BATON ROUGE, La. (WAFB) – Capital Region residents tuned in to the Super Bowl on Sunday, with spending that goes directly back into the local economy.
The game has drawn more than 100 million viewers in recent years, according to Time Magazine. Millions watch not only for football but also for commercials and the halftime show.
“My favorite part this year is the Patriots playing and my best friend’s playing in it, so really excited about that,” said Savannah Argenti, who watched the game at Ivar’s Sports Bar.
Chris Ciolek, also at Ivar’s, said the matchup was compelling. “It’s a pretty dynamic Super Bowl, you know. You got the rematch from a couple years ago, got the second-year quarterback Drake Maye, but you know I’m a Bills fan, so I can’t really support the Patriots right now. So, Seahawks all the way,” he said.
Local businesses benefit regardless of Saints’ participation
Super Bowl Sunday provides a boost for local bars and restaurants, whether or not the Saints are playing.
“They’re gonna come out, they’re gonna come drink, they’re gonna have a good time no matter who’s playing,” said Dylan Deynoodt, a bartender at Ivar’s Sports Bar.
Customers at Ivar’s said the game offers an opportunity to meet with friends and eat food. Others wanted to see their team perform on the biggest stage.
“I’ve been a Seahawks fan for about 20 years now. But, everyone comes out, they have a good time, and it’s always popping, and they’re all here for it,” Deynoodt said.
George Ramsey said his favorite part about the Super Bowl is “normally, like, I guess every other year seeing the Patriots hoist the Lombardi trophy.”
Customers said the experience differs from watching at home.
“I like the fact they’re all the way in Louisiana And as a northerner, so many Patriots fans, so many different team fans that really go die hard for their teams in the middle of Louisiana. You know we have Seahawks fans everywhere, we have Patriots fans, Ravens fans, 49ers fans, so I think that’s awesome,” said Sammi Records of Ivar’s Sports Bar.
“Super Bowl, Sunday, man, it’s just a great day of the year. Wish it could be on Saturday, for how we feel on the next day. But man it’s, it’s a great day to be around friends, be around family, be around people you enjoy,” Deynoodt said.
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date: 2026-02-09 06:21:00