NorCal Buffs – Watch Parties 2010
VOTE HERE - http://poll.fm/1wh0p
We are also looking for feedback from the local Alumni on our watch parties. Please use the comments area of this post if you would like to add further detail.
Specifically we want to know
– Do we want to watch games at Bayside or The Rupublic (was Jones)?
– Are there other regions interested in organizing a location this coming season?
A little history on our SF locations for those who might be new to the area.
Bayside Sports Bar – Going back several years, Bayside Sports Bar on Union St was our spot. We fought for space as the bar was shared by Michigan, USC, CU and several others, they also did not provide CU drink or food specials, but for the most part it was a great location. Unfortunately, Bayside closed in 2007 but is planning to re-open this summer. In our talks with the new mangement, we would likely have to share space with University of Arizona alum for 2010 but they would work with us on speicals.
Jones (now The Republic) – In looking for a new space following Bayside, Jones on Lombard was convenient for those who live in the Marina, was big enough for our crowd (which can get to 200+ fans) and put together some great specials for us. The downside was that USC began to watch their games there as well causing challenges for us during a few games. Last June we learned that Jones was to be purchased and become the Republic, which did not open until the football season was almost over so we had to find a new home again. New management at The Republic is willing to work with us on space and specials should we feel this would be a good home for CU alum this year.
That said – we want your feedback on 2010 and we will do our best to make sure we all have a great time here in San Francisco and elsewhere for those outside of SF.
Alison, Great question. Bayside sounds like they will have U of A as well but we will have different sections. The Republic is willing to work with us based on what we expect the capacity needs to be.
What is Bayside’s situation re: hosting watch parties for other schools? I remember that it got super crowded when there were other popular games going on. Is the republic going to be just for CU, the way Jones’ was set up? Or will they be hosting other watch parties too?
Bayside is a classic home for the Buffs but the Republic is bigger. I vote for The Republic. – Chris
The Pub is pretty hard to get to for those of us not in the Marina / North Beach.
I preferred Jones/ Republic’s location much more – better TV set up, better food, and seemed more spacious. I don’t remember any games where the USC crowd was too bad.
Other than that, the only other options I can think of is The Phoenix (Mission).
Can’t wait for next season!
Also, after reading the newsletter further – I also have a comment on the Pub.
Simply put, I think that we Buffs can do better. One thing I disliked about the Pub was their unwillingness to turn the speakers on/up. I would hope that a CU Sponsor bar would be excited about the game and having us there and therefore be willing to turn the speakers on for the majority of their restaurant/bar attendees. The Pub was only willing to turn on the speakers in the bar area, but clearly there were not enough seats in the bar area to hold our crowd. I think we should find a bar that is more excited to hold our crowd. But I also think it is a good idea to keep the bar in the Marina area. I realize that there are many other schools who have their bars in the Marina, but I believe that the CU crowd is among the largest in the SF area and the Marina. USC is only a problem for “the weekender” when they come up and play against Stanford or Cal. But, I also understand moving the bar and do not have a problem with that. Although, having a bar in the Marina does make it easier on me to wake up and show my support for those early games.
Hope that helps.
NIcole
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Nicole Colich
Posted some emails I received about potential watch party spots for this year
On Sun, Jan 17, 2010 at 12:02 PM, Kelly English
McTeague’s on Polk would be a great CU bar! They are kind of a Texas bar as well, but there aren’t nearly as many Texas folks in the city as there are everyone else!
Hey Chris,
I hope all is going well for you. I think it might be a good idea to try and find a location outside of The Marina/North Beach area for 2010 and here is the main reason why.
There are just too many alumni from different schools all trying to watch their games in those neighborhoods. CU alumns would be much better off having an entire bar to ourselves and never having to worry about competing with someone from USC, Texas, Michigan, etc…
Finding a bar centrally located outside of The Marina/North Beach is actually a pretty easy task. There are numerous sports bars in the Inner Sunset, Inner Richmond and the Noe Valley just to name a few. MUNI can get anybody to these locations from anywhere in the city in about 30 minutes.
One of the other benefits to having a bar to ourselves a little bit further out in the city would be cheaper drink specials.
Also, do you guys have anything planned for the CU CAL in September? I know I have about 30-40 buddies coming out from all over the country for this game.
Have a great night.
Cheers,
Jon Bell