Trevor Phipps
Now that football season is here, it gives many locals an excuse for a date night or time out with friends.
Many in the Ute Pass/Teller region enjoy kicking back at a local watering hole and watching a game on the big screen.
Luckily, most local eateries that offer big screens for prime football viewing also provide delicious food to enjoy. But everyone should be warned that many of the local hangouts can get rowdy at times with people yelling and arguing, especially if the Chiefs or Broncos are playing.
And to make it more convenient, there is at least one place to watch just about every game that’s on in every town up and down the Ute Pass and Teller high country region. From Green Mountain Falls to Victor, it’s possible to catch someone at a local establishment cheering on their team.
In Green Mountain Falls, people and sports fans travel from all over the Pikes Peak region and beyond to watch football at the Blue Moose Tavern every weekend. The place has a number of big television screens throughout the establishment, enabling the staff to feature many games at once. But if the Kansas City Chiefs happen to be playing, that match will take up most of the excitement in the bar. Also, the Cantina Verde restaurant, next door, offers viewing options in a special room, adjacent to the main dining room, equipped with big TVs and some great game time treats.
In addition, the Crystola Roadhouse in Crystola is also a place loved by locals. Many enjoy going there for their good food and drinks to enjoy a game.
In Woodland Park, many argue that the best option is Jess’ Place (or “the pool hall”) due to their giant TVs that are spread around the pool tables. They often label themselves as a hockey bar, but you can find people watching just about every football game in there as well. The bar side at Judge’s Char-Grill and Red Diamond are also prime places to enjoy some food while a game is played.
In Divide, McGinty’s Wood Oven Pub is extremely popular due to its large sports bar side that offers every game during the NFL season and many college matchups. Russ’ Place is another good hangout to cheer on your favorite teams on one of their signature screens. Further down Hwy. 24, The Thunderbird Inn is also known to have games on while serving delicious burgers.
In Cripple Creek, The Creek Bar and Restaurant features screens downstairs, and they have been known to open their giant TV screen upstairs for Broncos’ games. The District Saloon is also set up very nicely for sports watching, with its huge circular bar. In Victor, the 1899 Mining Claim Saloon is another spot where locals enjoy live pigskin action.
Luckily for football fans this week, there will be either a college or NFL football on TV just about every day. Opening week for the NFL this year features football games on Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday nights as well as Sunday daytime.
