As the Penticton Vees of the Western Hockey League geared up for practice before their game against the Wenatchee Wild from Washington state, Riley Pollock, the team’s communication director, pondered a dilemma about the upcoming World Series fever among fans.
“People who have been eagerly waiting for the Toronto Blue Jays to make it to the World Series while also being diehard Vees supporters face a tough decision,” Pollock noted.
The Vees and the Kelowna Rockets, two Western Hockey League teams in British Columbia, have embraced the baseball excitement. The Vees will be screening the World Series game at the South Okanagan Events Centre two hours before their match, while the Rockets will do the same for game two.
“We saw an opportunity to celebrate the Blue Jays and attract people to our game simultaneously, making it an obvious choice,” Pollock explained.
Although hockey teams are joining the World Series buzz, the Vancouver Canadians, the Toronto Blue Jays’ minor league farm team, are keeping their celebrations exclusive for now. They are hosting a private viewing party for their season ticket holders and dedicated supporters during game one, with a public watch party scheduled for game four at Hero’s Welcome pub.
The ongoing strike by public service workers in British Columbia has disrupted liquor distribution, but the World Series is a welcome relief for the hospitality industry. Ian Tostenson, President and CEO of the British Columbia Restaurant and Foodservices Association, expects a boost in sales during the game as fans gather to watch and enjoy drinks.
While the baseball fever has not fully gripped West Coast sports fans or significantly impacted bar revenues, Tostenson emphasizes the importance of community engagement during sports championships, regardless of the outcome.
In conclusion, the Toronto Blue Jays’ journey to the World Series is creating a buzz across different sports communities, showcasing the diverse interests and passions of Canadian sports fans.
[Source](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/blue-jays-penticton-vees-kelowna-rockets-vancouver-canadians-9.6952511)