It has all the ingredients of an epic Super Bowl, but what has traditionally been a massive party and gathering for Victoria’s largest bar complex is expected to be a subdued affair this Sunday.
There will be no prize pools, giant buffet, shared food platters or capacity crowds at the Strathcona Hotel for Super Bowl LV, no table-hopping among patrons and only muted cheering.
“It will be a captivating game, I’m sure, but it will be quiet,” says Strathcona owner Grant Olson. “It will be unlike any other Super Bowl we’ve ever had.”
Like other bars across the province, the Strathcona is under orders to follow strict public health protocols. That means cutting off sales of alcohol at 10 p.m., closing at 11 and keeping TVs and music volumes low.
Table groups will be kept to a maximum of six patrons within their respective bubbles, Olson said, and everyone has to wear a mask when not at their tables.
With physical-distancing rules in effect, the Strathcona’s main floor of four separate bars will be held to about 220 patrons, down from 550. Olsen expects fewer than 200.
Other bars in the region are saying it’s “business as usual” with no special events planned. Most will have their TV sets on, and some won’t have the sound on.
Matt MacNeil, who owns the Bard and Banker and the Irish Times downtown as well as the Penny Farthing Pub in Oak Bay, said public health officials were making their rounds last week, warning pubs they were not allowed to advertise special events and give away prizes on Super Bowl.
“They were being proactive,” he said.
He said Super Bowl Sunday will be subdued because his bars follow protocols. “It’s painful, but we have to get this thing over with,” said MacNeil, adding his downtown bars are operating at about 30 per cent of pre-COVID levels.
The food services industry is concerned provincial health officials could issue new restrictions around the Super Bowl, similar to its last-minute rules imposed close to New Year’s Eve.
The B.C. Alliance of Beverage Licensees said restaurant owners felt blindsided when the province issued orders to cut off serving alcohol after 8 p.m. after they invested in extra food and alcohol.
Public health officials gave no indication of additional restrictions ahead of the big game.
In her briefing Monday, provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry called on British Columbians to “hold off” on Super Bowl parties this weekend — at home and in bars and restaurants.
The B.C. Alliance of Beverage Licensees said pubs and restaurants are safer places to view the Super Bowl, given that bars are adhering to strict distancing protocols and have other measures in place.
Olson said the Strathcona will follow guidelines and act quickly on rule-breakers.
“There are still some nutters out there who don’t think they have to behave or wear a mask, and they’ll tell you to F-off,” he said.
“But if you’re going to watch the Super Bowl, you will behave in establishments.”
dkloster@timescolonist.com
