Big games deserve a big screen.
The Historic Everett Theatre and Edmonds Theater are hosting Rose Bowl viewing parties. This year, Washington and Ohio State will play at the Rose Bowl stadium Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.
The Huskies are playing in the Rose Bowl for the first time in 18 years. So it’s going to be big.
The theaters’ viewing parties allow football fanatics to watch bone-crushing hits, miraculous catches and big throws in larger-than-life size.
“It’s going to be cool, especially if you get a big crowd and they’re hooping and hollering,” said Curt Shriner, manager of the Historic Everett Theatre.
That’s right — you won’t be shushed in the theater. You’re allowed to cheer as loud as you want for your favorite team. Just remember to keep it PG. It’s a family-friendly event.
“I’ve had a couple of people ask, ‘Is it going to be quiet like a movie?’” said Christopher Mayes, manager of the Edmonds Theater. “Don’t yell profanities — but you can cheer and yell.”
Arrive for the pre-game about an hour or two before kick-off. Popcorn, candy and soda will be for sale at both theaters; the Historic Everett will also serve alcohol to those 21 and older. (If you’re watching at the Edmonds Theater, you’re welcome to grab a drink at a nearby bar at halftime.)
This game is a bit of a conundrum for me. I was raised a Buckeye because my dad is from Ohio — but he also attended the University of Washington. When it comes down to it, though, I bleed scarlet and gray, not purple and gold.
Shriner and Mayes have no such problem: Both of them are lifelong Husky fans. Shriner lived a mile away from Husky Stadium as a kid, while Mayes graduated from the UW in 2007 — the same year the Huskies and Buckeyes last played each other. (Ohio State won 33-14. I was there. Go Bucks!)
Considering the Huskies’ nearly 20-year Rose Bowl drought, the theater managers said the viewing parties will be celebrations for local Husky fans.
“I hope the Huskies are doing well enough so we can get rowdy,” Shriner said.
These aren’t the first football game viewing parties at the theaters. Mayes has vivid memories of screening the Seattle Sounders’ victory in the MLS Cup final in 2016 and the Seattle Seahawks’ devastating loss in the 2015 Super Bowl.
“It was great up until the last five minutes,” Mayes said of the 2015 game.
Mayes said the Rose Bowl parties are an opportunity to watch the game with fellow fans, much like you would in the stands at Husky Stadium.
Both managers say it’s hard to forget the experience of watching live sports on a towering screen meant for the cinema. (Edmonds Theater has a 35-by-18-foot movie screen; Historic Everett’s is 27-by-24.)
“I’ve had parents come up and say, ‘My kids still talk about going there and being able to watch,’” Mayes said.
“A lot of parents would love to go out, but they’re stuck sitting at home,” Shriner said. “They can come out with the kids and get rowdy with them.”
Evan Thompson: 425-339-3427, ethompson@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @ByEvanThompson.
What: Rose Bowl Game (Washington vs. Ohio State)
Where: Edmonds Theater, 415 Main St. Edmonds; Historic Everett Theatre, 2911 Colby Ave., Everett
When: Jan. 1, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. in Edmonds; noon to 5 p.m. in Everett
More: 425-778-4554 orwww.theedmondstheater.com; 425-258-6766 or www.historiceveretttheatre.org
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