Mission Inn Museum showcases Frank Miller artifacts at new airport venue, Riverside introduces outdoor NFL viewing at the Farmhouse Collective, and a guide to Riverside’s nocturnal backyard wildlife.
Previously unseen items from founder's collection, including piece of Amelia Earhart's plane, featured in gallery-style exhibition with UC Riverside student presenters.
With NFL viewing becoming increasingly complex and expensive through multiple streaming services and local blackouts, more families are choosing to head out rather than navigate home viewing hassles. The social experience of watching games with fellow fans adds energy no living room can match.
Many public places where NFL football is shown are not ideal for families, especially those with young kids, to hang out for several hours. Even if the crowd keeps it “PG,” kids get bored.
We put together a guide to some places to watch a game that may keep the whole family entertained.
The Farmhouse Collective: A New Game Day Experience
Farmhouse Collective at 1393 University Ave. has emerged as Riverside's most unique NFL viewing destination. The venue transformed a 1950s motel into a vibrant community hub, but it's their outdoor space, called "The Backyard," that's capturing families' attention.
The Backyard features artificial turf where families can spread picnic blankets and set up lawn chairs while watching games on a large theater screen. Kids can safely play cornhole and table tennis during commercial breaks while parents enjoy reasonably priced drinks in a casual atmosphere where alcohol enhances rather than dominates the experience.
"We're looking to host team fan clubs and fantasy football groups," says Kyler Bailey of Farmhouse Collective. The venue represents a fresh approach to communal sports viewing – part tailgate party, part outdoor movie night, all community-focused.
Visit farmhousecollective.com for scheduling and events.
Traditional Sports Bar Excellence
For fans preferring a classic game day atmosphere, Riverside offers established favorites. Law's Restaurant at 9640 Indiana Ave. delivers serious sports bar energy with NFL happy hour specials. Though kids are welcome during daytime hours, the drinking culture creates an adult-oriented environment perfect for dedicated fans.
Heroes Restaurant & Brewery at 3397 Mission Inn Ave. combines sports viewing with handcrafted beers in Downtown's quirky, Americana-filled atmosphere. Multiple TVs show various NFL games simultaneously, welcoming fans of all teams.
Community Pizza and Games
Capone's Pizza at 7207 Arlington Ave. has served Riverside since 1988, offering an old-school pizza joint experience. The restaurant features long communal tables and enough TVs positioned throughout the space, creating natural conversation opportunities between strangers united by Sunday football.
The family-owned establishment accommodates groups of all sizes with hearty portions and reasonable prices, making it perfect for extended family gatherings.
Beyond the Living Room
Whether choosing Farmhouse Collective's family-centered outdoor experience, traditional sports bars like Law's and Heroes, or community pizza joints like Capone's, Riverside families are discovering that watching NFL games together enhances the experience for all ages. These venues solve the streaming service puzzle while providing something home viewing can't: the energy of shared excitement with other families.
Not every family can afford stadium tickets, but every family can find their place in Riverside's game day community. In an era of increasingly isolated entertainment, these local gathering spots prove that football brings families and neighbors together – creating community connections that last long after the final whistle.
I know I missed some great local spots. If you have a favorite, family-friendly place to watch a game, drop us a line at info@raincrossgazette.com.
