Pubs in Kamloops, Kelowna busy for Canada's World Cup opener
Pubs in Kamloops and Kelowna are where many Canadian soccer fans are about to watch soccer history being made.
For the first time in 36 years, the national men’s team will be playing in the FIFA World Cup. Canada, the overwhelming underdog, opens the tournament against Belgium today, Nov. 23. Canada is ranked 41st in FIFA standings while Belgium is second. The match begins at 11 a.m.
Sydney Hipson, the manager of Shark Club Sports Bar & Grill in Kamloops, said Canadian soccer fans don’t get exciting opportunities like this very often.
READ MORE: Canadian men lay claim to the turf at World Cup stadium before tournament opener
“We figured it was a good opportunity to support Canadian soccer,” she said.
The host country announced alcohol would be allowed but then decided to ban it immediately before the tournament began. While that may be unfortunate for those watching in Qatar, a box of novelty Budweiser cups ended getting sent to the Shark Club as a result, which will be given away as prizes.
Hipson said fans began making reservations for today’s game last week, and the pub is opening early for the event.
Simon Welton of the Welton Arms Restaurant in Kelowna, a British-themed pub, said there were a couple small tables still available about an hour before the game started.
Canadian Brewhouse in Kelowna has drink specials during all World Cup games, but no reservations are available for this morning's game.
READ MORE: Canadians ready for today's World Cup game against Belgium
For the first time in 13,316 days...
IT'S @FIFAWorldCup MATCHDAY! ??#WeCAN pic.twitter.com/rtRhZAnVAr — Canada Soccer (@CanadaSoccerEN) November 23, 2022
— With files from The Canadian Press
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