Pittsburgh Steelers fans are eagerly looking forward to Saturday night when their team takes on the Cincinnati Bengals in an NFL wild-card game.

Bars and lounges around Butler County are preparing for many of those excited fans to watch a Steelers win at their businesses. The game is at 8:15 p.m.

Jamie Sue Enscoe, owner of the Beer Garden in Washington Township, said the bar will continue its playoff tradition of hosting a pregame bonfire.

“We've done it for years,” she said. “Anytime the Steelers make the playoffs.”

This year a “Bengal Bungle” dummy will be sacrificed in the pregame ritual.

“Before the game there will be a Steelers fight song,” she said.

Enscoe said big games always create a good atmosphere.

“There's always a few more people who come out when there's a serious football game,” she said, adding it'll be on 10 televisions in the bar.

She said patrons always bring their own food to share with one another.

While the bar has a community atmosphere when a Pittsburgh team is playing, Enscoe said there are some rivals.

She said she had a bet in 2006 with one regular patron — a die-hard Denver Broncos fan — when the Steelers played the Broncos in the playoffs.

“The loser had to shave their head,” she said. “We won, thankfully.”

Should the sixth-seeded Steelers win this weekend, they will play the top-seeded Broncos next weekend.

“I hope that happens,” she said, but added she wasn't sure if there would be any sort of bet this year.

Debra Krelow, owner of the Beacon in Renfrew, said they will have a band playing a halftime show and then after the game.

“We always have a band on Saturday nights,” she said. “So we decided to have them play a halftime show and then a celebration party after the game.”

Krelow said the theme of the night will be a tailgate party. She hopes they can move one of the three 60-inch televisions to the patio, weather permitting.

The crowds during the game are always enthusiastic, she said.

“I lived away from this area for awhile and forgot how sports crazy it is,” she said. “We're excited and hope (the Steelers) go all the way.”

In Cranberry Township, more than 300 fans have made reservations to watch the game at The Sports Grille on Freedom Road.

Owner Sean Pregibon said 40 large screen televisions will allow patrons to see every punt, pass and fumble from throughout in the building.

“There are two TVs in the bathroom hallway, three on the patio, and one in the lobby,” Pregibon said. “I've sat in every chair in this building, and there's not a bad seat in the house.”

He said even though 52 degrees is the prediction for the evening, four outdoor heaters are being imported so fans can party on the patio.

“All staff are required to work that day, and that includes myself,” Pregibon said.

Another Pittsburgh professional team also will play Saturday night. The Penguins play Montreal in hockey and won't be totally forgotten in the hoopla of the playoff football game, Pregibon said.

“It's going to be crazy,” he predicted.

Fred Reese, owner of the Monroe Hotel in Butler, said the Penguins typically have a stronger draw than the Steelers at his business.

“Don't ask me why, but we get more of a crowd for Pens games,” he said. “So we're going to have to put it on somewhere.”