Football Season in the Ozarks: Where to Watch the Game Around Springfield & the 417 Area

There’s something special about football season in the Ozarks.

Cooler evenings, Friday night lights, college football on Saturdays, NFL Sundays, good food, and gathering with friends and family. It all adds up to one of our favorite times of year in the 417.

Whether you’re a lifelong football fan or mostly interested in the food, atmosphere, and time with friends, Springfield and the surrounding communities have plenty of ways to enjoy game day.

So grab your jersey, invite your friends, and check out some of the local places where you can catch the game this fall!

Cheer on the Missouri State Bears

Football season in Springfield wouldn’t be complete without talking about the Missouri State Bears.

The 2026 season marks Missouri State’s second season competing in Conference USA at the FBS level. The Bears’ schedule includes several opportunities to see them play right here at Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield. (Missouri State)

2026 Missouri State Home Football Games

• September 12: Lindenwood - 6:00 pm
• September 19: Marshall - 5:30 pm
• October 14: Kennesaw State - 6:30 pm
• October 27: Sam Houston - 7:00 pm
• November 14: New Mexico State - 2:00 pm
• November 28: Liberty - 1:00 pm

Several Missouri State games will also be featured on national television this season, including home games against Marshall, Kennesaw State and Sam Houston. (Missouri State)

Want the most up-to-date information? Check the official Missouri State Bears football schedule for kickoff times, broadcast information, tickets and schedule updates. (Missouri State)

And if you’ve never attended a Missouri State football game, fall is a great time to experience one. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a stadium full of fans cheering on the home team.

Best Places to Watch Football in the 417 Area

Can’t make it to the stadium? No problem.

Springfield and the surrounding communities have plenty of restaurants, sports bars, and local hangouts where you can grab something to eat, watch the game, and enjoy the company of fellow fans.

Here are a few places to consider this football season.

Best for a Big Game-Day Atmosphere: Big Whiskey's

If you want big screens, plenty of food choices, and an energetic sports atmosphere, Big Whiskey’s is a natural game-day option.

With multiple locations throughout the Springfield area, including Springfield, Nixa, Ozark, and Republic, it’s also convenient if you’re meeting friends who live in different parts of the 417.

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau has highlighted Big Whiskey's as a local sports-watching destination with plenty of TVs and a broad food and drink menu. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: Big Whiskey’s

Best Burgers & Sports-Bar Favorites: Bair's Sports Grill

If your perfect football afternoon includes a burger, wings, nachos and a lot of TVs, Bair’s Sports Grill is worth checking out.

Bair’s is known for its large selection of burgers and classic sports-bar food, along with plenty of screens for watching the game. The restaurant has locations throughout the Springfield area, including Nixa and Republic. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: Bair’s Sports Grill

Best Downtown Sports-Bar Feel: Harbell's

Located in downtown Springfield, Harbell’s offers a classic local sports-bar atmosphere.

With plenty of screens, food and drinks, it’s a convenient choice if you’re already spending the day downtown and want to settle in for a game.

Harbell’s has been recognized locally as a sports-watching destination and is included in the Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau’s guide to local sports bars. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: Harbell’s Grill & Sports Bar

Best for Pizza & Football: The Pitch Pizza & Pub

Sometimes game day simply calls for pizza.

The Pitch Pizza & Pub combines pizza, pub food and a sports-friendly atmosphere, making it a fun choice for a casual afternoon or evening of football.

It’s located on East Sunshine Street in Springfield.

Check it out: The Pitch Pizza & Pub

Best for Craft Beer: 4 By 4 Brewing Company

Looking for something a little more laid-back?

4 By 4 Brewing Company is a locally based, community- and family-minded brewery with locations in Springfield and the Nixa/Fremont Hills area.

It’s a good option for people who want to enjoy a local craft beer and spend time with friends while taking in the game-day atmosphere. The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau also includes 4 By 4 among its local places to watch sports. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: 4 By 4 Brewing Company

Best for Football + Games: Best of Luck Beer Hall

Why sit around between plays when you can add a little friendly competition?

Best of Luck Beer Hall in downtown Springfield combines beer, food and games, including options like cornhole and other activities.

It’s a fun choice for groups who want something to do before kickoff, during halftime or after the game.

Check it out: Best of Luck Beer Hall

Best for Football + Pool: Billiards Sports Bar & Grill

Want to make game day a little more interactive?

Billiards Sports Bar & Grill gives you the opportunity to watch the game while also getting in a few games of pool.

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau notes that Billiards has been part of the local scene for more than 30 years and offers food, drinks and pool. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: Billiards Sports Bar & Grill

Best for Wings: Coyote's Adobe Cafe

If wings are your game-day priority, Coyote's Adobe Café deserves a spot on your list. This longtime Springfield restaurant and sports-bar-style spot serves wings along with burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-inspired favorites and other classic bar-and-grill options.

And there's some local bragging rights behind the recommendation: Coyote's was named Best Chicken Wings in 417 Magazine's 2026 Best of 417 awards.

With its sports-bar atmosphere and plenty of TVs, it's a natural place to settle in for a game while enjoying some wings.

Check it out: Coyote's Adobe Café

Best for a Laid-Back Local Feel: Ebbet's Field

Located on East Walnut Street, Ebbets Field offers a more traditional neighborhood sports-bar experience.

The Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau highlights its multiple bars, patio, TVs and wings as reasons to consider it for watching a game. (Springfield Missouri)

Check it out: Ebbets Field for current hours and updates.

Best Options in Nixa: Bair's and Big Whiskey's 

If you live south of Springfield, you don’t necessarily need to head into town for game day.

Both Bair’s Sports Grill and Big Whiskey’s have Nixa locations, giving residents another convenient way to watch football closer to home. (Springfield Missouri)

And that’s one of the things we love about the 417; the communities surrounding Springfield have their own restaurants, gathering places, and traditions.

Don't Forget Friday Night Lights

Football season in the Ozarks isn’t just about college football and the NFL.

Friday nights bring high school football games throughout Springfield and the surrounding communities. Stadium lights, marching bands, packed bleachers, and hometown pride are all part of the experience.

If you’re new to the 417, attending a local high school football game can be a fun way to experience your community and get involved in local traditions.

Check individual school websites and social media pages for current schedules, ticket information, and game-day details.

Make a Fall Day of It

One of the best things about living in the Ozarks is that football doesn’t have to be the only thing on your calendar.

Plan a whole fall day around the game.

Grab coffee in the morning. Explore a local park or downtown area. Meet friends for lunch. Then settle in for kickoff.

Or make it a family tradition: head to a Missouri State game, grab dinner afterward, and enjoy an evening around Springfield.

There are plenty of ways to enjoy fall in the 417, whether you’re cheering from the stadium, watching from a local restaurant, or relaxing at home.

Thinking About Calling the 417 Home?

Football season is just one small part of what makes living in the Ozarks special.

If you’re considering a move to the area, start by exploring our guide to Relocating to the 417 and learn more about the area before you make your move.

Not sure which community is right for you? Our Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Community in the 417 Area can help you start comparing the different communities throughout Southwest Missouri.

It’s also important to understand the everyday costs of living here. Take a look at Why So Many People Are Moving to the 417 Area and What It Really Costs to Live Here.

And if you’re wondering what homes look like at different price points, check out What Can You Buy for Your Budget in the 417 Area?.

Moving from another state? Our guide to Buying a Home in the 417 Area From Out of State walks through what you need to know when purchasing a home from a distance.

Ready to Find Your Place in the 417 Area? 

Whether you’re looking for a home close to your favorite game-day restaurant, a community where you can enjoy Friday night football, or simply a place to put down roots, The Torp Team is here to help you explore Southwest Missouri.

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Questions about relocating to the 417? Contact The Torp Team for a free relocation guide and personalized neighborhood recommendations.