The Bowl game between LSU and Alabama was super for college football fans, but it pales in comparison to the truly biggest football game of the year. If ever there was an excuse to visit Indiana, Sunday February 12, 2012 would be it. For the rest of us, we have the luxury of flying (or driving) to Las Vegas to watch the division champions meet.

Vegas always has a lot to offer any football fan. Especially for fans who enjoy plush leather seats, gourmet food, a full bar and a cozy room upstairs.

Top Five Recommendations for Watching the Big Game in Vegas

#1 – Emeril Lagasse’s Stadium at the Palazzo

Huge, plush couches. A 9’x16’ big screen. Great food. Some of the cutest referee’s serving drinks this side of sports heaven. This upscale venue will fill up VERY quickly. Reservations STRONGLY recommended so call 702-607-2665 now. Otherwise, don’t even bother to look for parking unless you plan to arrive early and tip the host/hostess a Benjamin just to put you at the top of list. To help make up your mind, check out their menu here.

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#2 – Ravello Lounge at the M Resort

This is another luxury sports book with limited seating that aims for quality instead of quantity. It also attracts a good mix of regular locals and visitors from out of town. Last year there was free entry into two prize drawings, $10 buckets of Bud, $3 margaritas, $2 shots of Cuervo along with burgers, dogs, cheese steaks and wings starting at $1.50. Although under new ownership, management roughly stayed intact so look for them to serve a close repeat to last year’s offerings. More info about the M Resort here.

#3 – The super sportsbook at the new LVH (formerly the Hilton)

This is the granddaddy of Vegas sports books. Huge. Loud. The array of championship propositions is the best in Vegas because it goes far beyond who will win the coin toss. Over 300 seats, over twenty giant screens including one 40’x30’ HD monster. NO RESORT FEES and great room rates mean you can afford to take Monday off! More info about the new LVH here.

#4 – Bally’s Sportsbook

That’s right. Bally’s. It’s big. It’s comfortable. It’s classic Vegas right on the corner of Flamingo Road and the Strip. If it’s full, look for the spill over party in the Indigo Lounge. Click here and book a great NO RESORT FEE room deal!

#5 — Crazy Horse III Gentleman’s Club

This is on the list because it is so quintessentially Vegas. If you’re in Vegas with your golf buddies dodging the endless snowstorms in the Midwest or on the East Coast, what better place to watch the biggest sporting event of the year than inside the cozy confines of a premier gentleman’s club? The giant HD screens are even big enough to keep your attention! $30 at the door includes a catered buffet, an OPEN BAR during the 1st quarter, a raffle for prizes (one of which is a 46″ flat screen TV), free limo transportation and many other perks too obvious to mention. Call (702) 673-1700 for more info or to book a free limo.

Other Venues

The sports books at the Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace and Wynn are top-notch premium viewing venues too. They are guaranteed to be packed with celebrities, retired sports stars and famous high-rolling poker stars. Getting a good seat might take a little grease, but who knows who might end up sitting next to you.

Some good spots off the Strip that may not be packed by noon (kick-off is at 3:30PM Vegas time) are the newly remodeled sports book at the Southpoint where they will be hosting free, live-feed spill-over parties in the Grand Ballroom and Napa Showroom; the 125-seat book at the Orleans; and the roomy, local’s friendly Sunset Station.

There’s nothing like being at the game, but for visitors and locals Vegas offers some real pleasant alternatives to being crammed in a stadium with 65,000 other people. Single malt scotch anyone?

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