Vancouver pubs are eagerly preparing for a sports lover’s weekend.
It’s a busy weekend ahead for sports bars in the city as the Paris 2024 Olympics kick off on Friday (July 26) and the Vancouver Whitecaps face Wrexham AFC in a club friendly the following day.
This is the highest-profile game for the Whitecaps since May’s controversial match against Inter Miami, where crowds were left disappointed by the absence of superstar Lionel Messi.
Local bar managers and owners say enthusiasm is high ahead of the Whitecaps game, but lagging behind for the Olympics.
Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill general manager Murray Saunders said hundreds of soccer fans have expressed their interest in watching the game, underscoring the economic benefits for local businesses.
“These sporting events are huge for us,” he said. “It’s where we make the most revenue. If the Canucks do well, for example, it can easily quadruple our business. The Whitecaps and the Lions also do very well for us.”
On the other hand, he added people have not shown as much interest in the Olympics, saying the difference in time zones will play a significant factor.
“We haven’t had nearly as much interest, but we hope to get a lot of viewership,” he said. “They’ll have to be marketable events, like the U.S. basketball teams or track and field.”
He said having a nine-hour time difference will also pose a challenge, adding people will come watch re-broadcasts, but knowing the score beforehand will greatly decrease viewership.
Despite a great upset following the Inter Miami game, Saunders believes it won’t affect the viewership of the Vancouver Whitecaps’ game against Wales' Wrexham AFC.
“Fans were definitely upset,” he said. “We’re in the Sandman Hotel, and a lot of people came from out of town to watch the game. However, I don’t think this will affect the viewership.”
Romer’s Burger Bar owner Jim Romer said a hefty amount of fans have shown interest in watching the game at the popular Kitsilano neighbourhood eatery in Vancouver.
“We always get a crowd for the bigger sporting events,” he said. “We have gotten requests for this game. We always have the sound on for those.”
He added the attendance varies depending on the event, but the opposition team co-owned by Vancouver-born film star Ryan Reynolds is sure to attract local crowds.
“I actually just talked to some people and they flew from England to watch the game,” he said. “The big events are downtown, but people still love to come in before or after, and enjoy some burgers.”
Despite the Inter Miami controversy, Romer said he’s still a fan and will support the Whitecaps on Saturday.
“People were upset because they spent a lot of money on tickets to watch the best player in the world,” he said. “I would be mad too, but should they get mad at the Whitecaps or Inter Miami?”
The Vancouver Whitecaps will play Los Angeles FC on Tuesday for the group stage of the Leagues Cup, an important tournament to qualify for the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
This draws the question of how many starting players Whitecaps coach Vanni Sartini will commit for this friendly match, and if the team will deliver on the fans’ expectations.
A pre-match patio will be set up at Terry Fox Plaza at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with the doors of BC Place opening to fans at 3 p.m.
