09/08/2011 - Best Sports Bars in Vancouver - Part I

With The NFL season kicking off today, the English Premier League (EPL) well underway, World Cup Rugby teams heading into the scrum, UFC fights in full swing and NHL hockey lacing up - not to mention the 2011 CFL Grey Cup in Vancouver - this is the perfect time to check out some of the most popular sports-watching venues around Vancouver.

You can find televisions in nearly every dining and drinking establishment these days, but a few locations stand out as catering to sports fans with multiple viewing vantage points, satellite feeds, team atmospheres and game-day specials.

We found 14 local bars and eateries that fit the bill - so many in fact that we've split this blog into two parts.

Cinema Public House - Downtown Granville
Shaping up as a destination for catching Monday Night Football. With weekly Sports Trivia  (every Monday at 5:30 p.m.), prizes, cheap beers and other specials, along with a central location on downtown Granville Street - NFL game nights here are sure to attract a fan following. Also shows Vancouver Canucks/NHL and other featured games in HD.

Dover Arms - Denman Street, West End
The Dover Arms is arguably THE Vancouver destination for watching English Premier League and European/international football.  Founded in 1975, it attracted loyal patrons and newcomers to watch live football broadcasts when matches were almost impossible to find anywhere else in the city. Today, the Dover Arms broadcasts MLS, Vancouver Canucks/NHL games, UFC & boxing matches and CFL/NFL games.

Red Card Sports Bar - 900 Seymour Street / Moda Hotel Downtown
This newer local eatery is a hybrid between a nightclub and sports theatre. On weekends in this upscale sports-viewing venue you'll also see party-goers dressed up for a night on the town. If you like people-watching mixed with your sports, this is your spot. Televised games include Setanta Sports (English Premier League, international football/soccer matches), Major League Baseball (MLB), CFL, NFL, UFC, NHL, MLS and Sportsnet broadcasts (Canucks).

The Shark Club - Georgia Street about two blocks from Rogers Arena
The spacious Shark Club is a Vancouver favourite and has stood the test of time in this city. It's often packed right before Canucks and BC Lions games due to its proximity to Rogers Arena and BC Place and fills up fast post-game. With 40 42" HD televisions and four 9' projection screens, sports-viewing here isn't limited to the NHL. The Shark Club also features UFC matches, MLB, NFL/Monday Night Football and CFL game day/night events and specials.

Library Square Public House - Next to Vancouver Public Library, Downtown
Watching Canada win the 2010 Winter Olympic Gold Medal Hockey game in this venue will be etched in our memories forever. The proximity of this bar to local Rogers Arena and BC Place makes it a popular pit stop both before, during and after Vancouver Canucks games. Televisions run the length of the bar and a giant projector screen on game nights makes for a good selection of viewing spots.

Malone's Urban Drinkery - 608 West Pender Street, Downtown
Malone's is a destination for both beer enthusiasts and sports fans. In addition to a large selection of regional craft beers, the establishment advertises that whether its English Premier League, international and World Cup rugby, NHL, CFL or NFL - if they can find, they'll play it. Malone's offers daily food and drink specials.

G Sports Bar - Granville Street, Downtown
G Sports Bar has "Won the title of best sports bar in Western Canada" according to its website. The room is all HD, with 24 televisions, a 9' projection screen, seven satellite feeds and a private 30-seat VIP viewing room (which can be reserved separately). The venue features  Vancouver Canucks/NHL, MLB, NFL/Monday Night Football, UFC, rugby and EPL (with an affinity for Liverpool FC). Daily food and drink specials.

Continue to Part II of Best Sports Bars in Vancouver.