Tasmanians and American expats have packed into venues across the state today to watch the Patriots take on the Seahawks in the Super Bowl.
Hobart’s Regatta Day public holiday has turned Monday into an unexpected party atmosphere.
The Pavilion sports bar in Salamanca was decked out in American flags and packed with fans from 9:30am, many arriving straight after knocking on the doors before opening.
“It’s become a bit of a tradition here at the Pav,” publican Blair Brownless told Pulse.
“[The] last three years it’s really built and they’re here early, knocking on the doors about 9.30, a bit thirsty in the morning.”
The venue was filled with Americans, locals and interstate visitors, with many punters making the most of the long weekend after the Hobart Cup and Party In The Paddock.
Brownless said the Hobart-only public holiday has been crucial to the event’s growth over the past three years.
“Especially on a Monday, because to be honest, a Monday is a very quiet trading day,” he said. “Without events like this, we would hardly have a soul here on a Monday.”
The publican said major events like the Super Bowl, AFL matches and horse racing have become vital for the venue’s weekday trade.
Among the crowd was American expat Vanessa Haertel from Orlando, Florida, who has lived in Tasmania for three years after moving from Sydney with her Tasmanian husband.
“I love supporting all teams, every event,” she said. “I wish we did Australia Day this big because I feel like lots of people are here just having a good time no matter what side you’re supporting.”
Haertel, who was barracking for the Patriots, said she was a fan of the American-themed decorations around Hobart venues.
“I love the effort that they made for it,” she said. “I saw this place and I wanted to hop in and be part of an exciting crowd.”
The Seattle Seahawks won the Super Bowl 29-13.
