3:30 World Cup snacks? Bengaluru gives football fans a late night treat | Today’s news
Football fans in Bengaluru will be able to enjoy nightly screenings of the FIFA World Cup semi-finals and finals with refreshments available beyond the usual closing hours. The Karnataka government has allowed hotels and restaurants in the city to extend their meal timings till 3.30 am on July 14, 15 and 19, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced on Tuesday.
The decision came following a request by the National Restaurant Association of India (NRAI) to allow establishments to continue serving food beyond the usual 1am cut-off on designated days.
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“At the request of the National Restaurant Association of India, our government has permitted hotels and restaurants in Bengaluru to extend their serving times from 1:00 am to 3:30 am on July 14, 15 and 19 to facilitate night screenings of the matches,” Shivakumar wrote in a post on X.
CM urges fans to celebrate responsibly
The chief minister said the relaxation was given while ensuring that public safety, law and order and the convenience of citizens remained the top priorities of the government.
At the same time, he appealed to football fans to enjoy the matches responsibly and cooperate with the authorities during the extended operating hours.
The move is expected to benefit restaurants, pubs and sports bars across Bengaluru, where football enjoys a strong following and major international tournaments regularly attract large crowds for live screenings.
The World Cup is coming to the finals
The extended hours coincide with the final stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which began on June 11 and is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
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The tournament is the first men’s FIFA World Cup to feature an expanded 48-team format, with teams from around the world competing over a month.
After the group stage and knockout rounds, the competition has now reached the semi-finals, which are scheduled for July 14 and 15, while the final will be played on July 19.
Late night screenings attract football fans
Despite tee times falling late at night or in the early hours of the morning due to the time difference with the host countries, the tournament attracted significant viewership in India.
Football fans in big cities gather in restaurants, pubs and sports bars for live screenings, especially during the knockout stages. The growing demand for such screenings has prompted hospitality establishments in Bengaluru to seek extended opening hours for the semi-finals and finals.
The Karnataka government’s decision is expected to allow fans to watch the final matches of the tournament without interruption, while also giving the city’s hospitality industry an opportunity to cater to larger late-night crowds.
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Reacting to the news, one user wrote, “Blore is the best place for a very good social life. 5 years ago it was in Chennai. The match screening culture in Chennai is greatly curtailed after several police raids.”
Another user wrote: “Best news I’ve come across today thanks sarrrr.”
“Bengaluru is all about nightlife and party animal culture. Letting the bling stay is good and appreciated.”
Work smart during the day, party like an animal at night,” wrote a third user.
