With the Stanley Cup playoffs firmly in the rear-view for everyone except Alex Ovechkin, sports-starved Vancouverites can now turn their attention to the beautiful game.
The FIFA World Cup kicks off in Russia, Thursday, June 14 and carries on until July 15.
Here’s a sampling of all the places around town to take in the diving, low scores and questionable hairdos.
The Rio Theatre (1660 East Broadway) and The Lamplighter (92 Water):
Each of Team Iran’s three opening round games will be shown at both venues. Game times are 8 and 11 a.m. Food will come courtesy of Zeitoon Restaurant for games screened at the Rio. Games at the Lamplighter will be shown over 12 TVs and two big screens. Both locations are offering ticketed events. Call 604-724-8739 for info.
Yagger's Downtown Restaurant and Sports Bar: 433 West Pender
Games will be screened for the duration of the tournament, with daily start times at 11 a.m. The first match to be featured will be Spain versus Portugal on Friday, June 15.
Dunn's Famous BC Restaurant: 827 Seymour
Matches running June 15 through until June 27 will be shown at the downtown deli. Match times are 8 and 11 a.m. Those looking to arrange large bookings are asked to call 604-682-8938 in advance of game day.
Blarney Stone: 216 Carrall
All games starting at 11 a.m. will be shown on the venue’s 240-inch big screen. The July 15 final will also be in the offing starting at 8 a.m. Book a table online at www.blarneystone.ca.
Malone’s Social Lounge & Taphouse: 608 West Pender
Malone’s will be open early for most World Cup games. See full schedule here. And for any games missed, replays will be broadcast later in the day. Anyone that comes in before 11 a.m. to watch a World Cup game will get a scratch card with a chance to win a high-quality knitted scarf.
Portugese Club of Vancouver: 1144 Commercial
The club will be open early for all Portugal matches and other big games during the group stage. Once the tournament gets to the knock-out rounds, the club will likely be open for all games. Matches will be broadcast on five different TVs, and food and drink specials will have a Portuguese flair.
Second Floor Eatery + Bar: 808 Bute
Iran’s opening group matches will be shown across the venue 80-plus screens. Game times are 8 and 11 a.m. for the three matches spanning June 15 to June 25. Reservations can be made by calling 604-428-5131.
The Pint: 544 Abbott
The Pint is the unofficial Brazil house and the official Mexico and Germany house, and will be open early for all those games. With 75 televisions, three bars and seating for up to 500 people big crowds of fans are expected for all the matches. Game sound guaranteed. There is no cover during the first round.
Rio Brazilian Steakhouse: 689 Denman
Watch the World Cup with an authentic Brazilian vibe, Rio Brazilian Steakhouse is the spot for all Brazil fans. The bar is decorated and matches will be shown on a projector as well as three big flat screen televisions.
London Public House: 700 Main
One of two official England houses in the city, London Public House will be open early and broadcasting all England games on its new projector and nine flat screen TVs. Festivities include an English-inspired event menu, swag and giveaways.
The Butcher & Bullock: 911 West Pender
The Butcher & Bullock will be showing a full schedule of World Cup games on its massive 202” HD screen between June 15 and July 15, including the semifinals and final. See the full schedule here. In celebration of the World Cup, the Donnelly Group teamed up with Phillips Brewing to create a special collaboration beer, Mild Card English Mild Ale, which will be offered at Donnelly Group pubs, including The Butcher & Bullock.
The Vancouver Alpen Club: 4875 Victoria
The Vancouver Alpen Club will be showing all of the Team Germany games. Doors open 30 minutes before kickoff and the German bier starts flowing at 9 a.m. There will be door prizes and jersey giveaways during every game. The ballroom is 19+ only and has a $5 cover charge. Games will also be broadcast in the restaurant, which is all ages and free entry.
Manchester Public House: 1941 W. Broadway
Another official England house, Manchester Public House will be open early for all England and Germany games, as well as a variety of other 6 a.m. matches broadcast on its projector and 12 screens. Festivities include an English-inspired event menu, swag and giveaways.
The Libra Room: 1608 Commercial
The Libra Room will be showing matches after 10 a.m. every day.
Red Card Sports Bar: 560 Smithe
Red Card Sports Bar is the official Heineken House for Vancouver and will be open early for any game that starts at 6 a.m. or later. There will be tons of prizes and giveaways, as well as a special breakfast menu. The bar has 16 HD TVs and two 106” projector screens.
Library Square Public House: 300 West Georgia
Library Square Public House has a full line up of World Cup games on its 15 TVs and 16” big screen between June 14 and July 15, see the full schedule here, including the semifinals and finals. In celebration of the World Cup, the Donnelly Group teamed up with Phillips Brewing to create a special collaboration beer, Mild Card English Mild Ale, which will be offered at Donnelly Group pubs, including Library Square Public House.
