Not everyone can make to South Africa, where the first World Cup to be held in Africa, kicks off tonight. But thanks to the magic of technology and some clever promotion, travellers everywhere need not miss out. Here are some venues revving up for the action.
AUSTRALIA
The Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest will transform Darling Harbour into a World Cup live site. Matches will be broadcast on giant screens in Cockle Bay and Tumbalong Park, while a floating screen and stage will extend the action.
www.sydneyfifafanfest.com.au
HONGKONG
The Charterhouse Causeway Bay will broadcast the World Cup games tonight live at the Champs Sports Bar and other matches during the entire season.
tel 852 2892 3386 or visit www.champsbar.com.hk
Langham Place Hotel Hong Kong is offering private World Cup parties for 10 guests in their Penthouse with unlimited in-room dining, free-flowing beer from the football nations and a 60-inch plasma television. The package is available any day of the World Cup period (June 11 to July 11, 2010) at HK$20,000 (US$2,570) per night plus service charge.
tel 852 3552 3388 or email [email protected]
Expect bars in Hongkong's famous entertainment precincts such as Lan Kwai Fong, Soho and Knutsford Terrace to stage their respective "footie" events.
JAPAN
The 55,000-seat Tokyo Dome will stream the World Cup live. Tickets range from ¥500 to Y2,500 (US$5 to 27).
MACAU
StarWorld Hotel and Casino Macau has a “StarWorld soccer Mania” promotion and F&B offers throughout the World Cup season. Guests can earn reward points for watching the World Cup in their hotel and also participate in lucky draws of up to MOP$100,000 (US$12,450). One F&B promotion offers allows guest to buy three and get one free Budweiser beer at the Whisky Bar, Temptations, Sensation and Lobby Lounge.
www.starworldmacau.com
SHENZHEN
InterContinental Shenzhen gets into World Cup mode, offering Brazilian barbecues and cocktails in the Alenha BBA Restaurant for CNY248 (US$36) per person. The Galleon Restaurant & Bar is also another venue to catch the fever. Winners of game quizs are entered into a lucky draw, and the ultimate winner wins a free one-night stay in Deluxe room.
SINGAPORE
A total of 72 screens have been set up across Resort World Sentosa to show World Cup action live from June 11 to July 11. Locations include public areas of the complex's four hotels as well as in the Casino Royale Bar, Happy9, Feng Shui Inn, Maxims and Crockfords Club within the Resorts World Casino and Livewire lounge and café operated by Singapore Pools. Seats are available on a first-come-first-served basis.
Heat Ultralounge of Royal Plaza on Scotts is making every night of the World Cup period a tasty one with a special fare from FIFA member nations like Germany (Two-minute Smoked Sausages), England (Variation Textures of Cheese), Italy (Deep-fried Mussels in Herb Crumbs), France (Sous-vide of Salmon), Greece (Chicken and Lamb Skewers) and host South Africa (Bobotie). A two-hour beer buffet at US$25 is available on Saturday and Sunday,
SOUTH KOREA
Head for Seoul Plaza, Yeouido Hangang Park or Nakseongdae Park to watch the game live tonight. Multiplex theaters in Korea will also screen the South Korean matches live on three-dimensional screens. You can go to Major Cinema chains such as CGV, Lotte Cinema and MegaBox to watch the games in 3D.
THAILAND
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit's popular BarSu offers food, beer and wine while watching the World Cup live on a huge 100-inch screen.
www.sheraton.com
...AND ON YOUR BLACKBERRY
Keep up-to-date with the World Cup’s stats and scores by downloading the “South Africa for Blackberry” free application. The "app" has game reminders integrated with BlackBerry Calendar, end-of-match statistics, push notification on goals and dismissals during the game and integration with BlackBerry Messenger (BBM).
www.blackberry.com/appworld
Sarah Spaeth
