Hong Kong mall remains open all night to satisfy World Cup viewers

Published: July 2nd, 2014
Written by: Editorial Team

The time difference between Brazil and Asia means those who want to watch the World Cup have to stay up late.

In Hong Kong, the shopping centers are remaining open all night to satisfy this need. One of the biggest centers in the city, Olympian City, has installed a 430-inch screen with soccer mascots and national flags around it in its atrium. The screen is surrounded by artificial lawn and black and white soccer-shaped beanbag chairs.

On Sunday night, hundreds gathered to watch the contest between Mexico and Holland. The ground floor was covered in people that eventually spread to the second and the third floors. All the shops based in the mall were closed.

The first match of the day during the knockout round starts at midnight in Hong Kong, and the second match begins at four in the morning. Only one third of the matches are available free on TV, which means fans go to restaurants, bars and malls to watch.

In excess of 10 malls are televising the games in the hope that people will arrive early to eat and shop prior to the start of the games. Some offer free rides to work for those people who have spent a certain amount. Most fans love the atmosphere during the games.

Read recent Malls Money issues →