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Don't be sad that you can't afford the tickets or just can't make it to the stadiums. There is a venue right on the island where a whole group of people gather who love the games just as much as you do.

Fort Myers Beach has many popular sports bars - let them become your next favorite place to watch this season's college football games. Casual and relaxed, they offer all the comforts of home. And you get to sit and order up whatever your heart desires, without the clean up. Plus, you can't beat the excitement that occurs spontaneously.

Comradery, meeting new people, and screaming and yelling for your team is always allowed. Wearing your team's colors is never in bad taste. This is your time to connect with strangers - you are there for the same purpose: to enjoy and cheer on your teams.

Article Photos Bayside Grille is located at 17853 San Carlos Blvd. and open daily from 11 a.m. 9 p.m. with happy hour from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.



PHOTO PROVIDED The Beached Whale is at 1249 Estero Blvd. and open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight with happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.



PHOTO PROVIDED Yucatan Beach Stand is at 250 Old San Carlos Blvd. and open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight with happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.



PHOTO PROVIDED

Here are just a few local venues for you to check out:

Bayside Grille is at 17853 San Carlos Blvd. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., with happy hour from 2 to 6 p.m.

"Our customers are completely at ease here. We are like an extension of their living room," manager Tessa Schuckert said. "Our friendly hardworking staff are like family to most of our customers, and vice versa. You will always find a familiar face or a new friend in the making here."

Bayside Grille has everything you need to enjoy the games, starting with 20 high-definition flat screen TVs inside (three are 70 inches) and one TV outside. Their popular Bloody Marys and mimosas are $3 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. They also offer specials on their signature breakfast pizza, plus ever-changing weekly specials, especially during football season.

"We have $10 buckets of Bud or Bud Light all day during the games with a 'drink of the day' special for $5," Schuckert said. "Everyone is thrilled to be at our beautiful beach. This island is relaxed and always ready for a good time."

The laid-back hangout features casual dining, a full bar and waterfront view.

"Those new to the area are warmly embraced by the community through the love of a hometown team. For six years now, local Ohio State fans have made this their home during the games," Schuckert said. "Friendly competition with fans from rival teams leads to a lively atmosphere, making it fun for everyone."

For more information, call 239-689-8775 or visit: baysidegrillefortmyersbeach.com.

The Beached Whale is at 1249 Estero Blvd. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.

"We have over 20 widescreen TVs and are sure to be showing your favorite team. You can go to either of our bars for the viewing of multiple games or one of our indoor dining tables with 13 separate TVs, allowing your group to view your favorite team more closely," manager Allie Young said. "All of our delicious food is made fresh daily, and the Whalers' service cannot be beat."

The Beached Whale was listed in Frommer's suggested itineraries under "What to do on Day 1 on Fort Myers Beach."

Check out their award-winning island atmosphere, like the famous Lookout Lounge, all just steps away from the Gulf of Mexico. Relax, enjoy great food and drinks, and take in all of the games.

"We have a level of excitement and commitment to college teams. Our guests come from all over the country, and team preferences vary just as much," Young said. "We, of course, have our own favorites. The friendly competition and banter over team standings is hilarious and fun."

Check out their appetizer specials, including game day nachos and sliders. They are known for signature dishes like world-famous Yucatan shrimp, as well as tempting new additions like boom-boom shrimp tacos. The fully stocked bar offers hand-crafted cocktails and popular beers, including a local craft selection.

"The Fort Myers Beach community is special in that while we love our locals, we have an environment laid back enough where anyone is welcome," Young said. "If it is your first time visiting or 100th, you will feel just as at home. We are so thankful to be a longstanding part of our wonderful community and are looking forward with many more years to come."

For more information, call 239-463-5505 or visit: thebeachedwhale.com.

Sandbar & Grille is at 7205 Estero Blvd. Open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, with happy hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

"We have 40-plus HD televisions and carry the college game day package and the Big 10 Network," said manager Talita Dutra. "We really love all the locals, and college football is the beginning of all our friends from up north traveling back for season."

Sandbar & Grille is known for its award-winning pizza, full bar with 14 beers on tap, free Golden Tee golf and entrees. They offer a happy happy hour from 11 a.m. from 7 p.m. daily. Indulge in the island's favorite drinks, like the Sandbar Berry Andy Dolphin, Sandbar Bloody Mary or Craft Margarita.

Being an armchair quarterback can get you hungry. How about jumbo wings or their famous crunchy grouper sandwich? This is a great place to get together with everyone to watch your rivals and your favorite teams compete.

"We've been a local sports bar since 2005, voted number one sports bar on the beach years after years," Dutra said. "We offer a full menu including steak, seafood pasta and much more. Come watch the game and check out our recent remodel."

For more information, call 239-463-5544 or visit them on Facebook.

Yucatan Beach Stand is at 250 Old San Carlos Blvd. Open Sunday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. to midnight, with happy hour Monday through Friday from 2 to 5 p.m.

"We are very excited about college football and have numerous TVs positioned so you can see them from every seat in the house," general manager Rob Riely said. "We welcome everyone to enjoy our DirecTV, with access to 99 percent of all televised college football games."

A tropical Caribbean-like eatery and bar, it is home to the coldest beer on the beach - chilled at 28 degrees - and the best grouper sandwich in Southwest Florida. Check out their game day specials.

"We will be selling $2 domestic draft beers all day and night on Saturdays and will also be offering 10 percent off a customer's food bill if they are wearing their school colors," Riely said. "Although our staff are Big 10 conference fans, we are not preferential to any conference."

How about pitchers for $10 and some of the absolute best wings around? Don't forget to try all the tailgate favorites, like homewrecker hotdogs, burgers, shrimp, nachos, chips and more.

Yucatan Beach Stand is a family-owned and operated restaurant that takes pride in being extremely involved in the Fort Myers Beach community. Its number one goal is to exceed your game day and dining expectations and provide you with a memorable island experience.

"We love the community because we are still a small family-owned business and love that most of this town is the same way," Riely said. "We are very popular with locals and vacationers from the Midwest, and Yucatan Beach Stand is the place for them. Come on over and watch your hometown team with us while you are here visiting beautiful Fort Myers Beach, and don't forget to wear your school colors."

For more information, call 239-333-4386 or visit: yucatanbeachstand.com.