Super Bowl fever grips Richmond as fans flock to local sports bars

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The excitement was tangible in Richmond on Sunday as football fans gathered across the city to watch Super Bowl 59, a high-stakes battle between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs.

Bars and lounges, from first-time Super Bowl hosts to long-time favorites, pulled out all the stops to create a thrilling game-day experience, with packed crowds, roaring cheers and special menus adding to the electric atmosphere.

At Home Team Grill on West Main Street, nearly 200 fans crammed into the sports bar, decked out in their team colors and ready to witness every play. With a high-energy crowd, the venue was buzzing long before kickoff.

Manager Frank Lamb said the bar had been fully reserved in advance, with customers eager to enjoy the game alongside friends, food and drinks. While takeout orders surged, the energy inside was what truly set the night apart.

“It gets loud, the whole place shakes,” Lamb said, describing the intensity of the crowd. “We’re looking forward to the crowd and the atmosphere -- always upbeat and always fun.”

The fan breakdown at Home Team Grill leaned in favor of the Eagles, with approximately 150 Philadelphia supporters cheering in unison, while the rest rooted for Kansas City. Regardless of allegiance, fans were united in their enthusiasm, making every big play a moment to remember.

Over at Parlay Bar & Lounge on West Leigh Street, the excitement was just as palpable. This marked the venue’s first time hosting a Super Bowl as a sports bar, and the team worked hard to ensure a seamless experience for guests. General Manager Adam Pitts said they sold tickets in advance to control the crowd size and focus on quality service.

“We probably could’ve sold more, but we want to make sure we deliver on our experience rather than just pushing sales,” Pitts said.

The decision to limit capacity was well received, as guests enjoyed an intimate yet high-energy atmosphere. From specialty cocktails to game-day food specials, the bar curated an experience that went beyond just watching football -- it was about creating lasting memories.

Meanwhile, Ironclad Sports Bar on McDonough Street marked its 11th Super Bowl celebration this weekend. As a veteran in hosting game-day crowds, the establishment was fully prepared for what was expected to be one of its busiest nights of the year.

“We think we’re going to have a record-breaking night,” said owner Mia Mirkab. “I think people are ready to win. I think people are ready to represent their team.”

Ironclad, like many other sports bars in the area, embraced the football spirit, decorating its space with team banners, offering drink and food specials and making sure guests had prime seating for the ultimate viewing experience.

As the game progressed, emotions ran high across Richmond. Cheers erupted with every touchdown, groans followed missed opportunities and the camaraderie of sports fans took center stage. The night wasn’t just about football -- it was about the shared experience, the traditions and the love for the game.

Whether fans were at a sports bar, attending a Super Bowl party or watching from home, one thing was certain -- Richmond was all in for Super Bowl 59. No matter the final score, the night was one for the books, proving once again that game day is more than just a matchup -- it’s a celebration of community, competition and passion.