Super Bowl Dimanche
That's "Super Bowl Sunday" for you monolingual types. Some 93 million viewers will be sitting on their asses watching the New England Patriots and the New York Giants face off for Super Bowl 2008 -- even in France. Le Super Bowl Américain is even more marginal here than soccer's World Cup is in America, but it has a growing fanbase nonetheless. This is good news for die-hard tourists and expat football fans, who may find themselves staying up into the wee hours in Paris on a Sunday night when the face-off starts around midnight, local time. For the third year, those in the vicinity of a TV can watch the game on public television, broadcast live on France 2 -- meaning you can have a soirée Super Bowl in the privacy of your own garret or hotel room.
According to France 2, the first broadcast attracted some one million viewers in France, with 500,000 last year. "Unfortunately it's still a niche group of fans who watch," said a spokesperson. "We thought it was a modern idea for France Television to broadcast one of the most important sporting events in the world, even if le football américain is still not very well known in France." The live broadcast will start around 12:20 or 12:25 p.m. (TV start times in France are oddly imprecise) and will include four hours of action, plus French commentary and guest stars from the studio at France 2. But if the idea of staying in guzzling expensive imported American beer in your PJs makes you feel a little lonely, there are Super Bowl parties organized at the following North American expat outposts around town. Note that some venues require advance reservations.
[Photo]
Sixty Six Café
8, Rue de Lappe
75011 11ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
Planet Hollywood
76, Avenue des Champs-Elysées
75008 8ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
The Moose
16, Rue des Quatre-Vents
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
At this Canadian bar, you can come early and get in free to watch the Super Bowl, though a door charge of €20 will apply starting at 11 p.m. (it includes three pints). … The restaurant will stay open until 2 a.m., offering a limited menu of the hot dog and nacho variety. [link]
The Long Hop
25, Rue Frédéric Sauton
75005 5ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
Hard Rock Café France
14, Boulevard Montmartre
75009 9ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
A special €35 soirée Super Bowl at the Paris branch of the Hard Rock Café includes an all-you-can eat "buffet américain" plus drinks starting at 11 p.m. Reservations … required at 01 53 24 60 00. [link]
The Great Canadian
25, Quai des Grands Augustins
75006 6ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
Yes, even our Canadian friends are getting in on the fun, hosting a Super Bowl night where you can eat nachos, hamburgers, pizza, and other familiar foods while watching … the game on one of five big screen TVs. The price is €30 for three drinks, but food is extra. No reservations necessary. [link]
American Dream
21, Rue Daunou
75002 2ème Arrondissement Paris, Paris, France
[link]
