Where To Watch The Footy Finals
Rolling deep into the NRL and AFL Grand Final series, some of Sydney’s bars are going to be throwing up projectors, putting on BBQs and competing to see who has the biggest TV screen.
If you’re not holding tickets for games this September, you’ll probably want to pinch a seat barside at one of these sports-crazy venues.
Courthouse Hotel - 202 Australia St, Newtown
The Courty’s back courtyard turns into a viewing gallery come finals season thanks to a massive drop-down projector screen. Our bet though is to sit in the front bar, grab a brewskie and join in with the cheers and sledges coming from the locals.
The Alexandria Hotel - 35 Henderson Rd, Alexandria
Dare we say it? The Alex is the most dedicated sports pub in Sydney. Come Grand Final day of any and all sports (including AFL, NRL and NFL) the back yard at The Alex brings out their Hoyts-worthy projector screens and becomes a walk-in sports cinema. This venue is our pick for Grand Final day regardless of what code you follow.
24/7 Sports Bar - The Star Casino, Pyrmont
Yes, it’s in the casino and yes, you do have to meander through the gaming floor to get to it, but this is one of Sydney’s only specialist sports bars. If you were one of the many people who came to The Star at ungodly-o’clock to watch the World Cup, then you know how much fun there is to be had here. Great spot for a boys’ night out.
Vic On The Park - 2 Addison Rd, Enmore
The Vic is a seriously popular spot to watch every NRL game live and at a blistering volume. Offering up happy-hour priced booze if you’re wearing your jersey during live games, they’re all about team pride. Big plans for the NRL Grand Final with projector screens in their basketball court-filled car park for the NRL Grand Final makes The Vic a contender alongside The Courty as the Inner-West’s best for live sport.
Coogee Bay Hotel - 253 Coogee Bay Rd, Coogee=
If the eight-square-metre plasma TV in the beer garden wasn’t enough of a reason to hit up The Coogee Bay for the finals, then the two-day craft beer festival straddling the NRL Grand Final might be the deal-sealer. We know where we’ll be on 4 October!
