The list of local bars that regularly show UFC and (to a lesser extent) boxing pay-per-view events is fairly extensive. In the course of researching this answer, we came across a "find me a bar" feature at tonightsgame.com, which has a fairly accurate, if slightly outdated list that includes the likes of Scooter's, Wildfire Valley View, Buffalo Wild Wings locations, Las Vegas Ale House, and Blondie's Sports Bar, in addition to the major casino sports books and sports-bar venues like Lagasse's Stadium, not to mention the gentlemen's clubs.
However, the upcoming Mayweather/Pacquiao fight is anything but typical in many respects, including how/where you will be able to watch it. The blackout imposed on any non-MGM Mirage property in Las Vegas from screening the fight live takes out a huge swathe of common viewing options, including Cabo Wabo and Blondie's in the Miracle Mile Shops (considered part of Planet Hollywood, which is a Caesars Entertainment property), Lagasse's Stadium (Palazzo), Hooters, El Cortez, Wynn, Caesars Palace, Westgate Las Vegas, and all Station properties, including the Wildfires (which generally focus on UFC, admittedly, since they own it).
In addition, although non casino-owned bars in theory are allowed to show the fight, the cost to air it will prove prohibitive to most -- if you thought $99.95 was a lot for individual fans to fork over for the PPV, consider that bar owners will be required to pay $5,000 to show it. As Scottie Godino, Jr., the owner of Born and Raised on the west side of town, which regularly screens major sporting events explained recently to KLAS-TV, "We'd have to gouge our patrons just to make that ($5,000) up. We'd have to increase our beer prices, our liquor prices, our food prices, just to offset the cost." Hence, BAR will not be showing the MayPac showdown, and neither will either Crown & Anchor location, ditto Sporting Life Bar (7770 S. Jones). Neither, even, will some of the big sports-bar chains, which could more easily have swallowed that kind of fee: We checked with Buffalo Wild Wings, for example, and received confirmation that none of their properties will be paying out to show this fight (again, like Stations, we duly not that they tend to focus on UFC, but this is the (boxing) "Fight of the Century," if you believe the hype.
Bottom line, when it comes to those venues that will be screening the fight live on May 2, it's a pretty short shortlist that we've been able to come up with; in fact, it currently comprises just one bar, namely Miller's Ale House at Town Square, which is charging a $100 cover for individuals (who'll be seated at the bar on a first come, first serve basis) but is encouraging table reservations, with the smallest table seating six (for $600, no "group discount"). Scooter's Sports Bar & Grill (6200 S. Rainbow) is still mulling over whether or not they'll show it and suggested we call back later this week, which we will do.
Gentlemen's club-wise, Larry Flynt's Hustler will be showing the fight. There's a $100 GA cover, $150 for VIP (which includes access to the second floor of the club and complimentary food) or, for $3,000, you can arrange with a hostess for private viewing in a VIP room. Deja Vu Showgirls, which is offering the victor free lap dances for life, will also be showing the fight live on PPV, although the employee with whom we spoke was unsure what the cover would be, so we'll check back and let you know. Sapphire currently is not planning to screen the PPV event, although they are taking names of interested parties and will contact you if they change their mind.
In the meantime, if you know of another non-MGM Mirage venue that will be showing MayPac, please drop us a line and we'll post updates in "Today's News."
