Looking to score game food?

By Jon Moffett

Valley bars are expecting a super turnout.

YOUNGSTOWN — Fans of the Black and Gold look forward to food and fun today.

Pittsburgh takes on the Arizona Cardinals in Super Bowl XLIII tonight at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay. Game time is 6 p.m. on NBC.

Local establishments expect large crowds of raucous fans, as the Steelers have one of the largest fan followings in sports.

“It’s fun, kind of electric” Jason Kather, manager of the Lube in Austintown, said of the atmosphere. “It’s a good time for everyone.”

The Lube is just one of many places to offer specials on food and drinks during game day.

Bill’s Place in Austintown is offering a halftime buffet with “traditional Pittsburgh food.”

“We’re serving brats, kielbasa and sauerkraut,” said Susan Costantini, bar manager. “We’ve got some Cardinals supporters coming, too, but I’m not sure what we’re going to do for them. We’re planning on doing a regular buffet and some drink specials.”

The Youngstown Sports Grille expects a large turnout for the game. Sean Pregibon, owner of the restaurant, said the last time the Steelers were in the Super Bowl, after the 2005 season, there was standing room only.

Pregibon’s establishment will offer “Black and Gold” wings and shots for patrons. The shots are made up of Goldschlager and Jagermeister.

“It’s amazing what these Steeler fans will put in their bodies,” Pregibon said.

The restaurant will rename some menu items, such as the Roethlisburger Panini, for the game.

Though the Steelers are focused on the Cardinals, some fans are still concentrating on the rival Cleveland Browns.

“It’s funny, the Browns aren’t so good,” Kather said. “So we get a ton more Steelers fan than Browns fans.”

Kather added while the staff is pretty much split 50-50 on the Steelers and Browns, most of the management cheers for the Black and Gold.

The Steelers are tied for an NFL record of five Super Bowl championships and could set the record with a victory. Ben Roethlisberger became the youngest quarterback to start and win a Super Bowl at 23 years, 11 months and 3 days old after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

jmoffett@vindy.com