Economy

Nightspots hope to cash in on World Cup

By Yu Tianyu (China Daily)
Updated: 2010-06-05 09:41

Soccer fans watch a live broadcast of a game in a club in Sanlitun, Beijing. Bars and clubs near Sanlitun and the Worker's Statium are planning soccer-themed nights during the World Cup. Tao Yuqi / for China Daily

BEIJING - Owners of nightspots are eyeing a lucrative time as party animals in China gear up for the month-long soccer carnival that is the FIFA World Cup.

Owners of bars and nightclubs have been busy promoting and sprucing up their venues in order to give them a boost.

Walking along the glitzy street of bars at Houhai Lake in Beijing's Xicheng district, the soccer theme can be found at every turn.

The colorful national flags of World Cup participants have been used to decorate the walls and windows of bars while the match schedules have been posted at prominent places

In addition, some bars have rebuilt their courtyards and rooftops for soccer fans to watch games there and cheer their favorite teams.

Also, in the Sanlitun area, the birthplace of Beijing's first batch of nightspots, proprietors are expecting the soccer buzz to bring in the crowds.

Wang Ying, manager of the Butterfly Pub, hopes its beer sales to double during the World Cup.

Xu Xin, a regular visitor to Sanlitun, said: "During some special events like the World Cup, all the bars are crowded and it's difficult to find a space to stand."

Wang Tian, a 25-year-old soccer fan, said: "I prefer to watch games with friends at a bar because of the atmosphere, and you can shout freely and not disturb anyone."

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Bars and clubs near Sanlitun and the Workers' Stadium, two of the most popular areas for nightlife in Beijing, are planning soccer-themed nights.

Terry Fen, a bartender at Cutie Club, one of the most popular nightclubs near the Workers' Stadium, said that he expects the soccer frenzy to boost beer sales by over 30 percent.

David Chen, a party planner based in Beijing, said he has raised his charges for organizing parties during the one-month world soccer carnival.

"My days during the World Cup have all been booked and some rich young Chinese have invited me to hold parties in their villas," he said. "They pay me very well."