Submitted photo/Boston Pizza

By Jeff D’Andrea

Local lounges to provide safe Super Bowl showings during pandemic

Feb 6, 2021 | 1:39 PM

For the first time ever, the Super Bowl will be held during a pandemic.

Even with restrictions in place to reduce the spread, local lounges will still run Super Bowl promotions, prize draws and have the game up on all their screens—albeit on a smaller and safer scale.

Both the Boston Pizza and Original Joe’s in Prince Albert will operate nine tables in each of their lounges, giving football fans the opportunity to socialize in a familiar setting during unfamiliar times.

“People can still enjoy coming out and having that luxury, it’s one of the few luxuries we still have, given the scenarios and the restrictions,” Boston Pizza general manager Sean Dieno said. “I know with sporting events, people usually host events at their house and have people over. With that not being an option, and the fact they can still come out and enjoy the game, it gives them some form of entertainment at least.”

The owner of Original Joe’s agreed being able to be with friends could also be a nice change for those who have been cooped up in their homes.

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“I think it’s really important for people to have some options to get out of the house with so many restrictions right now,” Alan Greene said. “As long as everyone is being safe, it’s definitely important for mental health to get out and socialize within your bubble—and get into a different environment and do stuff.

The demand for takeout and delivery is always high during Super Bowl times, and Dieno anticipates even more orders for his Boston Pizza location to keep up with this year. Dieno said his staff have long been preparing for the big day Sunday.

“Definitely, we anticipate takeout and delivery to be amped up even more so, considering it’s Super Bowl and considering COVID keeping everybody home,” Dieno said. “We’ve already started to up our prep levels so we can keep up with the demand.”

On Saturday, the Government of Saskatchewan issued some tips on how to stay safe while watching the big game. They advise to limit household gatherings to members of your household only, to not share food with non-household members at a restaurant, and to abide by all other health orders.

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Jeff.dandrea@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @jeff_paNOW