a run for its money,” he said.
Over at On Deck, owner Sandy Sellers just finished having four brand-new 80 inch TVs installed specifically for the Sunday game. The Stanley Cup does bring customers in but with the Super Bowl only being only one game, the crowd can’t be beat.
“It’s exciting. There’s a lot of hooting and shouting and cheering,” he said. “The intensity is there.”
Sellers said he brings in an extra cook along with added wait staff and bartenders for the game. And then there’s the take-out food. He had more than 130 food orders last year with wings being the most popular item. On Deck also has football pools, specials and prizes for the day.
Shooter’s gets such a huge crowd that they turn their parking lot into a licensed tailgating party. In true football fashion the party has cook-offs as people compete for prizes like televisions, furniture and beer fridges. People can walk around, beverage in hand, and check out events like wing eating contests before heading inside to watch the game.
“We’re usually pretty much sold out,” bartender Lila McNeice said. “It’s our biggest event of the year.”
It’s a hectic and busy day for staff at Shooter’s. But McNiece said the customers have a great time.
“People seem to get pretty riled up,” she said. “Everyone’s pretty excited about the game. There’s a completive sprit in the air.”
PREDICTIONS: Alex Vaillant – Baltimore
Sandy Sellers – San Francisco
Lila McNeice – San Francisco
