Downtown Kitchener to host 'Jurassic Park' for Toronto Raptors in NBA Finals
Bobby O'Brien's, a pub and restaurant in downtown Kitchener, will be looking to mimic the party-like atmosphere that has captivated Toronto's by hosting a viewing party for the best-of-seven series featuring the Toronto Raptors and Golden State Warriors.
Located at 125 King Street West, Bobby O'Brien's will look to "recreate Toronto's Jurassic Park theme" by showing all finals games in its courtyard which features a 20 foot by 12 foot screen.
"In cooperation with the City of Kitchener, we will be setting up some additional seating in the unlicensed courtyard," said Darryl Moore, VP of operations.
Moore says they can fit a few hundred people inside to watch the game on its 12 tv screens, while 200-300 can watch the game outside.
"I walked in on Monday morning and (said) wow this is Jurassic Park Kitchener," said Moore.
He says a banner will be up on Wednesday in regards to the themed party.
Following the Raptors' Game 6 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday to end the conference finals, Moore thought it would be a good "catapult" in bringing the excitement from Toronto to Kitchener.
Excitement in the Toronto Raptors' success has taken over Toronto, Ontario, and Canada, with Saturday's game being the highest-ever viewed basketball game in Canadian history.
The occasion is all the more momentum as it is the first finals appearance for the 24-year-old franchise, which has seen its fair share of ups and downs.
Bobby O'Brien's features major events on their patio including Stanley Cup Playoff games as well as major UFC fights.
Moore says the usual food and beverage specials will remain the same, depending on the days when the NBA Finals are shown.
People of ages 19+ will be allowed into the licensed patio area, while the game will be available in full sound.
With the NBA Finals taking full force, here is a list of places you can take in the games.
by Namish Modi
Namish Modi is a news reporter for Kitchener Post and Waterloo Chronicle with over five years experience in journalism.
Email: nmodi@waterloochronicle.ca Facebook Twitter