Columbia bars gear up for Super Bowl, large crowds expected Sunday

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia bars are preparing for an influx of people flocking to the downtown area, as the Kansas City Chiefs face the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58 on Sunday.

General Manager of Harpo's Bar & Grill Jack Stephens said the business has already purchased extra tables, chairs and food ahead of Sunday's game. Stephens said security will be ramped up compared to what a normal Sunday typically looks like, with extra bouncers on hand.

"We'll have about 15-to-20 (bouncers) spread out throughout the building," Stephens said. "Compared to a (regular) Sunday, it's a lot more, but that's normal for like a Friday or Saturday night upstairs."

Stephens, along with owner or Ninth Street Public House James Kanne said business started booming toward the end of the season when the Chiefs landed a spot in the playoffs. The two said they only expect that trend to continue Sunday.

However, Kanne said he doesn't anticipate business to differ too much from a "normal" Sunday.

"Pretty normal Sunday for us really," Kanne said. "Really happens to be the Chiefs and the Super Bowl, but it's yeah, we definitely put a little extra effort into it. It's gonna be fun."

Eric Glennon lives in Columbia and said he plans to throw a Super Bowl party at his house, rather than going to bars. Glennon said he began preparing for his party the night of the AFC Championsip, when the Chiefs defeated the Baltimore Ravens 17-10.

Glennon said he's excited the Chiefs are in the Super Bowl for the fourth time in the last five years. However, he said there was some doubt in his mind that the Chiefs would make it this year after struggling offensively at the beginning of the year.

Despite this, Glennon said he's confident the team can pull off the win against the 49'ers come Sunday.

"It feels like playing with house money a little bit, I was the same as everyone else," Glennon said. "But you know, it's Patrick Mahomes, it's Travis Kelce, it's Andy Reid, you can't count against them so they're back here now and I'm pumped."

The Chiefs are set to play the 49'ers on Sunday at 5:30 p.m. at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.