By Karen Newcombe

New England Patriots vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers, baby! Tonight at 8:30 p.m. football season officially opens at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA. This year’s Super Bowl winning Patriots – complete with QB Tom Brady back on board – will come up against the Steelers, who seek to make a statement and beat the best on their own field. Sports bars in every corner of the country have stocked up on wings and beer, and many have had shiny new HDTV screens installed for the season opener.

We all know that most residents of Florida came from somewhere else, so while we may support the Miami Dolphins, many of us also have a first football love that still rules our hometown hearts. Here’s a rundown of where in and around our neighborhoods that you can find your fellow fans, and what specials to expect at that location:

• The Cabin Sports Bar — 154 N. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – Patriots fans, this is your home away from home. The Cabin is in its 15th season this year and has installed new, big-screen TVs just in time for tonight’s game. While all fans of any team are welcome here, the Cabin will be hosting a very Patriotic evening tonight! Bucket Specials throughout football season. 954-428- 6438.

• Bonefish Mac’s — 2002 Sample Rd., Pompano – Steelers fans are rumored to gather at Bonefish, so it should be jam-packed with excited fans tonight! 954- 781-6227.

• Two Georges — 1754 SE 3 Ct., Deerfield Beach – The jumbo screen. What more do you need to hear? Two Georges offers their 10’ X 12’ television for the big game, plus 19 other TVs, and a special football menu available in the bar on Saturdays and Sundays. All fans are welcome. 954-421-9272.

• City Pub — 956 S. Federal Hwy., Deerfield – The City Pub reboot with new owners is going strong, and we’ve heard that they have some special treats lined up for football fans this year. Buffalo Bills fans have found a home at City Pub, but everyone is always welcome. 954-427-8213

• Bru’s Room Deerfield — 120 NE 20 Ave., Deerfield – Dolphins fans, we know you’re welcome everywhere in South Florida, but former Dolphin Bob Brudzinski has made Bru’s Room into a special home for you. You know they’ll have plenty of specials on food and drinks throughout football season. With enough TVs to show every game at the same time, you can stop by early in the week and check the labels on each TV to find out which one will show your game this weekend. 954-420-5959. [Their Coral Springs location (1000 N. University Dr.) caters to Cleveland Browns fans — 954-656-8041].

• Slackers Bar & Grill — 995 W. State Rd. 84, Ft. Lauderdale – Our research indicates that Green Bay Packers fans congregate at Slackers. So do Florida State fans. 954-530-4758.

• Hott Leggz — 3128 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Chicago Bears (and Cubs) fans make their Florida home at Hott Leggz, where they can get traditional Chicago Beef sandwich of roast beef on Italian bread smothered in giardiniera (sautéed Italian peppers). There’s also a TV on every table. 754-307-2444.

• Legends Tavern & Grill — 1391 S. Military Tr., Deerfield Beach – Legends is new and this will be their first football season in Deerfield Beach. They’re offering specials on game weekends including $13 Bud Lite buckets and $2.50 pints on selected beers, as well as All Day Happy Hour on Sundays. Fans from all teams come here. 754-212-2655.

• Packy’s Sports Pub — 4480 N. Federal Hwy., Lighthouse Point – Packy’s has now been under new ownership for a year, and is a gathering spot for Buffalo Bills fans. Packy’s is offering $13 domestic buckets and $18 craft/import buckets.

Enjoy the game tonight, everyone! This is just a sampling of some local football hangouts. Send your gameday fun pictures to observereditor@comcast.net.