Homecoming 2016 is just around the corner and the UA is buzzing with students eager to enjoy all of the homecoming festivities among the arrival of alumni. This year’s football game will bring UA fans of all ages together for throwbacks and good times.
In case you never got around to buying tickets for the game, or just don’t want to spend your Saturday standing in the heat, here are three places on University Boulevard where you can enjoy the game (and air conditioning).
Gentle Ben’s Brewing Company
A landmark at the UA, Gentle Ben’s has a menu full of great food, local beers and UA spirit.
Gentle Ben’s only serves local beer by Barrio Brewing Company.
“[Alumni], we have missed you and can’t wait to see you again,” said Richard Fifer, the general manager of Gentle Ben’s.
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Fifer is a UA alumnus and started working for the restaurant during his college years. The energy at Gentle Ben’s will be elevated with DJ’s playing music during and after the game, according to Fifer.
The upstairs patio, indoor dining area and bar all have flat-screen TVs to watch the game. Gentle Ben’s will welcome back alumni Friday for a night full of the college life once again.
Illegal Pete’s
Illegal Pete’s is celebrating its very first Homecoming at the UA.
“[Illegal Pete’s] is already a big part of University Boulevard,” said Kate Snyder, supervisor for Illegal Pete’s.
The “Colorado vibes” restaurant will offer alumni of all ages to relive all of their good times while having the opportunity to experience Illegal Pete’s new and relaxed setting. With a great bar and location, Illegal Pete’s will be one stop that alumni shouldn’t miss.
“It will be pretty bonkers,” said Joe Kaley, Illegal Pete’s assistant general manager. Kaley said Illegal Pete’s is a place to sit and have a burrito and drink a really good beer.
According to Kaley, the restaurant plans to break company sales records this weekend, including alcohol sales, and security will be a priority to make sure all consumers are safe and of drinking age.
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Frog & Firkin
For a traditional UA experience, Frog & Firkin is the UA’s first classic English-style bar and restaurant. The indoor and outdoor space is lined with flat-screen TVs to capture every moment of the game.
“I always have a great time,” said Stephanie Saxe, an education senior.
Saxe said she enjoys watching the first half of the game in the stadium then going to Frog & Firkin after she gets hungry to grab a hamburger or a deep-dish pizza to share with friends and watch the end of the game.
Frog & Firkin offers their famous “Beer Card,” which is exclusively for customers who want to count all of their hard work drinking throughout the year to earn the free t-shirt.
The “Beer Card” has been a tradition for the establishment and gives the chance for alumni and students alike to try beers from all around the world.
“The outside patio is social and entertaining,” said Saxe, who recommended getting there early to grab a table to get the best view of the game on the TVs.
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