JamRock Sports Bar has caught Cricket World Cup fever, decorating their setting with flags, gear and paintings of West Indies greats.

Kerry-Ann Hepburn, Gleaner Writer

NOT EVERYONE who graces Jamaican shores for the Cricket World Cup will be able to make it to the matches. So, in the name of entertainment and camaraderie, JamRock Sports Bar along the New Kingston 'Hip Strip' will attempt to make visitors feel at home.

JamRock is known for showing soccer, NFL and NBA, but not much cricket. But management intends to provide full coverage of the six-week tournament.

Collaborative effort

"We have a collaborative effort with Red Stripe and the International Cricket Council (ICC) for direct coverage for all games," said Patrick Marshall, executive vice-president and director of operations at JamRock. "Games not played and seen here in Jamaica will be shown exclusively at JamRock."

Aesthetically, the venue remains the same, but with a few changes.

Last week, the main area was decorated with flags from the participating countries. A dramatisation of a cricket match being played by Red Stripe and Red Stripe Light brands is displayed behind the bar; and for the diehard cricket fans, there are large projection screens that will show the games.

Food will also be a focus, and JamRock has planned for locals and visitors alike. The eatery will keep its Jamaica-style menu with popular local curry goat, oxtail and jerk chicken, but for those who are willing to try something different, JamRock has put together a menu of international dishes, such as Thai-style poached whole snapper and broiled New Zealand lamb chops.

Synonymous with any sports bar, and sports are the drinks. JamRock, along with Red Stripe, Appleton, Wray and Nephew and others, will offer beverages at special prices throughout the World Cup.

Regular 'Jamrockites' should not be discouraged because their spot will be bombarded with cricket and cricket fans. Not every television at the establishment will be set on cricket.

Batting maestro Brian Lara is one of several Caribbean cricketers adorning JamRock's walls. Photographs taken yesterday. - photos by Rudolph Brown/Chief Photographer