By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Thursday, Aug. 31, marked a special time for many in the state of Alabama, as college football made its return after several painstakingly long months of waiting.

One popular sports bar in Helena celebrated this return in the form of a college football kickoff party where friends and families gathered for food, drink, live music and of course college football.

Beef O’ Brady’s has quickly become a favorite venue for those big fans wishing to catch live sporting events after opening several months ago in Old Town Helena and TVs across the restaurant showed football galore on Aug. 31.

In addition to the games, live music was performed by the band Outshine, Tony Kurre from WJOX made an appearance and a drawing for two tickets to the Auburn–Mississippi State game were given away as part of the party.

Despite neither team playing on Aug. 31, loud cheers of “Roll Tide” and “War Eagle” could be heard throughout the night as many in attendance sported their team colors.

Mike Dunn, April Gospodareck and Jonna Lawler all had a table at the kickoff party where they were enjoying the festivities and the return of college football.

“I heard about the event on the radio and I’m just excited that football is back in general,” Dunn said.

Gospodareck found out about the event on Facebook and is looking forward to watching more games at Beef O’ Brady’s in the future.

“I’m just excited to be watching games at Beef’s here this season because of all the upgrades and the TVs,” Gospodareck said.

In the two featured college football games, Ohio State pulled away in the second half to defeat Indiana 49-21 and Arkansas trounced Florida A&M 49-7.

To follow Beef O’ Brady’s and to learn of upcoming events, visit Facebook.com/beefobradyshelena/.