Seahawks fans pack Saanich bar for Super Bowl showdown
Published 5:42 pm Sunday, February 8, 2026
While much of the world has its eyes fixed on the Winter Olympics since its Feb. 6 opening, millions across North America and beyond are flipping the channel for a different sporting event – the 60th Super Bowl.
Held at Levi’s Stadium in California, this year’s showdown pits the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks on Feb. 8.
With nearly 128 million viewers tuning in last year, making it one of the most-watched sporting events in the world, this year’s game is expected to draw another massive audience, including fans gathered at Saanich’s Canadian Brewhouse & Grill to catch every play.
Among them is self-proclaimed “die hard Seahawks fan” Eric Shielack, who has followed the team for as long as he can remember. Anticipating what he calls a “big game,” Shielack said he hopes his team will avenge its 2014 season loss to the same squad then led by Tom Brady.
“This is going to be redemption time for the one-yard mishap,” he said, referring to the final play when Seattle, one yard from victory, threw a pass that was intercepted by New England instead of running the ball.
Supporting the NFL team closest to Victoria, Shielack believes key players, including rookie safety Nick Emmanwori, whom he calls one of the best defensive players in the league, and wide receiver Jaxon Smith Njigba, will lead the team to a 31-21 victory.
“Emmanwori is a demon on the field so I’m looking forward to seeing him,” he said. “I think he’s going to be MVP.”
Nearby, Shielack sat with friends Jonathan, Alex, and Blake, enjoying a night out, good company, good eats, and a few brews.
“I watch it every year and it’s a good way to socialize with people,” said Jonathan.
“It’s also for the overall atmosphere as well,” added Blake. “It’s hard to find places where people have this kind of energy anymore.”
As the game was about to start, the hostess was turning people away, as the restaurant was already full and had reservations booked weeks in advance.
For general manager Daniel Liberty, the Super Bowl is one of the busiest nights of the year for the sports‑focused establishment, which is showing the game on more than 50 televisions spread throughout its two levels.
Daniel Liberty is the general manager of Saanich’s Canadian Brewhouse & Grill. (Olivier Laurin/Saanich News)
With a fully staffed team, Liberty said they are ready to serve countless draught beers, wings, and nachos, which are the establishment’s most popular items for this annual event.
“We have a lot of big football fans here, so it’s just a really fun day for everybody,” he said.
