Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am visiting in a couple of months. Will you be showing the game?
A: We don't know more than a couple of weeks in advance whether a game will definitely be shown - general rule is we get all Old Firm games and everything shown on Setanta in the UK, other games are a bit more hit-and-miss. The website will be kept up-to-date with games we are or aren't getting.
Q: Do I need to tell you in advance I'm coming?
A: No, you can just show up at the bar to watch the game if it's confirmed on our site.
Q: Can I drop by to meet the Big Apple Bears?
A: Typically we only get together for matches. The Blue Room is always open for business though, and there is a decent amount of Rangers stuff on the walls, so feel free to have a drink there. Just don't expect the barman to know much about the Gers (the barmaids are better informed - ask Chrissy, Adriana, and Karen about their customised Rangers shirts).
Q: The bar is closed and the game kicks off in five minutes!
A: It's probably a Sunday 9am kickoff, so go in the side door. Bars aren't supposed to be open before noon on Sunday so we don't want to draw attention to ourselves. The bar phone number is 1-212-688-4344 - stick it in your mobile phone if you're worried.
Q: Why are people leaving cash on the bar?
A: Tipping is essential in American bars, and very important for us at the Blue Room. Our bar staff have to get up early to open for us and needs to be rewarded for this. Please leave a dollar per drink - don't be a tightwad. This is standard practice and how bar staff make their money. See here for more info.
Q: Why is some stranger asking me for money?
A: Unlike in the UK, games are not free to view in bars. The club has to pay for every game to cover the satellite fees and we recoup this cost by charging $10 per game, $15 for Old Firm games.
Q: Why is the guy next to me paying less?
A: $100 for the season gets you a $5 discount per game, although you don't have to do this to be a member.
Q: Why should the bar profit from Rangers fans?
A: The bar does not see this money - it goes to NARSA - and the club is a non-profit. Any excess money is used to fund the occasional free game (usually a midwinter midweek game vs. one of the wee teams).
Q: I'm hungry!
A: The bar has a kitchen doing Atomic Wings though it doesn't open until 11am. Before that, there is a diner across the road where you can get anything, and it's OK to bring the food into the bar.
Q: I am visiting with a [Hearts/Aberdeen/Dundee] fan - can he come along?
A: Yes, supporters of other teams are welcome. We often have one or two Celtic fans at OF games and we have never had problems.
Q: Can I buy a club shirt or baseball cap?
A: Finally, we have club t-shirts available for $15. We sell them at most games, but not online.
A: We don't know more than a couple of weeks in advance whether a game will definitely be shown - general rule is we get all Old Firm games and everything shown on Setanta in the UK, other games are a bit more hit-and-miss. The website will be kept up-to-date with games we are or aren't getting.
Q: Do I need to tell you in advance I'm coming?
A: No, you can just show up at the bar to watch the game if it's confirmed on our site.
Q: Can I drop by to meet the Big Apple Bears?
A: Typically we only get together for matches. The Blue Room is always open for business though, and there is a decent amount of Rangers stuff on the walls, so feel free to have a drink there. Just don't expect the barman to know much about the Gers (the barmaids are better informed - ask Chrissy, Adriana, and Karen about their customised Rangers shirts).
Q: The bar is closed and the game kicks off in five minutes!
A: It's probably a Sunday 9am kickoff, so go in the side door. Bars aren't supposed to be open before noon on Sunday so we don't want to draw attention to ourselves. The bar phone number is 1-212-688-4344 - stick it in your mobile phone if you're worried.
Q: Why are people leaving cash on the bar?
A: Tipping is essential in American bars, and very important for us at the Blue Room. Our bar staff have to get up early to open for us and needs to be rewarded for this. Please leave a dollar per drink - don't be a tightwad. This is standard practice and how bar staff make their money. See here for more info.
Q: Why is some stranger asking me for money?
A: Unlike in the UK, games are not free to view in bars. The club has to pay for every game to cover the satellite fees and we recoup this cost by charging $10 per game, $15 for Old Firm games.
Q: Why is the guy next to me paying less?
A: $100 for the season gets you a $5 discount per game, although you don't have to do this to be a member.
Q: Why should the bar profit from Rangers fans?
A: The bar does not see this money - it goes to NARSA - and the club is a non-profit. Any excess money is used to fund the occasional free game (usually a midwinter midweek game vs. one of the wee teams).
Q: I'm hungry!
A: The bar has a kitchen doing Atomic Wings though it doesn't open until 11am. Before that, there is a diner across the road where you can get anything, and it's OK to bring the food into the bar.
Q: I am visiting with a [Hearts/Aberdeen/Dundee] fan - can he come along?
A: Yes, supporters of other teams are welcome. We often have one or two Celtic fans at OF games and we have never had problems.
Q: Can I buy a club shirt or baseball cap?
A: Finally, we have club t-shirts available for $15. We sell them at most games, but not online.
posted by Colin at 4:00 PM
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