Eagles fans delighted, Pats supporters dismayed

Triumphant cheers and groans in disbelief echoed in the air when fans of the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots reacted every time their respective teams make an excellent play or botch their possession.

These were the usual scenes in some of the bars on island as football enthusiasts watched the Eagles and Patriots battled it out in Super Bowl LII at the U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota last Sunday night (Monday on Saipan).

In the end, the Eagles fans that trooped to Chambre Bar of Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan, Godfather’s Bar, Saipan World Resort’s Red Box, Amari’s Tavern, and Charley’s Cabaret at the Pacific Islands Club celebrated as Nick Foles and the Boys from Philly pinned down the highly favored New England Patriots to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Super Bowl viewing parties have become a staple on Saipan with Godfather’s among the longest bars that have been hosting the annual affair since it opened its doors in April 14 years ago. Godfather’s, co-owned by Scott Dottino and Ron Biggers, hosted their regulars—about 80 percent of which were rooting for Tom Brady and the Pats to take home their sixth Lombardi Trophy. But the Eagles spoiled their planned party.

Over at the Chambre Bar, it hosted the “In The Endzone” viewing for about 20 of its loyal customers and some new faces for the fifth straight year. The viewing includes breakfast and lunch plus raffle prizes.

Fiesta Food and Beverage director Das Krishnan said Chambre’s small area is enough for them. “It gives a relaxing mood to our regulars since it is not too crowded. We want them to enjoy every minute of the game.”

Red Box hosted its last Super Bowl viewing party as management will be turning the facility into something else.

“We reserved two VIP rooms for our sponsors so they can relax while watching the game. We have around 45 to 60, and majority are Patriots fans,” said World Resort sales and marketing manager Mike Babauta, a long-time San Francisco 49ers fans, but supported the underdog Eagles this time.

“The 49ers did not make it this time, hopefully next year. I went for the underdogs and I’m shocked especially in the first half, where the Eagles even led by more 10 points,” Babauta said.

Larry Singh, who watched the game at Amari’s Tavern with his friends, had no doubts the Eagles would upset the Patriots.

“Defense, the Eagles’ defense will beat the Patriots,” said Singh, who bantered with his friend Terry every time the Eagles made a good play or the Patriots fumbled.

“I don’t mind the arguments or teasing during the game, it’s what makes the Super Bowl worth watching,” said Terry. “Win or lose, I will stick to my team, the Patriots.”

Jack Sablan also believed having family and friends “battling in out” to see whose favorite team will prevail is the best way to enjoy Super Bowl.

“You enjoy a good and loud company, they are all pumped up and excited,” said Sablan, who was rooting for the Eagles and watched the match at Charley’s Cabaret with his fellow Department of Corrections officers in honor of their late chief and gridiron fanatic Juan M. Ayuyu.