Our Top Ann Arbor Spots to Enjoy the Start of Football Season

September 24, 2024

With the fall season here, there’s one thing that’s top of mind for many of us locals here in the Ann Arbor area—football. With deep roots in Ann Arbor and the surrounding areas, Norfolk Homes takes pride in knowing the best places for our homeowners to gather and enjoy the excitement of the season, whether it’s cheering on the NFL or passionately supporting the Michigan Wolverines. As we continue to build beautiful new homes throughout Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall and Jackson—we also love being part of these vibrant communities and sharing our local knowledge. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party in your Norfolk home or looking for the best spot to catch the action, we’ve got you covered.

Ann Arbor: Where Wolverines’ Pride Shines Bright

Ann Arbor isn’t just home to the University of Michigan—it’s also a hub for passionate football fans, making it one of the best places to enjoy the start of football season. If you’re in the mood for a lively atmosphere, head to Haymaker Public House, an Ann Arbor institution. This beloved sports bar has been serving Wolverine fans for decades and offers a fun, energetic environment for game day, along with some of the best pizza and burgers around. Another local favorite is Conor O’Neill’s, a traditional Irish pub with a friendly vibe, great food and plenty of TV screens so you won’t miss a moment of the action.

For those looking for a more elevated experience, The Pretzel Bell offers a blend of history and modern comfort. It’s the perfect place for families and friends to gather for great food, a relaxed atmosphere, and—of course—plenty of Wolverines’ pride. With locations like these, Ann Arbor is the perfect place to immerse yourself in football season.

Dexter & Chelsea: Small Town Charm, Big-Time Football Fun

For our homeowners in Dexter and Chelsea, these towns may be smaller, but they’re big on football spirit. Dexter’s Pub is a hidden gem for football lovers, offering a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with a fantastic menu. Whether you’re there for a Michigan game or watching your favorite NFL team, this local spot is perfect for kicking back with friends.

If you’re in Chelsea, look no further than Cleary’s Pub. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and spacious setup, it’s a great place to watch any game. With its extensive menu of comfort foods like wings, burgers and pizzas, you’ll find everything you need to fuel a day of football.

Saline: A Great Place to Kick Off Game Day

Saline is another wonderful community where our Norfolk homeowners love to live—and where football reigns supreme during the fall. For a classic sports bar experience, Dan’s Downtown Tavern in Saline is a local favorite. It has a solid selection of craft beers, great pub food and a lively atmosphere that makes it ideal for a Sunday NFL game or Saturday college football.

Another excellent option is Salt Springs Brewery, which offers a unique blend of craft beer, elevated pub food and a warm, inviting atmosphere in a beautiful former church. Whether you’re with family, friends or neighbors from your Norfolk Homes community—this is a great spot to enjoy the start of football season in style.

Marshall & Jackson: Football in Historic Towns

Marshall and Jackson, two historic towns where Norfolk Homes also builds, offer unique spots to enjoy the football season. In both cities, Grand River Brewery is a local favorite with a fantastic selection of craft beers brewed in-house and an extensive menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients. It’s the perfect place to relax and watch the game with family and friends.

For those in Jackson, The Chase offers a phenomenal football-watching experience. The sports atmosphere and cocktails pair well with their delicious take on game-day food, making this a must-visit spot for football fans who want a blend of great taste and excitement.

Make the Most of Football Season with Norfolk Homes

At Norfolk Homes, we don’t just build new homes in Ann Arbor—we build communities where traditions, like watching football, bring people together. Whether you’re settling into your new home in Ann Arbor, Dexter, Chelsea, Saline, Marshall or Jackson—or heading out to one of these local spots to enjoy the start of the season—we know you’ll find the perfect place to celebrate every touchdown and cheer with neighbors and friends. Football season is a special time here in Michigan, and we’re proud to be part of such a spirited community. Rally your neighbors and explore the best local spots to enjoy the excitement of football season—all conveniently near your Norfolk home.

We had our closing yesterday and it was a smooth process. We will like to thank Lisa and the whole team at Norfolk Homes for getting things done on time and thanks for the excellent gift basket.

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