The Penticton Vees of the Western Hockey League were gearing up for their upcoming game against the Wenatchee Wild when Riley Pollock, the team’s director of communications, expressed thoughts about the excitement surrounding the Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series appearance. Pollock noted the dilemma faced by fans torn between the hockey season and the baseball championship. The Vees, along with other B.C. Interior WHL teams, have embraced the baseball fever by screening the World Series games at the South Okanagan Events Centre to attract more fans to their games.
The Kelowna Rockets will follow suit by hosting a similar event for game two on Saturday. Pollock emphasized the opportunity to celebrate the Blue Jays while also drawing more attendees to their hockey games. Meanwhile, the Vancouver Canadians, the Blue Jays’ minor league affiliate, organized an exclusive viewing party for their loyal supporters during game one, with plans for a public watch party at Hero’s Welcome for game four.
In anticipation of increased patronage, bars in British Columbia are looking forward to a boost in sales during the World Series, providing a welcome relief from the disruptions caused by the ongoing strike of B.C.’s public service workers affecting liquor distribution. Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association, highlighted the potential sales increase due to the baseball excitement.
Tostenson emphasized the community aspect of sports events like the World Series, acknowledging the impact on local businesses. Despite the enthusiasm for the Blue Jays, the West Coast has yet to fully embrace the baseball fever seen in other regions. However, Tostenson remains optimistic about the positive effect of major sporting events on the hospitality industry, emphasizing the significance of such occasions for businesses.