SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Football watch parties aren’t new in South Bend, but this playoff season they are bringing new energy to local bars during what is typically a slow time of year for business.
With cold weather, New Year’s resolutions and “Dry January” keeping some customers at home, bar owners say Indiana University’s dominance in the playoff games have given fans a reason to come out and support local establishments — who are happy to host!
South Bend Brew Werks was one of several local bars that hosted an IU watch party for Friday night’s Peach Bowl. Owner Steve Lowe said the brewery wasn’t always known as a destination for big games.
“We haven’t really been doing a lot of watch parties,” Lowe said. “That TV was gifted by like 25 of our regulars. Decided to get together and buy the TV and they even came in and put it up before I came in the next day.”
Demand for watch parties is growing across South Bend as fans look for a more local, immersive experience instead of heading to national chain restaurants.
“That’s been amazing, especially seeing students from IUSB come down here to celebrate their own team winning,” said Aron Rosales, a server and manager host at Manny’s Sports Bar. “It’s so much more fun, too.”
Manny’s, the newest sports bar in South Bend, has seen crowds pack the space despite not yet having an established reputation for hosting major sporting events.
“Reservations book a week in advance, everything was completely filled,” Rosales said.
With IU securing a spot in the national championship game, fans across the region say the excitement isn’t slowing down.
“It’s just been a surreal season,” said Sonny Whittaker, a local IU Alumni. “I mean, we went from one of the worst teams in the country historically to the number one team in the nation in two years, which is incredible.”
Fans are now looking ahead to the big game as Indiana will face Miami on Jan. 19 as the program attempts to win its first national championship.