Bars, restaurants expected sell-out crowds

<p>Tonight's big game is expected to be a big bonus for some area bars and restaurants. While some plan to offer seating on a first-come, first-served basis, others took reservations and have been booked for days. Sell-out crowds are expected almost everywhere with a television tuned to the game. </p><p>The first lines for game-night tables may have been at Gator City directly across University Avenue from the University of Florida. Bartender Jonathan Gold said a handful of people were waiting in line when the bar and sports grill opened at 10 a.m. and had apparently begun lining up as early as 8 a.m. to get the best seats. Even with a $10 per person cover charge, Gold expects the place to be packed by 6 p.m.</p><p>The inside tables at Mother's Pub and Grill east of campus on University Avenue seat six people and sold out at $60 apiece, according to hostess Julianne Pruitt. The $60 table fee at Mother's includes six beers and 30 wings to get the fans started. Pruitt said patio and bar seating was still available before noon on Thursday but she wasn't sure how long those seats would last.</p><p>All of the seats at Gators Dockside on W. Newberry Road have been booked for $10 apiece since Saturday, said hostess Melanie Beebe.</p><p>The Swamp across from campus on University Ave. is expecting to see a line Thursday afternoon. Hostess Aley Ogg, said the establishment will close at 3:30 p.m. to clear everyone out and prepare for the evening, they reopen at 4:30 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis.</p><p>Calico Jack's in the Creekside Mall off 34th Street and University Avenue also will be operating on a first-come, first-served basis. The wait staff said they had been getting a lot of calls and are expecting a capacity crowd long before kick-off.</p><p>Other establishments further away from campus were anticipating smaller crowds.</p><p>Bartender Sam Snyder at Stubbie Shirt Pub at 9 W. University Ave. expects business as usual.</p><p>"We're not expecting a huge crowd because we usually don't get a big game day crowd, but we could be surprised," Snyder said.</p>