Saskatoon’s Broadway Collective to host all-ages World Cup viewing parties

Saskatoon’s Broadway Collective is going to try something new: Hosting a series of World Cup viewing parties in its underground event space.

The space, on Broadway Avenue in Saskatoon’s Nutana neighbourhood, is made up of two floors where entrepreneurs, students, employees working remotely and students typically “co-work” in a variety of different areas.

Owner Angie Friesen said the collective opened in 2019, not long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit — and it’s been a tough couple of years filling all of the areas available for rent. Now, some of the spaces are booked solid through the holiday season.

“We’re expecting big crowds, especially for the Brazilian games. The Brazilian Association of Saskatoon (BRASA) has made this their official viewing place. We’re expecting those games to reach capacity,” she said.

But she’s also expecting crowds for Canada’s World Cup games.

“The closest thing we’ve done was during the (Edmonton) Oilers playoff run last spring. My husband is a big Oilers fan, so we had lots of people … coming out to those games, so that’s probably where the inspiration came from,” Friesen explained.

The underground area has four 55-inch TVs, an 86-inch TV, couches, chairs, tables and a pool table.

“(There are) lots of different places and spaces to view,” said Friesen.

It all starts on Wednesday with Canada’s first World Cup game since 1986.

Friesen said preparations are well underway. Flags already criss-cross the room with all countries in the World Cup represented. Doors open at 9 a.m.

“We’ve got some specials with The Yard and Flagon, with UNA Pizza, and we also have some breakfast sandwiches for the morning games as well,” said Friesen.

Churchill Brewing Company is also a game sponsor.

Tickets can be purchased for $12 online and children are welcome to attend.

“I think we’re going to have some people who will be ‘working from home’ as well,” Friesen said with a laugh.