ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — While cities across the country have been holding "Jurassic Park" events for basketball fans to show support for the Toronto Raptors’ in the NBA Finals, the City of St. John’s has nothing official planned for tonight’s Game 6.
However, something might be in the works in there’s a Game 7.
“We are looking into it and there’s a strong possibility (something will be held),” said George Street Association executive director Jonathan Galgay told The Telegram today.
“It’s a decision that would have to be made by the board (of directors), but we did meet yesterday and it was brought up. Depending on the results tonight, we’re going to have a close look at it tomorrow.”
Galgay said the association has received several requests from members of the public to hold a viewing party as in other cities, but he said there are logistical challenges executing such a large event so quickly.
"Depending on the results tonight, we’re going to have a close look at it tomorrow.” — Jonathan Galgay
Since it’s a public street and public infrastructure, the association must first file a special events application and receive approval from the city. While that can be a quick process, Galgay said, there’s a long list of other requirements, like ensuring there’s insurance and security in place.
He also noted that there’s already an event set for tonight on George Street — a free concert celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alcock and Brown trans-Atlantic flight, set for 7-9 p.m. Pete Soucy is hosting, while The Bishops will be performing.
“The timing for tonight is just not going to work out for us,” he said.
“Logistically, this was planned a long time ago, so we couldn’t jeopardize that event to accommodate something different ...
“If there’s another (NBA) game Sunday, that would allow some time for us to regroup to determine if it’s something we can put together quickly.
“Obviously, we support whatever we can do to draw people, so all of the costs associated with this are incurred by George Street Entertainment. But again, if we can bring people there, that’s something we’ll be willing to cover the cost for.”
George Street changes on tap
Galgay said changes are on the horizon to make George Street the place to be for such events — not just a few festivals a year.
“When I became executive director …. one of the main areas that I had been working on is the long-term vision for the street,” he said.
“People have often talked in the past about making it a year-round event, a destination for people to go, but unfortunately, the infrastructure is not in place.”
Galgay said the association has been in discussions with the city, but would not reveal details.
“But we do have a plan and we’re very excited about it,” he said. “We do have a vision and we’re working towards it to put the infrastructure in place for the street.”
Those plans, he said, would include a new stage, an amphitheatre with fold-down seating and a large permanent screen, so such large events can be executed quickly.
“That’s our goal — so we can drive people there as an entertainment district,” Galgay said. “That’s what we’re working towards and we’re very, very active in that work. That’s a positive out of all this.
In the meantime, there will be plenty of places to go in the metro area to watch tonight’s game.
Many bars and restaurants in the downtown area and throughout the city, as well those with big screens in other areas, including Cineplex's Rec Room at the Avalon Mall, will be showing the game.
Cineplex is also offering a free viewing at its cinemas in Mount Pearl.
Twitter: @TelyRosie
RELATED
