Ranchers v. Ocean Falcons

The smells and the sounds hit you first, both slightly jarring. A curious scent bouquet of onion rings, starch, and beer assaults guests as they step in. The hostess behind the reception desk, clad in dark jeans and a t-shirt with black-and-white, vertical stripes, greets each person with a smile. Most of the patrons seem to be in their thirties tonight. Much to my surprise, very few of them are wearing jerseys.

Also surprising is the relatively low level of energy. Although most of the tables are occupied, there is little conversation.There are six football games flashing on screens positioned strategically around us. Most of the patrons are watching the games with varying levels of interest, but there is none of the collective intensity I'm used to finding at a sports bar.

Several tables hold only a couple--generally consisting of a man watching the action onscreen, unblinking, and a bored-looking woman texting absently or eating with her eyes fixed on the table, occasionally flicking her gaze up to the television.

The couple to our left is in the extreme stages of this. One is a man in his thirties with long hair and an equally long brown beard, sits watching the game onscreen between the Ranchers and the Ocean Falcons with his jaw hanging open, his fork hovering a few inches away from his mouth, for a full three minutes. The other is a woman of approximately the same age, with long, wavy hair and a bright pink tank top. She glances over at him, then at the screen, then back to her phone with apparent resignation.

Suddenly, Beard grasps her arm and shakes her slightly, wordlessly gesturing to the screen. Pink puts her phone down and looks at the game, her eyes widening as the final few seconds of the game play out. She touches his shoulder. They both look at one another with complete amazement as a Rancher victory is announced.

Hoots, shouts, and laughter can suddenly be heard from every part of the restaurant. Strangers call to each other from table to table, commenting on whichever game they are watching. More shouting and a few curses come from a table over another game that has just ended. Our waiter seems to have disappeared.

In a few moments the entire atmosphere has suddenly become charged withe energy. The previous lull disappears and people high-five each other and shout with gusto, interest regained all at once. It's the win, apparently, that brings people together tonight, more than the game itself.