Local bars, restaurants, and sporting goods stores in Kamloops are experiencing a significant economic boost driven by the Canadian men's national soccer team's successful run into the FIFA World Cup Round of 16.
Establishments across the city adjusted their operations to accommodate early morning crowds for the historic knockout match.
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Fox'n Hounds Pub owner Al Deacon noted the tournament transformed his sports viewing habits during a typically slow period of the sports calendar.
"This is the time of year where it's a bit of a lull as it's still early in the baseball season but FIFA has been just…it's made me a soccer fan," said Deacon.
Deacon extended his pub's operating hours by opening one hour earlier than usual to welcome fans for the 10:00 a.
m. broadcast.
"We have to take advantage of good things that happen around us and Canada in the Round of 16 is a huge thing," Deacon said.
The business owner anticipated a large turnout as the local community gathered to back the national squad.
"Us, like most people in this business, are going to open early and hopefully it'll draw a good crowd and [we] cheer the reds onto victory," Deacon said.
The multicultural demographic of the city has also sustained high patronage throughout the international tournament.
"Kamloops has such a diverse population and almost everybody has a team in the World Cup, so whether you're Canadian or not, we're going to be busy," added Deacon.
