CNMI gridiron fans storm venues for Super Bowl LIX watch parties

Gridiron fans gathered for Super Bowl LIX watch parties all over the island on a manic Monday morning.

From Marianas Beach Resort in the heart of Garapan to the Pacific Islands Club in the south, both were packed with die-hard fans and those simply enjoying time with friends and family. In the end, the Philadelphia Eagles soared high and proud as they overpowered the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, and dashed their hopes for a 3-peat.

Public school was out in the CNMI and so were football fans of all ages as it seemed like everyone on Saipan was at Super Bowl watch parties this morning—eager to bear witness to quite possibly a 3-peat by the Chiefs, or see the Eagles soar to their second Vince Lombardi trophy in franchise history.

The Chiefs' offense was nonexistent in the first half, but local fans—already full of liquor and food—were not. They screamed and cheered at each pass, rush, and touchdown, matching the Eagles' energy on the field.

At MBR, who had the most guests at 154, was lively as they had their fill of alcohol, food, and raffle prizes.

MBR general manager Gloria Cavanagh said after the game, “This broke records as far as the turnout here—it was absolutely fantastic… It was a lot of energy here and we’re very glad and happy with the participation.”

She then thanked their sponsors Budweiser-Marpac and said, “Every time we do something together, they always do such a great job. We look forward to the rest of the year and so much more different events to join with them. So thank you to Marpac.”

An Eagles fan, Tim Israel from south New Jersey said of the team’s win, “I can’t describe it right now—it’s a wonderful feeling. They did an awesome job all season, they pulled it together, and they got great players. It’s a surprise that the score is the way it was but ultimately, they were a great ball team.”

He then gave a shoutout to his family, to Ecuador where his wife is from, and said, “We did wonderful… just a wonderful job today. I’ll go home and party a little bit more.”

For Ed Dela Cruz, a Denver Broncos fan, he said he came out to watch with his friends, as it has been their tradition for over five years. He said of the game, “It was pretty disappointing for me. I thought it was going to be close or a shootout game, but it was pretty much lopsided.”

Even as he didn’t root for any of the two teams, he said, “It was still a good time. This was a beautiful watch party so shoutout to Marianas Beach Resort and also Marpac for another awesome Super Bowl watch party.”

Guy Pudney, resident manager for Marpac and the watch party’s sponsor said of the turnout, “it was fantastic.” As for the crowd, he said, “The majority of MBR was for the Eagles and personally, I was going for the Chiefs only because I’m a Cowboys fan and their archrival are the Eagles.”