Sports bars and lounges become Champs hotspots
Today is the final day of the biggest high-school track and field event in Jamaica, the ISSA-GraceKennedy Boys and Girls’ Athletics Championships, at the National Stadium.
Tickets for the much-coveted event always sell quickly, and this year was no different. But for those who will miss out on the stadium vibes, local sports bars and restaurants have come to the rescue.
Hoping to create an energy similar to what will exist inside the stadium, several popular chill spots are encouraging persons to don their school colours and catch the action on their big screens.
Sasha-Kay Roberts, marketing manager of Usain Bolt’s Tracks and Records, told THE STAR that they have a promotion in which some customers can get discounts on their meals.
“For the championship season 2018, Tracks and Records is offering 10 per cent off for any person that comes into Tracks and Records to dine and wears colours to represent their schools,” she said. “Whether it be a jersey, tie, uniform, whatever it is that represents your school, once you dine with us you get 10 per cent off and a complimentary Pepsi.”
Roberts said Tracks and Records introduced the Champs promotion last year and had to bring it back because of its success.
“Sports is a major factor here. Track and field is a big part of our brand because we’re synonymous with Bolt and promoting Brand Jamaica. It was therefore a no-brainer to have something for Champs and we know people will come and enjoy it,” she said. “If you can’t make it to the Stadium, this is the place to be. The vibe will be nice, the restaurant itself is set up like a mini stadium, so come and get the full package and feel like you’re at Champs.”
100 on Old Hope Road will also be in on the Champs action. Food and Beverage Manager Delano Reynolds told THE STAR that the games have become a staple at the hotspot and he is looking forward to a great time with patrons.
“Champs viewing is an annual staple for the sports lounge at 100. A friendly high-school sport rivalry always permeates the air and the vibe is good. We will be having Appleton que specials with free chasers all day at 100,” he said, also promoting the establishment’s after-Champs party. “This year we have also invited the traditional high schools’ alumni to come to our Rockaz on the Roof AfterChamps Party with music by the legendary Merritone Disco.”