Philly Hoyas

[RockawayHoya]

Much like HeartAttackHoya's Boston thread, can anyone direct me to a bar that'll show Hoya games? Given Philly's geographical proximity to DC (moreso than Boston), I'd assume there's gotta be at least one out there somewhere. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[Massholya]

Having recently relocated to Philly, I too would be interested in such a place. In terms of places I know, there is a bar called Cavanaugh's near Penn where I've watched a couple of Skins games that has Direct TV and the info in the bar says they'll have Full Court. Should be able to catch some games there though not an official Hoya spot.

[jerseyhoya34]

I think it might be cool if folks got in touch with Hoyas Unlimited to see if they've already identified a place. Building more official gatherings across the country could be a great thing for the program and GU community.

[RockawayHoya]

Massholya, any idea if Cavanaugh's has CSTV for the Navy game? I've got Comcast here in Center City, and I definitely don't get that channel. I've been to a bar in Center City called Drinkers Pub that had definitely had the college football plan and 4-5 TVs playing different games, but for the most part, I find it very difficult to find any place in Philly that plays anything except the Eagles and Flyers (even when they aren't on). I got essentially thrown out of one place a couple weeks ago when I got into an argument with the manager, who refused to change one of his 9 TVs (8 showing the Flyers game, 1 showing ABC's 20/20) to postseason baseball. But it's good to know that at least one place in the city has Full Court (and might show a willingness to use it).

[Massholya]

3 things
1) Drinker's is actually close to where I live, that's a smaller place, so I doubt that they have satellite. As for CSTV, I'm not sure.

2) Cavanaugh's is a definite sports bar with like 30 tv's, when i was there i saw ads for full court. Since the satellite thing is their gig, I can only assume they wouldn't cause too much trouble about showing whatever games happen to be on. Then again, this is Philly so who knows.

3) There is another place which is a satellite TV sports bar that may be more convenient but I'm not sure whether they will have full court or not (haven't been there for awhile). It's called Fox and Hound and is in Center City. It's also probably a little nicer place but seemingly more populated by Philly types.

I guess the thing is if you get a place that's a regular gathering place with a reliable number of people on a regular basis most reasonably places usually will try to work out a TV or two if they have the game available on whatever system they have.

There's a few ideas. If there are some Philly fans up for trying to find a place, you can certainly count me in.

[Gold Hoya]

I went into the control room at my Chicago game-watching location last night to double check channel selection, and they do have CSTV. In general, any sports bar that has DirecTV will have the package you need - CSTV is in the same package as ESPNU, home of 2 other GU games.

The one time I went to Fox & Hound for NFL Sunday, it appeared they had their act together. If in doubt, I suggest you stop by when they're not busy and flip channels with a bartender for a minute.

Once you confirm a location, contact GU Club of Philly to volunteer your legwork ... they'll likely be willing to email alums with that info & help you plan a pre-game reception for the Villanova game.

[RockawayHoya]

Hmm... so any interest in taking over one of these places with torches and a GU flag to plant somewhere? I'm sure there has to be more interested than just me and Mass. And if the Philly types don't like it, they can go to the other 6847298234294 bars in the area that'll show their precious Flyers and Sixers.

[Massholya]

One new potenial place to add to the list. My wife just told me a brand new place just opened on Sansom b/w 18 & 19 that supposedly has direct TV (football etc.). I'll be in DC this weekend for the Skins game, but when i get a chance I'll check it out. Might be nice to stake out a new bar before the locals sink their teeth into it too mcuh.

Oh, by the way it's called Barrister's.

[NJHoya95]

Rockaway-
I am the head of the GU club of Philly and am gland that you posted this question. Our club will likely have viewing parties for a few games this year. We struggled to have a few viewing parties last year because we had such limited tv coverage. We will have to see if we can set up events for the Navy game. I don't have CSTV or anyone that does.

Last year we tried to assemble a group for the ND game that was broadcast on ESPN classic. There were no center city bars that would commit to taking our group because they did not have Classic. So a merry band of us went to Champps in King of Prussia to watch the game.

We should have a better feeling this year and I would like to pick one spot in Center City that we use religiously for games. My initial imput is Tir Na Nog on 16th and JFK should be our regular spot for ESPN and nationally televised games. If we have to go to Champps for the obscure games not covered nationally, we can do that too. I would like to pick one spot and stay with it. If you have any thoughts IM me.

[RockawayHoya]

I definitely agree with the one spot and sticking with it idea. King of Prussia is a bit far (and even farther these days with the SEPTA strike), but Tir Na Nog and Barristers definitely sound like places that would work. And I'm definitely in favor of a Center City location.

[Massholya]

SWEET!!!!!

Just scored my tickets for the @ Villanova game! It was too easy! I thought they wouldn't be available but it was no problem. Need to get a good crowd of Hoya fans up there to fill up that little joint.

[NJHoya95]

How did you get them?

[Massholya]

I called the hoya ticket office number on the hoop club mailing (202-687-2449).

[NickSixers]

That did seem too easy. Just got 3 and I'm psyched.

[NJHoya95]

We'll have an event with the Philly club in conjunction with the game. We are planning to have folks coming from D.C. join us. Cannot wait.

[RockawayHoya]

Is the game at Wachovia or the Pavilion? And has a time and place been set to view the Navy game?

[GUHoya07]

Its at the Pavilion, and I thought we only had like 50 total available to us.

[RockawayHoya]

This might be a stupid question to ask, but for someone who's only been in Philly for like 3 months, how does one get out to the 'Nova campus using public transportation?

[NJHoya95]

Take the Septa Regional Rail line (R-5 I think). There is a train station on campus. It is about a five minute walk to the Pavillion from there.

[DFW HOYA]

rockawayhoya said:

This might be a stupid question to ask, but for someone who's only been in Philly for like 3 months, how does one get out to the 'Nova campus using public transportation?

Not from Phila., but the R5 train from either 30th Street or Suburban Station stops on Villanova's north campus.