NEW YORK — If your idea of sport involves raising a beer glass to toast your favorite U.S. team in the Olympics in London — but can't make it across the pond — then look no further.
DNAinfo.com New York has researched bars around the five boroughs that are planning to pull out all the stops for the 2012 summer games, offering just the place to catch a glimpse of Michael Phelps or Missy Franklin in steamy swimwear, or support New York-based athletes like gymnast John Orozco or cyclist Evelyn Stevens.
The games will begin with the opening ceremony at the Olympic Stadium in the Olympic Park on Friday at 9 p.m., or 4 p.m. New York time. NBC will begin its network-TV tape coverage at 7:30 p.m., but you should plan to come early — since some of the bars are making a sport out of the event with all-day carousing.
The Big Screen Plaza at Chelsea's Eventi Hotel is taking drunken sport to a whole new level during the screening of the opening ceremony, offering beer-based events like beer pong, beer slides and keg stands as the games kick off on the outdoor 35-foot wide screen.
The fitter crowd can also show their guns during organized games of Tug-of-War, arm wrestling and Horseshoes.
There's a little something for everyone: those who aren't interested so much in sports — yet enjoy being around fit bodies — can enjoy the models who will be "wandering around in skimpy, world-flag themed swimsuits," according to the Eventi hotel's event page.
Hester Street Fair also offers a selection of international foods to munch on while taking in the spectacle.
The party kicks off at 7 p.m. at the hotel, located at 851 6th Avenue at West 30th Street.
If being so far away from all the action in London is a heartbreaking notion, then head over to Blondie's on the Upper West Side, where the latest technology will allow viewers to experience the action in 3-D — without those silly glasses.
Blondies is the only public location in the U.S. that will show the Olympics in 3-D with a Stream TV Networks 42-inch Ultra-D prototype, according to a statement.
"Patrons will feel like they are actually seated in the front row of the Olympic Stadium for the highly anticipated games," a spokesperson for the company said.
Folks who arrive in time for happy hour, held every weekday from 4 to 7 p.m., can also enjoy two-for-one drinks.
The games will be shown in 3-D at Blondie's at 212 West 79th Street for duration of the games, from the opening ceremony on Friday to the closing on August 12.
Those who are pining for a taste of London can enjoy this year’s games by visiting the next best thing.
The Churchill, an English tavern located in Kips Bay, will show the opening ceremony on its eight HDTVs.
As if that's not enough to lure folks in, the bar has concocted cocktails for the occasion, to be served during The London 2012 Happy Hour on Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.
Brits are sure to be rewarded with the High Jump, a gin-based drink served for 10 bucks, or a mysterious "surprise treat" that will be served to patrons any time England takes home a gold medal.
The Churchill is located at 45 East 28th Street.
With 21 HDTVs, the Chelsea-based bar Smithfield doesn't have a bad seat in the house.
Starting with Friday's opening day, the bar will be open for sports-watching beginning as early as 10:30 a.m., and even earlier when earlier sports, such as football or basketball, are in session.
Drinkers with finer palates will appreciate Smithfield's menu, as the bar boasts "top quality beverages," offering classics like Pimm's Cups for the games. The bar also serves premium draught beers, and has an extensive collection of whiskey.
Smithfield is located on 215 West 28th Street.
Women's soccer fans should not miss the opportunity to drink at the Financial District-based bar 121 Fulton Street, as the gastropub is hosting a fundraiser during the matches.
All proceeds on July 28 and 31 will go toward the Claudio Reyna Foundation, which provides soccer programs for underprivileged kids in the city.
For only $10, spectators can feel give money to a good cause and enjoy drink specials, such as $6 well drinks and $4 Bud Lights and Yuenglings.
The bar is located on 121 Fulton Street.
