Big game should be big night for bars
Podcast Episode
Kyle Geissler talks with Janesville Gazette business editor Jim Leute about the options Packer fans have for watching Thursday's game.
JANESVILLE — For many local Packer fans, Thursday’s plans include house parties or perhaps a standing-room-only spot at one of the area bars showing the Green Bay-Dallas game.
“We’re expecting quite a crowd, even though many other bars now have Dish and Direct TV,” said Darlene Cunningham, manager at HHFFRRRGGH in Janesville.
HHFFRRRGGH has six TVs in its bar area and will add one in the non-smoking dining room. The bar was packed for last season’s Packers-Vikings game on the NFL Network and has had good crowds for Badger football games on the Big Ten Network.
Legends tavern in downtown Janesville also was packed for last year’s Green Bay-Minnesota game on the NFL Network. The same turnout is expected Thursday night, owner Tim Millis said.
“I always get a good football crowd, but that game last year was more than I ever expected,” Millis said.
As for the dispute between the cable companies and the sports networks, Cunningham and Millis are happy with their positions on the sidelines.
“For so long, we were on the short end of the stick because we couldn’t get cable,” Cunningham said. “We were never able to get all those games that were on cable. Now we’re benefiting.”
Millis said he’s heard plenty of fans complaining that they can’t get Thursday night’s game at home.
“There is an option,” he said. “They can switch. I just hate to see the legislators get involved. Before there was satellite, you didn’t hear anyone saying that Charter was a monopoly and that there should be more competition.”
The cash registers at HHFFRRRGGH, Legends and other establishments certainly will sing as long as the dispute continues. Seven of the eight Badgers basketball games so far this year have aired on the Big Ten Network, which also will carry 13 of Wisconsin’s 24 remaining games.
Nov 29, 2007 at 2:18 p.m.
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Channel 27 ask the NFL network if they could brodcast the game. They were denied. So before all you Charter haters start bashing Charter maybe you should start reading the newspaper. You would find that your beloved NFL Network is part of the problem.
Nov 28, 2007 at 2:41 p.m.
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Ill be at legends watching this game, like most other games. Good atmosphere and Milly puts out a hell of a spread. Go Pack! and Legends too!
Nov 28, 2007 at 1:41 p.m.
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I for one am happy that Charter is holding firm against the NFL Network. This is a slippery slope towards all professional sports having their own channel in a pay-per-view format.
Isn't it enough that taxpayers are building new stadiums or drastically remodeling old ones, which only increases the value of the teams that play inside? THEN, the franchises charge "seat license" fees for the priviledge to buy tickets.
The Cowboys are said to be valued at nearly a BILLION dollars, yet, metro-Dallas taxpayers are paying for Jerry Jones' new stadium.
All sports teams are constantly looking for new revenue streams - they hit the taxpayers with special "Stadium Taxing Districts," increased taxes on hotels, rental cars, concessions, they raised ticket prices and introduced seat licenses, they license apparrel, and now, they want TV ad revenue generated from their own TV channels. It will never end.
But at the end of the day, I will be looking for an empty bar-stool and rooting for America's Team - the GREEN BAY PACKERS!
Nov 28, 2007 at 1:36 p.m.
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I will be watching this very important game at Russ's Park Place....They have a brand new big screen tvs and several other upgraded tvs....drink specials....complimentary appetizers...so come "Party at the Park"
Nov 28, 2007 at 1 p.m.
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I know that people are upset that they won't be able to watch the game on charter, but I WILL NOT go without my cable, internet or phone for a month to prove a point. If people are that unhappy with their service, then find other providers.
Nov 28, 2007 at 12:45 p.m.
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I don't enjoy going to bars. People who don't know how to drink responsibly and then drive...I would rather stay at home.
Nov 28, 2007 at 12:44 p.m.
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I know my husband isn't real happy about Charter not showing the game. He's not much for sitting in bars. Thank-god his friend is able to get the game.
Nov 28, 2007 at 11:39 a.m.
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I feel the networks that bully the right to free entertainment need to be shut down by the people who pay to make charter and dish net stay in business we all need to stop service for a month and see how they feel! I WILL LISTEN TO THE GAME ON THE BEST RADIO STATION I KNOW WJVL
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