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King football is back, and it’s already getting quirky:
This Thursday evening’s Packer game marks the return of the NFL to prime time in the Hudson area, and best places to watch the games, determined by things such as the number of TVs and patron response, include Kozy Korner in North Hudson, Buffalo Wild Wings and Green Mill on the Hill, and Dick’s Bar and Grill and the Smilin’ Moose downtown. Of course, there is the ultimate big screen that’s typically been placed in the back at Pudge’s, and all of the drink specials at Ellie’s, with some items going for only $2.
And then there is the longtime king of local football coverage, as weighed by their more than 20 TVs, (although in recent seasons they’ve had competition in regards to that). That royalty, the Village Inn, however, is likely more of an exclusive Packer bar, as is evident by a preseason joke made by a bartender that she wasn’t allowed to wear her Viking jersey while working on game day. For more of that purple feel, you can go to Dick’s.
But the hill is where you can actually get a chance to educate some folk about Real Football. The guy sitting next to me, watching a Minnesota game, said to no one in particular, “Hey Cassel is with the Vikings?” It turns out that he was from Connecticut, which must be like a cave when it comes to pro football. He also was very surprised to find that Christian Ponder, (and who knows, maybe even Adrian Peterson?), had come to the St. Croix County Government Center to get married, just a mile up the road.
Some other activity on the night before the opener:
— At Green Mill, the “35 board” was busily being assembled, which will allow patrons to compete for prize giveaways.
— At Buffalo Wild Wings, a trio of guys visited while holding a big fantasy football trophy, both the size and shape of a real football.
— At Pudge’s, an offsale customer said he’s from Minnesota but can’t stand the Vikings, then asked bartender Whitney if she is a fan. Her response was that she’s originally from the Gopher State, but is actually a Detroit Lions fan, in part because members of her immediate family know Lions luminaries.
— As viewed at Guv’s Place in Houlton, ESPN gave the Twins marketing department a raspberry for conducting a survey about what type of car fits their image, and the list was heavy with fancy, dancy autos. The guy next to me suggested something really lowbrow, and we then agreed that a Pinto would be more appropriate. It was then revealed that a Lexus with the survey winner, which made the bartender really scoff.
For the record, the Packers are at Seattle at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, and the Vikings are at St. Louis at noon Sunday.
On the night before Sunday football is the other pick of the weekend, pointed out because they are quite new to Guv’s Place, which is hosting them. Paisley Road will play their gig following an afternoon of bean bag tournament play.

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