As the World Cup fever gripped Mumbai one last time, crowded streets started emptying out by early afternoon. Cricket lovers thronged pubs, lounges, restaurants and multiplexes to watch the World Cup finals between India and Sri Lanka.
“All our venues were running housefull,” said Rahul Singh, senior vice president (operations) at PVR Cinemas where cheerleaders helped create a “stadium-like ambience”.
Meanwhile, Mumbaikars made the most of the nine-hours that they spent cheering Team India on. “No one seemed to be complaining as long as there was a steady stream of food and drinks,” said banker Paul Coutinho who watched the match at a giant projection screen put up at the Gadda da Vidda lounge at Novotel Hotel, Juhu. Pubs, lounges and restaurants across south Mumbai and the suburbs were packed to capacity. “It was a nail biting match especially after India started batting,” said Ravi Mehta who went to the Red Box Cafe at Bandra to catch the action live.
Meanwhile, businesses in the city ensured that the cricket fans were well taken care of. Numerous offers and packages on food and beverages were offered to the sports lovers. “We did a month worth of business in a single day, all thanks to the World Cup finals,” said the owner of a South Mumbai pub.
Even malls joined in the party by putting up huge LCD TV sets and projector screens on their premises. “It was a great experience watching the match outdoors on a giant screen,” said Renuka Shah, who watched the game in the parking lot at the Inorbit Mall, Malad.
“There were hundreds of us cheering and hooting. It was awesome,” said Darshan Chauhan who was at the food court at Infiniti Mall in Andheri.
