Episode 143: Why Vancouver's Rio Theatre became a sports bar

Last month, Vancouver's Rio Theatre updated its marquee with a bold declaration: “Screw the Arts: We’re a sports bar now.” The Rio had been closed since November 2020, when the Provincial Health Officer banned all events (while still allowing bars, malls, and restaurants to operate) – but on January 23, 2021, the Rio opened its doors for sports fans to watch hockey and whatever qualifies as sports on its big screen: socially distanced, and not operating at full capacity, but open nonetheless. In this revealing episode, Sabrina gets a download from the Rio Theatre’s – sorry: Rio Sports Bar’s – CEO Corinne Lea and Senior Programmer Rachel Fox about what they’re doing, why they’re doing it, and what we all stand to lose when the rules aren’t enforced fairly. Episode sponsor: Fish Flight Entertainment