At Arknemesis Gaming Centre, it is almost a carnival. Around 200 Argentina and France supporters have gathered to watch the iconic Round of 16 game of the FIFA World Cup. Most of them are teenagers and college students; except for my friends and I, bordering on the late 20s. The energy here is electric. Even people in their late 60s, who have tagged along with their grandchildren, cannot hide their excitement. When France hits the first goal, all of us join the youngsters in the high-pitched shrieks, wolf-whistles, group sofa-jumping and fist-bumping.
The gaming centre doubles up as a cafe and a sports screening venue, thanks to the multiple television screens at different corners and a huge white central screen. But unlessBrazil, Argentina or Portugal has a match, there isn’t much of crowd, says Harish Suri, the owner. “For the Champion’s League final, there were 340 people here. For the El Classico finale, around 250 people teemed this place. A lot of these fan clubs have tie ups with clubs abroad. And, every club fan will support a country depending on their devotion to a player.”
But, why no alcohol? “We want to develop a reputation of this being a family friendly space — we have hosted around 90-odd birthday parties in the past year. Once we start serving alcohol, it is going to be hard to manage. This is also the reason why the marketing manager of Chennaiyin FC approached him to hold a screening of their match. The viewers of ISL belong mainly to ages 15 to 25. That works in our favour. Parents can come along with their children, because it is a ‘safe’ environment.”
To each his own
But, for many millennials, weekend fun is associated with fine alcohol and delectable tid-bits. These head to drinking holes like Glee, where Argentine, French, Brazilian and Mexican flags liven up the ceiling and vodka and gin shots, chicken satays and tubs of chilled beer keep them company through the game. But, one needs to grab a table near the screen, to avoid their view being blocked by teenagers grooving wildly. Or, if you are the gyrating kind, you can join them: watching the game with a light spring in your step and a drink in your hand.
On weekends, if you want to indulge in a minor road trip, enjoy the sea breeze, and then watch that game, head to KoKoMMo at Intercontinental in Mammallapuram. The open sea-side restaurant, themed like a beach shack, lets you enjoy a late night, moonlit dinner as you root for your favourite player. Manager Sanket Shinde says most of their diners prefer to come for the game at 11.30 pm. “The family crowd is a repeated clientèle. Children love the place since its near the beach.”
A thriving sports viewing culture is a new development in the city’s popular scene, says Lakshman Muthiah, the owner of US 101 pub that has around three screens and four television sets. “It was initially dull, when we started off. Football screenings were just picking up in India. In 2015, we saw a gradual rise, thanks to ISL.”
Suri agrees, “ISL has done a lot of good. The ISL audience is different from the Premier League (PL) crowd. Oldest person will probably be 24 or 25 in this group. They are also familiar with the local players. Interestingly, none of them comes for the PL games. However, the CSK and the ISL fans overlap. Maybe, its the local sentiment that’s playing here.”
By the end of the Argentina vs France game, the crowd at Arknemesis is divided into two halves. One looks crestfallen, the other jubilant. However, in seconds they all unite in the excitement for the next game. “ Parava illai (No worries). We will root for Uruguay, next,” I overhear a fellow Messi loyalist say, as he patches up with his Pogba loving best friend over a quick selfie.
US 101
@ 80 A, South Boag Road, T Nagar
USP: Classic drinks, tequila-based cocktails. You can also gorge on pizzas, burgers and pastas, which they recommend as their fast-moving items.
Screenings: Noon to midnight everyday; 30853660
Glee
@ 65/5, Murugesan Naicker Complex, Greams Road, Thousand Lights
USP: Vegetarian nachos, chicken dynamite, sliced pork belly
Cost: ₹1,500 for two people (approx) with alcohol
Screenings: Noon to 11 pm everyday; 30853501
Arknemesis
@ Ispahani Centre, 123/124, Nungambakkam High Road, Thousand Lights
USP: Snooker lounge, cafe, gaming centre with five PS4s
Screenings: Noon to 11 pm everyday
Cost: ₹200 (Quarter and semi-finals) and ₹300 (Finals); 30205528
KoKoMMo
@ InterContinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, 212, Nemelli Village
USP: Grilled meat, Aleppey vegetarian curry, Baluchi chicken
Screenings: Only on weekends, 4 pm onwards
Cost: ₹1,500 for two people (approx) with alcohol; 8939865112
