Novocastrians pack the pub to cheer on teams in Super Bowl

NFL fans filed into the Newcastle East pub, The Grain Store, early on Monday morning to watch the Philadelphia Eagles claim the 2025 Super Bowl 40-22 over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Sam Francka moved to Newcastle two years ago from Missouri, the home state of the Kansas City Chiefs.

"I watched it from my desk last year, but this year, I was like, I've got to take the day off work," she said.

Ms Francka said she did feel a bit outnumbered as a Chiefs fan in a sea of mostly Eagles fans.

She reckoned that the swell of Eagles support surrounding her might be because of Australian Eagles player Jordan Mailata.

"I started watching it during the 2019/2020 season, and it really became the only thing I could do during COVID," Ms Francka said.

As an American in a regional Australian city, Ms Francka said she was shocked the venue was so full.

Grain Store owner Corey Crooks said it was the venue's 12th year of running a Super Bowl party.

He said people were lined up around 7.30am on Monday morning for a 9am open.

"There's only walk-ins, and we're at capacity," he said.

"It has pretty much been this way for the entire time we've been doing it."

Pub-goers could enjoy American specials such as a bacon and egg brekkie roll with Kansas barbecue sauce, a "Stadium Dog" (an American-style hot dog), and a "Philly Cheesesteak".

Mr Crooks said there was a fair mix of American expats and Australians who had gotten into the sport over the last few years.

Clint Harris had come down to the pub with five of his friends to support the Eagles, even though he's usually a Green Bay Packers fan, as his wife is from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

"The energy for a Monday morning in Australia is insane right now," he said.

"To see all the jerseys, and everyone shouting and cheering, it's a good vibe that's for sure."

Michael Sharwood and Tracey McGorey were going for opposite teams but they said they were enjoying the game nonetheless.

"The environment is really great," Mr Sharwood said.

Jamie Harrison has been following the NFL since he was 16-years-old and he came along with his brother and nephew to the Newcastle venue.

"I like the high explosive plays each time, it is nice to sit back and watch 4 hours of football," he said.