Local bars brace for historic playoff game

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- As crowds come into town by the thousands for the Irish vs. Hoosier college football playoff game, bars are prepping by stocking their shelves and crafting special deals.

One hot spot, right across from the stadium, said they’ll be open at 8 a.m. on Friday morning, almost three hours earlier than normal. They will also be doing covered tents on patios with extra heaters.

Another local bar said they’ll be fully staffed with all-day drink and food specials, shot girls, and extra hired security, but if the bars close to the stadium hit full capacity, where else is getting ready for game day?

Jay’s Lounge in Niles, about 15 minutes away from the stadium, said their doors will be open for whatever business comes their way.

“For being a Michigan bar, we get a huge Notre Dame crowd and we’re hoping to do that again this Friday… We’ve got a lot of different specials that’s we do, we do a bunch of different game day burgers and different drinks to add on to the excitement,” said kitchen manager and chef, James Brazo.

He explained if someone is looking to get out of the hustle and bustle of South Bend on Friday, you’ll still catch the game if you choose to go to a bar outside of town.

“Everything that has a screen that’s connected will have the Notre Dame game on,” said Brazo.