Where In Knoxville To Watch Mayweather vs. McGregor

Photo: The USA Today

*Trump voice* Nobody loves small business more than I do. Nobody wants the small businesses in our area to succeed more than me.

This weekend’s boxing match provides sports bars the chance to pack in casual fans and keep them for the entirety of Saturday night. For 2015’s Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, the main event started at 11:38 eastern and lasted 12 rounds.

But because of a pay-per-view licensing fee, each establishment will have to pay a multiplier based on seating capacity. Naturally, several bars have opted to not pay the $50 per head surcharge. And those who will carry the fight, will charge cover to defray the overhead costs.

If you’re technically savvy, you could probably find a way to get the international feed for much cheaper than the $89 or $99 option on Showtime.

Billiards and Brews Sports Bar – 8705 Unicorn Dr. # 110 – (865) 357-1356

Shoutout to a local establishment for carrying the fight. This is one of the most underrated watering holes in Knoxville and to establish how rare it is for a non-chain to carry the PPV event, it’s legitimately located on Unicorn Dr. The 21+ crowd will pay $20 at the door for cover.

Wagon Wheel – 115 S. Central St. – (865) 549-7299

Many would wind up at Wagon Wheel on a Saturday night anyway. The Old City’s country bar charges $15 cover and reservations for tables at $100. Tables sit 4 people, come with a free pitcher of beer and includes cover.

The Alley – 7355 Kingston Pike – (865) 330-0159

Another local establishment going in for the fight. Hats off. The Alley will be open 2 pm till 2 am Saturday, with two-for-one drinks until 10 pm. Pop for $30 per person in advance; $40 at the door and enjoy a $50 deal for entry, wings and a bucket of beer.

Hooters – 8050 Kingston Pike – (865) 694-4668

Apparently millennials have killed cleavage. But if you’re still a fan of the scenery, Hooters is charging $30 for advance reservations and $50 for walk-up cover.

Buffalo Wild Wings Turkey Creek – 11431 Parkside Drive – (865) 966-7300

Classic option for all sporting events. Southern Comfort will have specials all night long, if SoCo whiskey is your sort of thing. Expect to pay $20 for advance tickets and walk-ups.

Contact Boomer at Boomer@SportsRadioKnoxville.com to update locations to watch – or buy him a beer during – Mayweather vs. McGregor