Whether Alaska fighting fans are rooting for UFC champion Conor "The Notorious" McGregor or boxing's undefeated Floyd "Money" Mayweather — or simply wanting to see what all the fuss is about — seats are selling fast for the biggest fight of the year.
At least 15 Alaska restaurants and bars are showing the Saturday boxing match on Showtime pay-per-view, and many are expecting packed crowds.
"We've been getting 50 calls per day so we're gonna be slammed," said Peanut Farm assistant manager Brian Johnson, who said there will be a $25 cover charge.
Johnson said the Peanut Farm filled to capacity during the 2015 fight between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, billed as "The Fight of the Century."
"This one is more broad (appeal) — traditional boxing fans versus a younger generation of (UFC) fans," he said.
The Norwegian Rat Saloon in Dutch Harbor has sold about half of its 104 seats, and Klondike Mike's in Palmer is expecting a packed crowd.
"We're pretty sure it's going to be sardines," said Klondike Mike's bartender Donielle Lewis, who said the cover is $15 per person or $10 per person for parties of 10 or more.
Bayview Pub in Sitka is charging $50 in advance for a bar stool and $10 cover for those who want to risk finding an open seat on fight day. Twenty of 35 tables were sold as of Thursday evening.
"We have a very nice following of MMA fans here," said manager Ryan Ackerman. "All the pure boxing people are saying Mayweather is going to dominate and everyone who is on the other side is saying McGregor is going to knock him out.
"We're thinking it's going to be a fun fight."
But not everyone is excited.
"I've heard mixed things about it," said Shane Borschnack, owner of 907 Ale House and Grill in Anchorage. "I've heard that it's a silly fight and boxing is dead and I've heard about people who are excited to watch it.
"Whenever Mayweather is involved it's exciting. You either love him or hate him."
The 907 Ale House, which opened six weeks ago, is charging $25 for advance tickets.
Borschnack said it will cost $7,500 to show the event in a place with an occupancy limit of 311.
"We're just trying to get the money back so the fight is paid for and the guests can have a good time," he said.
For those watching at home, it's $89.99 for standard definition and $99.99 for high definition on Showtime pay-per-view.
The fight is part of a card that begins at 5 p.m. ADT on Saturday.
Where to watch (according to ufc.com)
AmVets Post 2, Anchorage
Buffalo Wild Wings, Anchorage
Peanut Farm, Anchorage
Peppermill, Anchorage
907 Ale House & Grill, Anchorage
Main Street Grill, Palmer
Houston Marketplace, Houston
Banks Alehouse, Fairbanks
BP – PBOC, Prudhoe Bay
Bayview Pub, Sitka
EM Perm OPS Camp, Prudhoe Bay
BP Exploration Alaska Site STP, Prudhoe Bay
Golden Anchor (MWR), Kodiak
Norwegian Rat Saloon, Dutch Harbor
McGivneys Sports Bar & Grill, Juneau