ELIZABETH GRAVELINE /THE CREIGHTONIAN
DJ’s Dugout, a popular CU sports bar, sits near CHI Health Center and offers a fun environment to watch a game with friends.
With the Super Bowl on Feb. 8, the Winter Olympics running throughout the month of February, Creighton basketball in full swing and March Madness beginning March 17, there’s no shortage of sporting events to look forward to. This season, you might be tempted to watch a game on your phone during a study session, but let me encourage you to get a couple of friends together and turn your favorite sporting event into a social gathering. Big matchups are one of the easiest ways to bring people together, especially when rivalries are involved.
I have grown to love watching sports –– every Olympics becomes the highlight of my year. When I’m choosing where to watch a game with friends, my main criteria are food availability, socialization potential and comfort. No matter which game is your “big game,” let’s review some options for watching it.
For those preferring to stay on campus, the Skutt Stairs are a great place to watch a game. The Skutt TV often plays Creighton basketball games, and students can request Skutt Operations or Event Support (located on the top floor of Skutt) to stream any other show or event. Snacks from Jed’s or chicken strips from Slim Chickens are readily available. The Stairs are a great place to run into friends and make some new ones. However, I don’t find them to be the most comfortable option for lounging around.
If you prefer the rowdy atmosphere and fried appetizers of a sports bar, there are several great options within walking distance of Creighton’s campus. DJ’s Dugout is a classic Creighton sports bar. Expect it to be packed full of fans of all ages on a Creighton basketball game day. For big Creighton and Nebraska games, they will project the game onto the wall, making the restaurant feel like the arena itself.
If DJ’s doesn’t have any seating left, Addy’s Sports Bar is just a few blocks away. Full of TVs, you’ll have a better chance of getting a good view of the game. It has the typical sports bar vibe: good food and plenty of screens –– well-suited for watching a USA vs. Canada hockey showdown.
Lefty O-Toole’s, located just between Creighton and the CHI Health Center, is known for their vibrant atmosphere; every gameday feels like a party. Though Lefty’s tops my chart for socialization potential, it is reserved for the 21+ crowd. However, next door is Rocco’s, serving pizza and apps in a more casual, sit-down environment.
Finally, check out Let It Fly, an upscale sports bar only a block away from CHI. You’ll get the gameday feeling as you mingle with Creighton basketball fans as you walk past the arena and cheer on the team at the busy two-story restaurant.
Despite all the great viewing options on and around campus, my personal favorite place to watch a game is at your own –– or a friend’s –– house or dorm. You can invite as many friends as you want and still be able to hear each other talk. As far as food, I find that a potluck-style spread is the best way to go about it. Grab some chips and queso, toss a frozen pizza in the oven and get as loud as you can cheering for your team!
Make this tournament season special by spending it with your friends. Big games have a way of turning an ordinary day into a celebration of competition, athleticism and friendly rivalry.