How to Celebrate the Big Game in Bradenton/Sarasota

Super Bowl LII kicks off on Sunday, February 4, 2018, one of the biggest sportingevents of the year. According to Money magazine, to catch the game in person and on-the-cheap can cost about $3,100. Why not enjoy the game closer to home, in sunny, warm Florida? No bundling up to brace the wintry cold of Minneapolis and no breaking your bank account. Locally in Sarasota and Bradenton, there are several great places to watch the Super Bowl as well as pre-game events for a whole day of fun.

Things to Do in Sarasota

Start Super Bowl Sunday off with the Sarasota Music Half Marathon & Rockin' 10K. This event annually sees about 4,000 participants and begins at 6:30 a.m. There's plenty of time to get in your run, have a rest, and then head out to a Super Bowl party with friends and family. The half marathon/10K starts and finishes at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Center, just 10 miles from the Springs at Bee Ridge. It's a fun event for everyone featuring great music you won't want to miss.

Indulge in a distinctive Gulf Coast experience for Super Bowl Sunday. Head over to SKOB, the Siesta Key Oyster Bar, on Ocean Boulevard. It's a relaxing, beach-y atmosphere that beats sitting in the frigid Minnesota weather to watch the game in person. SKOB boasts its signature raw oysters, crawfish, crab legs, and crab cakes, plus award-winning wings and juicy burgers. There are more than 20 beers on tap and plenty of big screen TVs to catch every minute of the game.

Another option is The Beach Club, also at Siesta Key Sarasota. They'll be hosting a Super Bowl Squares Party from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. Also located on Ocean Boulevard, The Beach Club will be drawing for gift cards throughout the game — one each quarter, until the fourth quarter, then the drawing is for a 50-inch 4K smart television. The game will be on throughout the venue that boasts 22 flat screens plus a 180-inch projector screen.

Things to Do in Bradenton

In Bradenton, plan to visit Clancy's Irish Sport Pub & Grill on Cortez Road. Pre-game activities run from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. The Pub is known as the area's Biggest Tiki Bar and is home to everything from their signature Reuben to amazing calzones and Cuban sandwiches. Come for the pre-game and then stay to watch the Eagles and Patriots battle it out in the 52nd Super Bowl.

If you're looking for another option close to your Springs apartment, consider The Lost Kangaroo Pub on 12th Street. Big screen televisions plus craft beers and a great atmosphere make this a good choice for Super Bowl Sunday. Located in Downtown Bradenton, this pub has something for everyone — it's even dog-friendly just like Springs Apartments.

Super Bowl Fun at Home

Throughout the Sarasota and Bradenton area, Super Bowl Sunday is a day where many bars, restaurants, and other venues host watch parties and game-day related events. However, it's also just as easy to plan a great watch party at your Springs apartment. From the Springs at Bee Ridge to the Springs at Palma Sola and the Lost Creek at Lakewood Ranch, plan to spend some time at the resort-like pool or enjoy a casual volleyball game with friends before heading indoors to watch the game.

All three Springs Apartments in the Sarasota/Bradenton area are suburban communities that are pet-friendly. A helpful member of the leasing team can schedule a personal tour at the Spring at Bee Ridge, the Springs at Palma Sola, or Lost Creek at Lakewook Ranch.