2 days ago
6
Senior Reporter
Sports bars across Trinidad and Tobago are expecting capacity crowds today as football fans gather to watch the FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina, with operators reporting strong advance bookings and a festive atmosphere ahead of the tournament’s showpiece event.
At All Out Sports Bar in Woodbrook yesterday, owner Gary Griffith said demand has been overwhelming, with about 300 reservations already secured for today’s final.
“We’ve planned for about 300 bookings tomorrow,” Griffith said, noting that supporters from the Argentine and Spanish communities, including embassy representatives, are expected to be among those in attendance.
“As it pertains to Trinidad and Tobago, it shows so much support we have for so many different countries. We had massive support for Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, Spain, France, Holland and Portugal. Tomorrow, (today) most of the supporters who have booked here will be persons from the embassies and supporters of Argentina and Spain.”
Griffith said that while the World Cup has united football fans, he hopes the same passion will be directed towards the local game once the tournament concludes.
“After Sunday (today), let’s start thinking about Trinidad and Tobago football,” he urged. “Everybody supports these massive teams, but many have never even set foot in those countries. You’re supporting Argentina, Spain and Brazil, but we have an affiliation with Trinidad and Tobago.”
He said the sports bar was created to provide football fans with the atmosphere of a traditional British pub where supporters could enjoy matches together.
“I opened this because sport is my first love, and I wanted to create an environment typical of a British pub where people could come, feel comfortable and enjoy their football.”
At Smokey and Bunty in St James, bartender Joshua Nurse said business has fluctuated throughout the tournament, but he expects one of the busiest nights of the competition for the final later today.
“The World Cup for us has honestly been slow for certain matches,” Nurse said. “But for the bigger matches, like Spain and Argentina, and England and France, we got a little crowd.”
The bar has been running promotions throughout the tournament, offering customers sweepstake entries with beer purchases.
Meanwhile, Chad Apoo, owner of SIPS on Ariapita Avenue, said the lively atmosphere has kept fans returning throughout the tournament.
“They can choose to go anywhere else, but the atmosphere that we’ve had has been totally amazing,” Apoo said. “Between the banter and celebrating when your team scores, it’s been a great experience.”
Fans have embraced the venue’s signature tradition of ringing a bell every time their team scores, while promotions such as tequila shots when Mexico scored, daily football jersey giveaways and a World Cup-themed cocktail have added to the excitement.
“It’s been really nice just seeing everyone enjoying themselves,” Apoo said.
Argentina supporter Nicholas Persad, who was at All Out Sports Bar ahead of the final, is confident his team will lift the trophy.
“My prediction is Argentina have to win 3-2,” he said. “I’m going out to watch it and come out to support.”
Asked if he had made any special preparations, Persad laughed, saying, “No need for preparation, we have it, we have it.”
English (US) ·