World Cup game watches in Chapala’s Fan Zone have been a big hit with locals, with around 5,000 packed to see Mexico defeat Ecuador in a 2-0 score on Tuesday night.
However, broadcasts were cancelled for two days last week in the wake of a big storm that swept in during the June 24 Mexico-Czechia match, forcing the evacuation of the premises.
Moderate to heavy rain commenced around 6:45 p.m. As damages to the Fan Zone structures were detected, personnel from the Civil Protection and Firefighter Unit (PCyB) stepped in to guide some 1,500 soggy game-watchers out of the facilities over a period of about 80 minutes, with no injuries reported.
Following repairs and PCyB inspections carried out on Thursday and Friday, the area reopened to the public on Saturday, July 27.
As the World Cup contest continues, improvised game watches are also taking place at the Ajijic Malecón where the public can carry in chairs for seating.
Admission to both transmission locations is free. People may bring in their own refreshments at both locations, but only in unbreakable containers with no visible brand labels.
Dale Palfrey