Superbowl in Vegas, for a poker player

[rharless]

I've never been in Vegas for Superbowl, so I could use a little advice. I am not a huge football fan, but of course interested enough to actually watch the game esp since I'd be in Vegas.

- If I decide to _just_ watch the game, how early do I need to get to a nicer sportsbook if I would rather have a chair and not sit on the floor? My understanding is that casinos no longer throw superbowl parties due to NFL threats of suing, and as such the avg sportsbook is even more packed.

- If I decide to both play poker and watch, what's this like? Are the ring games good during the superbowl game, or they populated only with those boring people who keep a running total of their EV (yes, I know, I am one)? Are poker seats really easy to get or near impossible, just before superbowl starts?

- Anything else I should know for my first Superbowl in Vegas trip?

To the old-timers on the forum -- sorry I have been so MIA lately. Work is kicking my butt. Hope to get back into the swing of things later this year.

Rachele

[Stinglikeabee]

Most of the seats in the Sportsbook are generally reserved for guests that have lots of money on the games. Regardless of how early you arrive, certain seats and tables are reserved. This is how it is at most properties, I'm sure there are some exceptions.

And I wouldn't play poker during the Superbowl.

[DenverPokerClub]

I may be there as well - instead of watching at a sportsbook anyone know of a good sports bar?

[Sparks]

I usually make it to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl, and I'll again be going this year. Here are some thoughts:

1. The entire city is more packed than usual. Super Bowl weekend ranks up there probably as one of the 3 or 4 most crowded weekends, maybe the most crowded.

2. By Friday night, Las Vegas Blvd. (the Strip) will be almost undrivable due to traffic, except during off hours, like the morning or maybe early afternoon.

3. I've probably watched the Super Bowl in LV in every possible way, i.e. bars, VIP invites (well, once), Sports Books, and "Super Bowls party venues." Personally, I recommend you pay $50 for a ticket to a Super Bowl party that will seat anywhere from several hundred to a couple thousand, and watch the game on a big screen. This way, you only have to show up an hour or so (generally) to get in the door, get some (included, usually) "stadium" food (or better sometimes), then watch the game. If you choose to "get a seat" at a sports book, or a bar, good luck. As a general rule, get there in the morning to get whatever seats are left for the 3:20 kick off. If you're not in a seat by noon, forget it. 10am or 11 am? Maybe you'll find something.

4. In a sports book, EVERY seat will have a "reserved" sign on it. They mean nothing. The guys who yell the most, or who are the biggest, generally get the seats. If you're in a seat it's yours. If you're not, it ain't. End of discussion (usually). That version is a complete pain, I think.

5. The poker rooms on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, will be packed like you've never seen. I like repeating the story of last year when I arrived at the Bellagio on Saturday eveing at around 7 pm, and there were over 150 names on the list for 15-30 hold 'em. How do I know? I counted off the brushes clipboard, just for my amusement! It will be the same at the Mirage. The Orleans won't be quite as bad, but it will, like every venue, be very crowded.

I'll be out there for eight days this year, Monday to Monday. All my non-poker playing buddies role in on Thursday, so it should be another fun year.

Sparks

[Rick Diesel]

[ QUOTE ]
Personally, I recommend you pay $50 for a ticket to a Super Bowl party that will seat anywhere from several hundred to a couple thousand, and watch the game on a big screen. This way, you only have to show up an hour or so (generally) to get in the door, get some (included, usually) "stadium" food (or better sometimes), then watch the game. If you choose to "get a seat" at a sports book, or a bar, good luck. As a general rule, get there in the morning to get whatever seats are left for the 3:20 kick off.

[/ QUOTE ]

As far as I understand, these parties are now considered illegal, as the NFL declared their telecast to not be broadcast on any TV larger than 55 inches. This rule began being inforced last year and forced many casinos to cancel their already planned parties.

I think it has something to do with TV ratings, as the contract that the NFL receives from whatever station shows the superbowl depends on the rating that the SB receives, and having 1,000 people in one room watching on a large TV only counts as one viewer.

I remember reading something about this last year in this forum also, but don't have time right now to run a search.

[Roy Munson]

My wife and I are going to be the guests of Miller Brewing who are hosting a private party at Mandalay Bay. We were told that as an NFL sponsor they will be permitted to show the game to their guests.

Based on the reports of crowds it doesn't look like I will see any poker action.

[Sparks]

Ahhh, that's right. Last year, there were rumors (I was never able to confirm them) that Caesar's and a couple other places, cancelled their parties and I remember think thank god I didn't have those tickets. Well, I'll find out for sure when I get out there who is, and isn't, having Super Bowl parties. Thanks for the reminder.

Sparks