Hollister football fans make the best of 2021 Super Bowl amid COVID-19 pandemic

HOLLISTER, Calif. (KION)

With normal parties out of the question for many due to COVID-19 concerns, Pour Decisions Taproom in Downtown Hollister brought the 2021 Super Bowl game outdoors to local sports fans.

The state of California restricted outdoor dining for much of December and January but locals say the reopening couldn't have come at a better time.

“It’s weird but it still feels normal, it’s nice," says Hollister resident, Ryland Gooder.

The pandemic had a brutal impact on many small businesses like Pour Decisions Taproom, which had just opened as the pandemic lockdown began.

Despite challenges, Pour Decisions owners Jonathan Cuilla, Joe Nguyen and Nick Donaldson say they were ready for the big game.

“We’re happy that the order kind of lifted and we were able to do something like this because people are excited to be outside," says Pour Decisions Co-owner Jonathan Cuilla.

The staff and owners were able to serve sports fan outdoors with tables spaced at least six feet apart as staff wiped and sanitized constantly.

In San Benito County, COVID-19 case numbers have dropped in recent weeks...a sign of hope for many in the area.

Although this year was different from the usual Super Bowl traditions, locals say they are hopeful things will continue to get better for a bigger celebration next year.