Gold Coast Super Bowl fans hit Star Gold Coast for Patriots, Rams

More than 500 people - including some diehard fans pulling sickies - turned up to watch Super Bowl celebrations at the Star Gold Coast this morning.

MORE than 500 people - including diehard fans pulling sickies - have turned up to watch Super Bowl celebrations at the Star Gold Coast.

The Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots clash didn’t kick off until 9.30am but the most passionate fans started arriving as early as 7am.

Some of the fans took a sickie or asked for the day off work so they wouldn’t miss the live action.

The crowd roars during Super Bowl celebrations at The Star Gold Coast - the sports bar attracted about 500 people. Picture Glenn Hampson

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Malen Franks from Reedy Creek told his boss he wasn’t coming in today so he could watch the game with mates on the big screen.

“I don’t go for them but the Patriots won last year so I’m going for the other side,” he said.

In the crowd was SeaFM radio host Ben Hannant and Dan Anstey, and football star Sam Thaiday’s wife Rachel.

Emily Jade O’Keefe from Hot Tomato was also at The Star and was surprised when she found out she would be competing in a hot dog eating competition.

Super Bowl celebrations at The Star Gold Coast are attended by radio personality Emily-Jade O'Keefe with MC and Ex- AFl legend Richard Champion, and Rachel Thaiday, wife of Broncos star Sam Thaiday. Picture: Glenn Hampson

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“I won ... but there was only me and another woman who went in the competition,” she said.

“I didn’t know I was competing in a hot dog eating competition until I got here. It was extremely hard. I only ate two but I thought I was going to vomit.”

During the four-hour event more than 200kgs of chicken wings were devoured by the crowd.

Ex ALF legend Richard Champion was MC and before the game started asked the crowd who was having the day off. About 20 or 30 people raised their hand.

“I hope you don’t get fired from your job if you’ve chucked a sickie,” he told the crowd.

He said this was the first time The Star had shown a game like this and he really enjoyed being MC.

Opposing fans, Rams fan Malen Franks from Pacific Pines and Patriots fan Nathan McMahon from Reedy Creek, cross paths during Super Bowl celebrations at The Star. Picture Glenn Hampson

“It’s been a fantastic day. There’s a buzz in the room. Such great atmosphere,” he said.

Two of the biggest diehard fans were Kathleen Doherty, 24, and Kelly Leisenrin, 23.

Both girls have travelled from the States to spend a couple of months on the Coast, and Ms Doherty said this was the second year she had watched the game in Australia.

“I’m from Boston so this is huge back at home,” Ms Doherty said.

“I’ve been a Patriots fan since I was born. The sport is huge over there. There’s usually way more women back at home. When they play, every one stops and watches the games.

“I’ve been messaging everyone at home and they are at Super Bowl parties, while I’m here celebrating during the day.”