Want to cheer on the San Francisco 49ers against the Detroit Lions in a venue larger than your living room? Much, much larger? Here’s a handful of huge Bay Area venues, from movie theaters to a food hall, for watching the NFC Championship Game with kindred souls this Sunday. (We’ll offer a much more extensive list before Feb. 11 for Super Bowl watch parties — because you know the team’s going).
Note: Some fans may lock in seats for the Niners game (3:30 kickoff) by showing up early for the AFC game (noon kickoff). Consider yourselves warned. Naturally, outside food and drink are not allowed at these venues.
RETRO JUNKIE: This Walnut Creek event venue opens most nights at 6 p.m. for live music, dancing, arcade games and cocktails. But this Sunday, it’s a daytime fan site for The Faithful. The beer garden will open at 2 p.m. Sunday for viewing of the NFC game on a 15-foot LED screen, plus 10 additional large screens and a DJ. Charlie’s Food Trailer will sell eats onsite; the bar will offer drink specials. Details: You can reserve a free spot for the ages 21-and-up watch party at this Eventbrite link, but seating will be first come, first served and admission is not guaranteed. Better get in line early. Details: 2112 N. Main St., Walnut Creek; https://retrojunkiebar.com/
STATE STREET MARKET: At this downtown Los Altos food hall, you’ll find great eats and cocktails — and a huge projected wall image of both the AFC and NFC games, along with four large-screen TVs. Restaurant stalls include Bibo’s Pizza & Pasta (and wings); Little Blue Door; Konjoe Burger; The Good Salad; Orenchi Ramen; Murdoch’s for cocktails; desserts by Ikuka, Penny Ice Creamery and Little Sky Bakery. Seating is first come, first serve — but there’s room for at least 200 fans. Details: Free admission; parties of 15 or more may reserve space by emailing info@statestreetmarket.com. 170 State St., Los Altos; www.statestreetmarket.com
VINE CINEMA: This Livermore movie theater and alehouse will show the NFC championship in high-def on a 30-foot screen. Doors will open at 2:20 p.m. for the 3:30 game, and the theater seats 250 people. Admission is free with a food or beverage purchase. Think Altamont IPA or Ruby Hill cab with a burger, pizza, toasted ravioli or salad. Details: 1722 First St., Livermore; www.vinecinema.com
NEW PARKWAY THEATER: This Oakland arthouse regularly screens NFL and NBA championships for sports fans, and this Sunday is no exception. Besides seats comfier than the stadium, the Parkway concession stand offers a menu of comfort food favorites, plus popcorn and treats. Tickets should be purchased in advance; admission is $10 adults, $8 seniors and students, $6 kids ages 4 to 10. Details: 474 24th St., Oakland; www.thenewparkway.com
OFFICIAL WATCH PARTIES: One of the San Francisco 49ers’ official watch parties — at San Pedro Social in downtown San Jose — is fully booked, but the parties at the Plank in Oakland and at MoMo’s in San Francisco still have openings. The team’s marketing folks promise fan chants, scoring songs and giveaways at the end of each quarter. Food and beverages may be purchased from a special game-day menu at each venue. Tickets are free, but fans must register in advance at this link: www.49ers.com/news/49ers-announce-details-for-fan-events-for-2023-nfc-championship-game-nfl
DISTRICT SIX: Formerly known as the “SOMA StrEat Food Park,” this outdoor venue will host a big watch party with food trucks (Al Pastor Papi, Marley’s Treats and more). Billed as a family-friendly event, District Six will offer games and face-painting for kids. Gates open at 2 p.m. Details: Buy $4.99 tickets or RSVP for free tickets at watchparty24.eventbrite.com. Seating is first come, first served. VIP tables for six may be reserved for $129 at that link. 428 11th St., San Francisco
