FIFA World Cup leaves mark on some Vancouver tattoo shops

FIFA World Cup leaves mark on Granville Street tattoo shops

Some Vancouver tattoo shops say the tournament has brought more walk-ins and some soccer-themed requests

Some tattoo parlours on Vancouver's Granville Street say the FIFA World Cup has brought in more customers, with some requesting soccer-themed tattoos.

Five blocks of Granville Street from West Georgia to Davie streets have been turned into a pedestrian-only zone for the tournament, with expanded patios, public seating and live entertainment.

At Rocky Mountain Tattoo, manager Vince Sabrino said the shop has only been open for four months, but its location on Granville Street has helped it tap into World Cup crowds moving through downtown.

"It's such a prime location," Sabrino said. "We really love seeing all different cultures pop into the studio."

World Cup leaves mark on Vancouver tattoo shops

Sabrino said the shop has seen a 30 to 40 per cent increase in walk-in customers during the tournament.

"It's really great, especially for all the artists here [who] can make a quick buck but also gain some friends, gain some followers and even give us more notoriety as well."

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A little further down Granville, Adrenaline VanCity has noticed a similar trend.

"I would guesstimate that it's been about a 10 to 15 per cent bump," said owner-operator David Nixon, referring to the uptick in customers.

Nixon said the shop has been staying open until midnight each day, taking walk-ins and trying to be part of the energy on the street.

"We're just happy to try to help create an even better experience for people," he said.

Some customers are asking for tattoos related to the World Cup.

At Rocky Mountain Tattoo, Sabrino said the requests have included soccer balls, maple leaves and designs connected to fans' home countries.

"A lot of soccer balls with the 26 and a lot of maple leaves" he said.

Sabrino said one group of Australian fans requested matching kangaroo tattoos, while another customer asked for a tattoo of a Mexican tequila bottle.

At Adrenaline, Nixon said one customer marked Canada's win over Qatar with a tattoo of the scoreline.

"We did a tattoo that said '6-0' just for the Canada score from the game in Vancouver. And that was really a lot of fun to do," he said.

Adrenaline is also leaning into the tournament with an offer of free tattoos for Canada players. Nixon said he hopes Ismaël Koné, who suffered a broken leg in Canada's win over Qatar, sees the sign outside the shop.

"Now that Koné is injured, what better time for him to come and get a tattoo? You know, hopefully he sees it," Nixon said.

For Nixon, the World Cup crowds have brought back memories of an earlier version of Granville Street.

"Adrenaline's been on Granville since 2004 … We're excited about the time right now because it reminds me of back in the day … when the street was more lively and the atmosphere was funner," he said.

According to the City of Vancouver, the pedestrian-only section of Granville Street includes themed blocks, public seating, interactive games, live entertainment, business activations and more than 25 expanded patios.

Provincial officials have said the matches are expected to attract more than 350,000 soccer fans to the stadium during the tournament.

The province has estimated the tournament could generate more than $1 billion in additional visitor spending in B.C. between 2026 and 2031, while the net core provincial cost of hosting the seven matches is estimated at $85 million to $145 million.

According to Sabrino, the World Cup rush is about more than a temporary boost in business.

"Being close to the hotels really helps us boost our business, but also grow our clientele because some of these people walk away with these pieces that feel so special to them ... They go back home to their home countries and they're like, man, we got this in Vancouver," he said.

Laurence Watt is an associate producer assigned to directing The Early Edition show in Vancouver. You can reach him at laurence.watt@cbc.ca or on Twitter @_laurencewatt.