Are you ready for some football?

By Adam Claypool
Metromix

I'm very, very excited for this upcoming weekend. After a long, nasty St. Louis summer, football season gets underway Saturday. As usual, Metromix is holding a pregame blitz before the Arch Rivalry Mizzou vs. Illinois game - this year, at the new Ozzie's downtown. The fun starts at 9 a.m., and we'll have lots of cool stuff to get you into the spirit, like drink and shot specials, great food - and a chance to win tickets to the game. Really, does it get any better?

I'm from Chicago, but have lived in Missouri for a combined nine years (four years in college at Truman State in Kirksville, and five years here in St. Louis). I probably cheer a little more for Mizzou than Illinois, but I'm not a diehard. My team is Notre Dame. I'm hoping they can return to glory with coach Bob Kelly, but we'll see. Honestly, I'm just happy to be watching and cheering again.

And the following weekend, the NFL season starts. That's what I'm really waiting for. I'm a big Bears fan, so I'm hoping they can do something under new offensive coordinator Mike Martz. So far in the preseason, things don't look good. I'm also really pulling for the Rams this year. I would hate it if football left town, so hopefully with Sam Bradford, the guys can turn things around and string together a few wins.

If you're looking to watch some football action, check out our list of the best St. Louis sports bars.