Windsor gears up for FIFA World Cup

Windsor is serving alcohol until 4 a.m. for the FIFA World Cup. CTV Windsor’s Bob Bellacicco checks in with locals to see if anyone is taking advantage.

With some games starting at midnight Eastern time, will fans be watching the World Cup in Windsor?

“Oh ya, definitely. Especially if Canada or England are playing. I’d definitely stay up late and watch the whole game,” said soccer fan Bruce McKelvie.

Licensed bars and restaurants are gearing up for soccer’s biggest tournament with alcohol service extended to 4 a.m. until July 19.

“I’m five houses from the Kildare House. Yes, I’ll be walking across Wyandotte Street at midnight and watching a game if it’s a good team playing,” McKelvie told CTV News.

Kildare House and Factory House are staying open late to accommodate soccer fans during the tournament.

“Bunch of TVs, music, and a lot of soccer,” said manager Marco Maggio.

“We’ve had a lot of phone calls. People coming to watch Canada [Friday], so we’re going to have full music on, got the patio TVs ready to go. It’ll be a fun time.”

EKO is a club on Pelissier Street opening later for the World Cup.

“We have DJs booked from 2 a.m. until 4 a.m. for the next month and obviously DJs earlier in the evening. We’re just a full-on after hours spot now so it’s going to be interesting,” said owner Justin Warnock.

He pointed out Detroit has several after hours clubs and is using the opportunity to stay open during the World Cup to gauge the demand for it in Windsor.

“Maybe it’s a nice little test to see what can happen, but obviously it’s great just to celebrate the World Cup as well.”

Eastwood’s Grill and Lounge is another venue that is staying open late during the World Cup but there’s no guarantee that they or the others will stay open until 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. during the week.

“The other nights we may go to 4 a.m. if we feel like it, but we’re going to extend the hours and see how that goes now,” Maggio said.

“Saturday we’ve committed fully ‘til 4 a.m. and we anticipate it is going to be strong but tonight or tomorrow night or the weeknight, we’re just going to let the customers dictate when we close,” Warnock added.

With the Stanley Cup and NBA Finals going, where does the World Cup rank right now?

“NBA one, hockey two. Soccer three,” Luke Peller ranked the sports. The World Cup may not be his most popular choice, but he plans to watch.

“Oh yeah, I’ll watch it. Be nice to hang out with the boys and check ‘er out.”

His friend Cody Massender is excited to watch the Canadian team.

“Some really good players. Alphonso Davies, Cyle Larin. Yeah, go Canada go,” he said.