If you’re looking for a bar to view the epic fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, take note.
Nationwide, many sports taverns and restaurants are throwing in the towel – declining to pay steep pay-per-view fees tied to the much-hyped Las Vegas showdown. The Saturday night fight is expected to generate a record-breaking $300 million in revenue – tied mostly to pay-per-view fees.
Restaurants pay fees tied to occupancy, which can amount to thousands of dollars. Buffalo Wild Wings said a large majority of its restaurants will not be showing the fight because it would cost roughly $5,100 per venue. Locally, several Orange County sports bars have opted out, with one citing fees of up to $7,500.
Anaheim’s ESPN Zone in Downtown Disney and BJ’s Restaurants also are not showing the fight.
Still, the Register has done some digging and found several locations ponying up for the matchup. Most are asking $20 to $30 in per-person cover charges, including several Buffalo Wild Wings.
In a bold move, one bar, The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Orange, is not asking for a cover.
“We think we’re the only (local) restaurant in the industry not doing a cover charge,” manager Juan Pacheco said. “We feel we don’t need to do that.”
Manager Ronnie Lutfi of the The Classic Q said the fight is so big, it would be crazy not to air it. He declined to say how much the Newport Beach bar was paying for the fight.
“Based on what we are expecting to bring in, it’ll be worth it,” he said.
Here’s a list of confirmed bars and restaurants airing the fight in Orange County. Unless noted, there are no reservations required.
• Dave & Buster’s in Orange: $25 cover charge. Dave & Buster’s in Irvine: $20 cover charge. VIP packages are available at both venues for guaranteed seating starting at $67.99 per person. Go to dnb.ticketbud.com/list/fight-night for more information.
• Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery in Orange: no cover charge. Parties won’t be seated unless everyone is there.
• The Daily Dose Sports Lounge in Irvine: $25 cover charge includes one alcoholic drink.
• Buffalo Wild Wings restaurants in Irvine, Lake Forest, Brea, Mission Viejo, Buena Park, Aliso Viejo and Huntington Beach: cover charges range from $20 or $25
• Danny K’s in Orange: $25 cover charge.
• Centerfield Sports Bar in Huntington Beach: $25 cover charge.
• The Classic Q in Newport Beach; $25 cover charge; $40 pre-sale tickets are available through Friday for guaranteed seating. Guests must arrive before 6 p.m. Saturday.
• Michael’s Sports Pub & Grill in Westminster: $30 cover charge.
• M&C Grill Sports Bar in Trabuco Canyon: $20 cover charge; will take reservations.
• Big’s Grill in Fullerton: $20 pre-sale cover charge: (through Friday) or $25 at the door day of event.
• The Brickhouse on Main in Garden Grove; $30 cover charge
Bloomberg News contributed to this report.
Contact the writer:nluna@ocregister.com
