Looks like soccer fans aren’t the only ones with Cup Fever.
Crowds have been flocking to hospitality venues like pubs and clubs right across Central Victoria, as patrons look to lap up the atmosphere of the FIFA Men’s World Cup.
The biggest crowds, unsurprisingly come for the matches featuring Australia, two of which are scheduled slap-bang in the middle of the day local time.
One venue that’s proving more popular than most is the Sporting Globe on Bendigo’s Hargreaves Street, with the brand’s campaign manager Shaun Scanlan telling us that business has been booming as a result of all three group games featuring the Aussies .
“We’ve got lots of bookings, and we’re selling a lot of beers and cocktails!” he told Gold Central Victoria.
For a bar that firmly ties itself to all things sport, Scanlan says it’s “very special” to be part of the atmosphere.
“Obviously the World Cup only comes around once every four years, so I think everyone gets up an about when the Socceroos or the Matildas are playing.
“This is an iconic event, and it means a lot from a hospitality perspective – especially at the moment when people are doing it tough, [and] businesses are doing it tough.
“It’s great to see everyone getting out and supporting the Socceroos.”
The third and last group match for the Aussie squad is being played today, and with the action kicking-off at Noon locally, it’s expected that pubs like the Globe will have a roaring lunchtime trade.
“We hope that everyone maybe chucks a sickie, or works from home, but perhaps they’re working from the Sporting Globe in Bendigo…” Scanlan said.
And for non-drinkers, there’s also the Live Site in Hargreaves Mall.
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