Local economy receives boost from football
Kathryn Beck
With another season comes rivalries, dedicated fans and viewing parties at local sports bars and restaurants.
Among the fans are alumni groups from many colleges with chapters in Arizona.
Throughout the Valley, alumni groups work to ensure members will have a great time cheering for their school and meeting with others who share their passion for the school’s football program.
With most college football games played on Saturdays, sports bars in the Valley prepare for attending groups.
Many of the groups are tied to universities with strong football programs, which draws more fans to viewing parties each season.
The Notre Dame Club of Phoenix has two locations for their viewing parties; the West Addison at DC Ranch and Blitz Bar and Grill in downtown Scottsdale.
Chapter president Marc Echeveste said the number of attendees vary throughout the season.
“Typically we have 100 to 140 people show up for each game. Usually the first two games we expect about 200 to 250 people to attend,” Echeveste said.
There are certain games that draw more to the viewings each season.
Echeveste said the first two games and the Michigan game always draw bigger crowds than usual.
However, since Notre Dame’s first game this season was in Dublin, and began at 6 a.m., only about 80 members attended to watch that game.
Restaurants do see an increase in fans during game days.
“We have a big contingency of Iowa Hawkeye fans along with many ASU fans,” said Aaron Ginn-Frosverge, manager of O’Kelley’s in Mesa.
Fans can also find the Desert Gators alumni group hosting their viewing parties at Cactus Moon Sports Grill.
Echeveste said the strong football tradition Notre Dame has is what makes the viewing parties unique.
“It’s a communal experience where members can cheer on the Irish and get to know other fans.”
