N.Y. Giants celebrate victory in Long Beach

“The reception here has been very great, really positive and it’s very flattering,” said New York Giants punter Steve Weatherford of last week’s “Super Bowl Victory Party” at the Allegria Hotel in Long Beach.

“It’s my first time in Long Beach,” Weatherford said. “It’s been great here, very friendly. It’s beautiful.”

More than 150 people from across Long Island turned out for the Feb. 16 event, hosted by Antrel Rolle and other members of the New York Giants, including Linval Joseph and Danny Ware. There was also a special guest appearance by the New York Knicks’ Iman Shumpert.

The event comes after the New York Giants defeated their longtime rivals, the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Two weeks after the big win, fans and business owners continued to celebrate the victory at the Allegria for an evening of music, sushi, cocktails and, of course, a chance to meet several Giants’ players.

Maryanne Brown, of Suffolk County, said the combination of meeting the players and enjoying the festive atmosphere with others made for a great night.

“It’s very exciting to be here. I’m taking pictures,” Brown said, noting that she was especially awaiting the arrival of Rolle, one of her favorite Giants, who arrived much later in the evening. “Everyone’s been outgoing and friendly.”

The event’s $75 entrance ticket allowed patrons into the hotel’s mezzanine level to party and dance with players.

As athletes enjoyed a dinner inside a glass-windowed room on the mezzanine level, fans, including Long Beach resident Charlie Kessler, 29, described the scene as “surreal.”

“Being here with them, I think it’s amazing, especially being a fan,” Kessler said. “The Allegria is just a great place, and does great things. From this, to the Quiksilver Pro New York, I hope they stay around for a long time. This is unbelievable.”

Giants fan Peter J. Kurzweil, 66, of Roslyn, echoed those sentiments. Wearing a Giants cap with several signatures from players, he said he had set up a Super Bowl party even before the team made the finals because he knew they would “make it that far.” He described the party as an unforgettable experience.

“It’s beyond description,” he said. “This is my first time in Long Beach. The sushi is great, and it’s really great to see the players here.”