Super Bowl draws large crowds to Aussie pubs
Monday 10 February was like AFL or NRL Grand Final days for Australian pubs as NFL fans flocked to watch the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs on the big screens.
Fans loved the cheeky day off work, while pubs reaped the rewards.
One fan, 29-year-old Matt Iannacito, told The Canberra Times he had the best seat in the house at Sydney's Cheers Bar.
"We get a bar tab going and we just have a good time," Iannacito, who travelled from Sydney’s Western suburbs with a group of friends, said.
"You've got to represent your team, that's the whole fun of it and we just enjoy it."
Regan Pinker has been watching the Super Bowl for eight years straight.
"It's just exciting. The big plays are massive," the New England Patriots fan said.
"I don't work Monday's so it's great," Pinker said.
Scottish national Gary Pettigrew told the Times the NFL was much bigger in Australia than in his home country.
"It's a huge event here," said the Green Bay Packers fan.
The Eagles won the match 40-22 as Sydney-born offensive lineman Jordan Mailata starred in his maiden Super Bowl victory.
The NFL is set to grow in Australia, with the MCG to host the first NFL regular-season game in the Asia-Pacific region in 2025 under a multi-year deal.
The Los Angeles Rams are confirmed as the host team, with the Eagles reported to be their opponents.
Jonathan Jackson, 11th February 2025
