We’ve shared in the triumphs and the tears, cheered our Kiwis on and embraced the excitement of the Olympic Games in London, but now the greatest sporting show on Earth is drawing to a close.
After the amazing spectacle of the Olympics Opening Ceremony we’re sure you won’t want to miss the Closing Ceremony. If you live in Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch, your best bet is to head to one of the specially established fan zones or “live sites” which will be showing all the action live on big screens.
If you don't fancy the hustle and bustle of these fan sites, why not head to one of the following bars? We’ve chosen a few nearby venues that will be screening the Closing Ceremony and getting into the spirit of the day.
The Samsung Olympic Fanzone is situated at Atrium on Takutai at the heart of the funky Britomart precinct. You can watch the Closing Ceremony there in all its splendour on a 33 metre big screen, plus there will be seven smaller screens showing highlights from the competition.
Local bars will be abuzz with the spirit of the Games. You could head to the popular Northern Steamship Company, just a hop, skip and jump from the Atrium. They’ll be showing the ceremony, so you could grab one of their delicious “Grazing” platters (the Artisan Breads are very good and so is the Trio of Seafood Summer Rolls) and settle in or grab a quick Macs beer before heading over to the Atrium.
Sky Sports has been providing extensive coverage of the Games and their flagship Auckland bar, Sky Sports Grill at the Viaduct will be screening the ceremony. Try something from their large pub menu, which gives a Kiwi take on the classic American sports bar food.
Four Kings Sports Bar in Dixon Street is one of Wellington’s leading sports bars. It’s been a magnet for capital’s sports fans throughout the Olympics, having been nominated a “live site”. Enjoy a healthy breakfast, such as creamy mushrooms on five grain toast or rolled oats, and enjoy the spectacle of the Closing Ceremony
Wellington’s Olympic Museum, in the TSB Arena on Queen’s Wharf is also a designated "live site." You can catch all the pageantry of the ceremony there, or you could opt for one of the nearby waterfront bars, a number of which will also be showing the event.
Mac’s Brewbar at Taranaki Street Wharf is a great place to catch up for brunch and celebrate or commiserate over medal hauls, wins, losses and near misses. Their substantial menu is extensive and includes brunch favourites such as poached eggs and soup to heartier meals for larger appetites, like bangers and mash, lamb burger and mushroom risotto.
Cantabrians can catch the closing ceremony over a tasty Full English Breakfast or pancakes at Riccarton’s Fox and Ferret pub. Located at the Westfield mall, which is a "live site", the Fox is sure to be busy, so make sure you arrive early.
Editorial by Nicholas Chidley
8 August 2012
There are no comments, be the first to post one.
Your comment (We want to hear what you've got to say but there are certain guidelines we adhere to. Read our comment guidelines).
