Calgarians pour into bars to watch the big game

Giants fans, Patriots fans, Madonna fans and Superbowl commercial fans filed into bars across the city to claim a stool with a good view.

Shank's South owner Sam Jablonka has a theory on why bars are the popular viewing venue.

"We have the Grey Cup here in Canada, but the Grey cup is traditionally a family get-together; friends and neighbours get together at the house," said Jablonka.  "When it gets to be Superbowl, everyone comes out, they wear their own jersey, they cheer for their own team, and it's more of a 'let's go out and party' type of atmosphere."

Self-professed "mediocre" football fan Stephanie admitted Sunday her favourite things about the Superbowl are the commercials, but still showed up to the bar hours early to get a good seat with her super-fan boyfriend.

"It's like Thanksgiving... to football fans, it's an occasion. It's the biggest time of the year," she said.

Even those whose favourite teams didn't make it to the Superbowl showed up to watch the big game, including Raiders fan Pete.

"It doesn't matter who's playing; it's still a big deal.  And then tomorrow, we start all over," said Pete.