The people of Leeds love American Football. We're not talking the cult US indie band, although American Football do have a sold-out show coming up at the Brudenell Social Club on May 15, but the bruising, teeth-busting sport played by (mostly) big lads.
Leeds is home to the Bobcats and Leeds United signed a business deal with the San Francisco 49ers back in January 2014. With plenty of enthusiasm for the game, then, it's no surprise there are plenty of Leeds bars staying open to show the NFL Super Bowl XLIX (that's 49, by the way) between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks on Sunday February 1.
Here are five places you can watch the big game – kick-off at 11.30pm – in good company.
Leeds Bobcats in actionDave Cuming
West Leeds RUFC, Blue Hill Lane
If you didn't grow up playing John Madden Football on the Mega Drive and you want to watch the big match with people who know what the hell is going on, then the Bobcats (pictured above) will be present at the rugby club in Wortley that also serves as their home ground. Entrance is £5.
The Brotherhood of Pursuits and Pastimes, New Briggate
A chance to check out Leeds' newest sports bar on New Briggate in a space once occupied by Gatecrasher and its furry-footed cyber kids. Like everywhere else in Leeds at the moment there's beer pong, but you can also chow down on US-themed sharing platters or confuse your sports by watching the game while doing what fans of proper football do and try a pie. There are loads to choose from.
The Brother of Pursuit and Pastimes
Mojo, 18 Merrion Street
Leeds' down-home institution for folk in flannel shirts with a love of classic rock 'n' roll, Mojo will be welcoming NFL fans on Sunday for a raucous night of gridiron-loving at its Rock 'n' Bowl session. There'll be cocktails, liquor, Old Fashioneds, beer, and food that's delicious yet artery-blocking enough for it to be truly American.
Belgrave Music Hall, 1-1A Cross Belgrave Street
Superbowl XLIX comes to one of Leeds' finest live music venues – check out the forthcoming line-up, featuring everyone from Pharoahe Monch and Vessels to James Holden – for a night of hot dogs and beer served in those traditional red cups. The party kicks off at 8pm, three hours before the big boot off.
Belgrave Music HallTom Joy / Facebook.com/TomJoyPhotography
Elbow Rooms, 64 Call Lane
But what if the reality of men bumping into each other turns out to be a bit boring? At the Elbow Rooms you can jump on one of 15 American pool tables. There's also drinks deals and American-style sharing platters if you book in advance.
If you need help picking a team too, just answer this: would you like to upset the Seattle Seahulk above? I didn't think so.