Downtown Fort Myers turns into a Super Bowl watch party as fans pack bars

DOWNTOWN FORT MYERS, Fla. — Super Bowl Sunday brought big crowds and even bigger energy to downtown Fort Myers, as football fans packed bars hours before kickoff to celebrate the biggest game of the year.

At the G-Spot Gastropub, the party started well before the game. A pregame parking lot celebration featured a live DJ, outdoor grilling, games, and a patio bar — drawing in fans eager to kick off Super Bowl Sunday together.

“We have a Super Bowl pregame parking lot party going on,” said event planner Jeremy Christenson. “We brought in DJ Savvy, 94.5 The Arrow radio station, we’re grilling outside, and we’ve got cornhole and outdoor games. It’s been a lot of fun.”

Just a few blocks away, Bay Street Yard quickly filled up as fans gravitated toward the venue’s open-air atmosphere and large screens.

“You’ve got one of the best bars out here,” said Bay Street Yard employee Joseph Leon. “It’s open concept, it’s outside, and the weather is perfect right now.”

While fans from all teams showed up, Patriots supporters stood out in the crowd — many saying this Super Bowl appearance felt especially meaningful after years of ups and downs.

“For so many years, we had tough times, then we had 20 good years, a couple years of bad,” said Patriots fan Thomas Higgins. “Now we feel like we’re back.”

Others were already thinking ahead to what a win could mean.

“If we get the win, it’s going to be our seventh time bringing home the trophy,” said Patriots fan Margo Meyer. “It’s going to be amazing.”

Even fans cheering for other teams couldn’t hide their excitement. Seahawks fan Haley Thompson said she’s been waiting a long time for this moment.

“I feel like I’ve been waiting for them to play for so long in the Super Bowl,” Thompson said. “The time is finally here, and I’m so excited.”

And for some fans, the night wasn’t just about football.

“I’m really looking forward to Bad Bunny,” said fans Maria Damiani and Janice Pita Hernandez. “The Patriots and Bad Bunny — what else can you ask for?”

The Seattle Seahawks came out on top in Super Bowl LX, defeating the New England Patriots 29-13.