Where to Watch the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals

With The Dallas Mavericks back in the NBA Finals, local fans will feel the need to congregate with fellow MFFLs (Mavs Fans For Life) to enjoy the games. For the NBA Finals, a regular sports bar just will not do. Only a unique location, where fans can cheer and celebrate together, will do. To help you out, a list of some of the best places to catch the game follows.

After all, this series is historic; it is basketball's version of David versus Goliath. The heavily-favored Miami Heat boast three of the game's biggest stars, while few of the Maverick players outside of Dirk Nowitzki get any respect. Dallas can finally win that elusive first NBA title, from the very team that denied them in 2006.

While Maverick fans figure out how to say "Beat the Heat" in German and grow their hair out to mimic Mark Cuban, they can also pick one of these locations to watch the game. In all instances, it is usually a good idea to call ahead and ask questions about watch party specifics. In nearly every case, you will not be allowed to run around with your arms out like Jason "Jet" Terry does after he makes a big shot.

American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Ave., Dallas 75219
(214) 747-MAVS (6287) www.AmericanAirlinesCenter.com

When the Mavericks play in Miami, one of the best local viewing parties will be right where the team plays when they are in town: The American Airlines Center. The AAC will show all away games on their jumbotron, and admission is free. You will finally be able to sit in seats you could never afford to buy on your own.

The atmosphere will be no less exciting than an actual game: the Mavs ManiAACs (the hefty male cheerleaders) will be there, as well as the Mavs Dancers (the skinny female cheerleaders). The on-site fan shop will be open, as well as all concession stands. Pira Restaurant (located inside the AAC) will be open for the party as well, offering a special menu for those who wish to dine during the game.

Christies Sports Bar
2811 McKinney Ave., Ste. 22, Dallas 75204
(214) 954-1511 www.ChristiesSportsBar.com
This long-time anchor in Dallas' Uptown District was the first sports bar on McKinney Avenue, and is still one of the best places to catch a game with true local fans. There are no fair-weather or bandwagon fans here.

The menu is good and reasonably priced. Besides the standard sports bar fare, there are also more Texas-themed dishes, including Gulf Coast shrimp, steaks, and fish tacos. We suggest ordering a good German beer in honor of Dirk.

Frankie's Sports Bar
425 W. Third St., Ft. Worth 76102
(817) 870-9090 www.frankiesbar.com
Other locations in Dallas and Lewisville
Frankie's has such a great reputation among the sports bar crowd that it is hard to keep them off of any list like this. With three locations in north Texas, there is one near most sports fans. The Ft. Worth location, their newest, is located in historic Sundance Square and offers one of the best game-viewing experiences in the metroplex. A 16 foot, high-definition projection screen acts as the centerpiece, and about three dozen large HDTVs are located throughout the bar. A nice sound system makes sure you can hear the game above the usual noise.

The food at Frankie's is a sports fan's dream; appetizers, burgers, and pizza are all better than you would expect. If you're up for it, or have someone who likes to share meals, we suggest trying out the gigantic Sumo or Yokozuna burgers (the latter weighs in at over five pounds). They are bigger than Mark Cuban's ego.

Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave., Dallas 75206
(214) 824-9933 GranadaTheater.com
This Lower Greenville institution is not only a great music venue, it knows how to do watch parties right. They often hold watch parties for the Cowboys, Rangers, and Stars, and for the NBA Finals, the Granada will have three HD screens showing the game. With tiered seating, fans will have no problem seeing the action no matter where they sit.

The Granada will offer beer bucket specials as well as giveaways during the watch parties, and they recommend you reserve a spot to make sure you are not shut out. The menu is first-rate: their selection of $4 tacos should be at the top of the list. Get there early to avoid parking issues, as Greenville is always crowded. After the game, try not to celebrate a Mavericks win too loudly on the way back to your car. Remember, there are a number of residents right off of Greenville, and they get tied of the noise and partygoers peeing in their yards. At least, that's what I've heard.