Okay, so Euro 2024 started, and you know how it is, the buzz is everywhere. Being here in Shenzhen, I thought, right, gotta find a decent spot to catch some games. It’s not like back home where every corner pub has it on, you gotta do a bit of digging here.
Finding the Vibe
First thing I did was just ask around. Talked to a few buddies, some local, some expats. Got a mix of suggestions. Some folks mentioned the big sports bars, especially around areas like Shekou or Coco Park in Futian, which usually cater more to foreigners. Others suggested trying some local joints, hoping they might have it on.
So, I decided to check out a couple of places one evening. Went to a well-known spot first. Walked in, and yeah, it was packed. Big screens everywhere, loads of people, mostly expats, jerseys on, the whole nine yards. Atmosphere was electric, sure, but honestly, it was a bit much for me that night. Felt a bit too crowded, hard to even get a drink.
Tried Something Different
The next time, I went for a smaller place, more of a local pub feel that someone had mentioned. Wasn’t sure if they’d even show the football. Walked in, and it was quieter. They had a couple of TVs, and yeah, one had the game on! Not many people watching intently, more background noise, but it was relaxed. Grabbed a beer, sat down. It was alright, but lacked that shared excitement, you know?
The Sweet Spot
Finally, a few days later, I think I found my go-to. It’s this mid-sized place, not too huge, not tiny. They’ve got decent screens, sound isn’t blasting your ears off, but you can hear the commentary. What I really liked was the mix of people. Some foreigners, yeah, but plenty of local Chinese fans too, really getting into it. It wasn’t crazy packed, you could actually find a seat and have a chat.
- Found a place with a good mix of fans.
- Screens were good, sound was manageable.
- Could actually order food and drinks without a massive wait.
- Felt more comfortable, less chaotic.
Watching the Game
So, I settled in there to watch one of the group stage matches. Ordered some snacks, couple of beers. The game was pretty tense. You could feel the mood shift with every attack or missed chance. Heard people groaning, cheering, shouting advice at the screen in both English and Mandarin. It was great! That shared experience, even with strangers, that’s what makes watching tournaments fun.
It’s interesting watching football here in Shenzhen. You see the global game bringing different folks together in this massive, busy city. It’s not always easy to find the perfect setup immediately, took me a few tries, but once you find a spot that clicks, it’s pretty cool. Just gotta put in a little effort, ask around, and see what fits your style. For me, finding that less frantic, mixed-crowd place was the key. Definitely beats watching alone at home.
