D.C.’s best hotspots for NFL action

With the professional football season underway, many Hoyas are faced with the question of where to watch their favorite team. Since the likelihood of your roommate buying a flat-screen television is slim, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the city’s finest offerings for Sunday afternoon and Monday night.

If you’re lucky enough to get a ticket, you can sit next to the famous hogs themselves at FedExField in Landover, Md. The 45-minute trek is worth it because of the raucous crowd and the sight of obese men in dresses and Miss Piggy noses. Also, there’s really nothing that compares to taking in a game in person.

“I bought seats from eBay for like $110 each, so they were pretty decent seats,” Matt Gadsden (MSB ‘05) said. “Because it’s Redskins territory it was exciting at first. The people down here really root for their home team. I have to say, I’m from NY, and I’m a Giants fan but I still liked it though.”

Built in 1997, FedExField offers all the amenities of a modern facility. The maximum seating is 91,665 at an average price of $68.08. But be warned, the Redskins have sold out their seats every year. The ‘Skins only sell their tickets through season ticket packages, so unless you’re ready to fork over your summer earnings on season tickets, find an alternative option. If you can’t find a friend whose parents have them, you’re best bet is trusting that shady scalper in the FedExField parking lot.

The Rhino Bar and Pumphouse is the classic D.C. sports bar filled with rowdy football fans on Sundays. Come early to get a good seat downstairs in front of the big screen, or go upstairs to watch games on multiple televisions. ID checks depend on the bouncer, but the spicy wings are enough to get all NFL fans out of bed. It is advised to sit across the bar from the staircase to get a good look at the televisions, and to avoid patrons walking by to the door-less bathroom.

“With all those wings they’re serving, they better put a door on that bathroom,” Mark Lovecchio (MSB ‘05) said.

Fans should be warned, though: The largest contingent is usually the rambunctious Philadelphia lot. These are the same fans who booed Santa Claus and cheered an injured and motionless Michael Irvin. Unlike the old Veterans Stadium, Rhino’s does not boast a municipal courthouse in the basement to deal with misbehaving Birds’ supporters.

“I was really surprised when I heard a huge E-A-G-L-E-S chant go up, because I didn’t know Philly fans knew how to spell,” Dan Carroll (MSB ‘05) said.

For those who want to avoid the “Fly, Birds, Fly” jokes all afternoon, there are various other spots on M Street to catch the action, including Clyde’s and J. Paul’s. These establishments are fairly upscale.

Another upscale atmosphere can be found at the F St. Sports Bar, located in the MCI Center. The place fits the expected profile, with televisions drowning out conversations, and Bud Light on tap. The scene is a little older than the college crowd, but it’s a convenient spot for those with MCI Center tickets. You can show up for the football games and become a regular before the Hoyas’ basketball season even begins. Chances are, however, you’ll be spending enough time there after Georgetown basketball games anyway.

Then, there’s always the lazy man’s choice-The Tombs-for those who feel that a return visit to Rhino’s is too soon; sometimes, the walk down to M Street isn’t worth it. For those who lay down their hard-earned cash for cable and enjoy the standard Domino’s pizza, there’s always the comfort of your own place.

FedExField
1600 FedEx Way,
Landover, Md. 20785
(301) 276-6000

F Street Sports Bar
601 F St. NW
Washington, D.C. 20004