Downtown Montreal turned into a massive sports celebration Saturday as Formula One fans flooded the streets while Canadiens supporters packed bars and terraces ahead of Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.
“I wouldn’t want to be any other place at the moment, honestly,” said Montrealer Mahdi Dareshiri.
The collision between Grand Prix festivities and the Canadiens’ playoff run created what many business owners described as one of the busiest weekends of the year.
“It’s like a perfect storm,” said Ziggy Eichenbaum, owner of Ziggy’s Pub on Crescent Street.
Eichenbaum said business at his pub has jumped by around 60 per cent compared to a typical weekend.
“Usually, we struggle after the winter and all that, but this is absolutely fantastic,” he said.
Across downtown, Crescent Street was packed with tourists, racing fans and hockey supporters taking in concerts, terraces and street festivals tied to the Canadian Grand Prix.
“Every year F1 is insane,” said Montrealer Anais Levi. “Downtown is always bustling.”
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Montrealer Andrea Campos-Blanchette said it’s always a pleasure to see the city be put in the spotlight during the combination of events.
“It’s like everything at the same time and it’s really good because in all of those sports Montreal is noticed,” she said.
Even younger fans were soaking in the atmosphere.
“To see some cool cars, sports cars,” said 10-year-old Running Chen when asked about his favourite part of the weekend.
“It was so good,” added Vihaan Iaut. “I saw Ferraris.”
Restaurant owners say the Grand Prix weekend is one of the most important stretches of the year for the hospitality industry.
“A lot of tourists make sure to hit Crescent Street. This week is key,” said Morrie Baker, owner of Burger Bar Crescent.
Baker said the energy inside bars during the Canadiens’ 6-2 Game 1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes Thursday night was electric.
“Every time there was a goal there were shots going around, people raising their glasses and it was a lot of fun,” he said.
Many fans now hope the Canadiens can carry that momentum into Game 2 Saturday night in Carolina.
“I think the Habs are going to win the Cup,” Baker said.
For business owners, Baker said, the busy stretch is far from over. With the Grand Prix race set for Sunday and the Canadiens returning home for Game 3 Monday night, downtown Montreal is expected to remain packed into the start of next week.
“It just keeps going, we keep going,” Baker said. “And that’s the fun part about this year.”
