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Professor Thom’s
This relative newcomer isn’t shy about being a Michigan bar, but even the most loyal Notre Dame fan will feel welcome at this homey neighborhood pub. Big Blue is typically on the big screen downstairs (with an alumni association party upstairs), but small TVs in individual booths can be switched to any game (as long as it’s not the same one on the big screen.) (219 Second Ave., 212-260-9480)
Blondie’s East / Blondie’s West
Both Blondie’s are long-time college football favorites for fans located on the UWS and UES. TVs cover every inch of available space, while the rest is devoted to fire department flair from across the country. Always popular with alumni associations, this year Blondie’s West has been tapped to host the University of Iowa. Even with hoards of Hawkeyes abound, you’ll still be able to enjoy a bucket of famous wings with fellow fans of Kansas, Penn State, Michigan State, Virginia, Northwestern and Johns Hopkins—all of which consider Blondie’s home base. (1770 Second Ave., 212-410-3300, 212 W. 79th St., 212-362-4360)
200 Fifth
This upscale Park Slope pub boasts a littel something for everyone, including rabid sports fans, local foodies and karaoke queens. Higher-end pub grub and a solid beer selection make this spot a cut above the average sports bar, yet tables are hard to come by at game time. Although they (diplomatically) decline allegiance to any specific team, it’s always packed at game time with a mix of local alums. (200 Fifth Ave., 718-638-2925)
McFadden’s
Kind of like being at a leftover fraternity party, this raucous pub is home to faithful followers of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish. The pub fare is dependable—think heaping plates of wings, fish n’ chips and burgers, and the rich dark wood and brass interior has probably stirred more than a few memories of autumn weekends spent at the old Huddle. Beware: McFadden’s can get beyond jammed when the Irish play Michigan or USC. (800 Second Ave., 212-986-1515)
Galway Hooker
If the 12 ft. HD projection screen isn’t enough for you, this gargantuan midtown neophyte offers up strategically placed flat screens throughout the entire bi-level space. This year, USC has adopted Hooker’s second-floor balcony as its domicile (and generously left the first floor as open seating, so those five University of Idaho alums will have a place to sit during the Trojan’s season opener against the Vandals.) (7 E. 36th St., 212-725-2353)
Pledge allegiance to no team in particular but still want to join in the game day action? A short list of other spots to wave your foam finger...
Lion’s Head Tavern
All-you-can-eat wings and draft beer specials on Saturdays are your reward for hauling ass uptown to catch your favorite Ivy League match-up. (995 Amsterdam Ave., 212-866-1030)
Gym
The city’s only true gay sports bar features a weekly “Beer Bash” every Saturday. (167 Eighth Ave., 212-337-2439)
Standings
What this hole-in-the-wall lacks in size, it makes up for in drink specials and spirited sports-watching. Standings shows variety of games, although by the amount of UC Bruin memorabilia, one might be able to ascertain the owner’s preference. (43 E. 7th St., 212-420-0671)
Tracks Raw Bar & Grill
You might think a bar located on the lower level of Penn Station might leave something to be desired in the way of ambience, but this spot—which bills itself as a working class hero’s haven—is warm, friendly, highly supportive of consumption and not nearly as seedy as you might expect. (Penn Station, LIRR level, 212-244-6350)
Ship of Fools
If a true sports bar is defined through terms like greasy, loud, and mostly male, than this ship is certainly true to terms. Between the beer, the 42 satellite TVs, the pool tables and the dartboards, this spot draws a steady mix of the assumed ex-frat jocks and sports fans looking to put away a few and watch the game with their own kind. (1590 Second Ave., 212 570-2651)
ESPN Zone
Go if you like overcrowded, overpriced and over-touristy (and if you can stomach Times Square.) (1472 Broadway, 212-921-3776)
Tonic Times Square
A mammoth club of a bar that you’d be wise to avoid like the plague on weekend nights, is a decent stop to catch Saturday football. Tonic embraces alums from every school, including a number of smaller East Coast colleges. (727 Seventh Ave., 212-382-1059)
