LOS ANGELES, CA – Lifelong Patriots fans, a mother and daughter haven’t missed a football game at their favorite sports bar in 12 years.
- Sonny McLean's popular sports bar
- Mother and daughter share their love of the Patriots
- Haven't missed a game at the bar in 12 years
Every Sunday Nikki Nero does the first down chant at Sonny McLean’s.
“That’s good for a Patriots…first-down, first down let’s go,” said Nero. “I still lost my voice from last Sunday, so this is why I sound like this.”
With a lot of enthusiasm and die-hard fandom, Nero moved to Los Angeles from New England.
“Even if we’re losing, I still do the first downs and I still get them pumped up and it’s still the best feeling ever,” said Nero.
Her mom Denise is from Rhode Island and moved to Los Angeles almost 36 years ago. She has been a Pats fan her whole life.
“I was like probably six years old thanks to my dad who’s a huge sports fan, and instead of wanting to cook with mom, I wanted to watch football with dad,” said Denise Nero.
Denise took Nikki to training camp at age 18, and she was hooked. Ever Since Nikki turned 21 they come to every Pats game at Sonny’s.
“We’re either here at the bar watching the game or we’re at the game. So either or, it’s never at home, we’re never at someone’s house, for the past 12 years,” said Nikki.
Not only will Denise and Nikki be at Sonny’s, this well-known Pats bar will be packed. The owner Grant Woods gets numerous emails because of its popularity.
“It’s on my bucket list. I’ve got to come to Sonny McLean’s for a Patriots game because I hear it’s so good. But it’s the atmosphere is what everybody loves," said Woods.
The atmosphere will be different this year with a Pats Super Bowl rematch with the Rams. Even though the mom and daughter were born on different coasts, it is their team that strengthens their bond.
“It’s our time with me and mom,” said Nikki.