Kaylee Banks, a server at Good Co. sports bar on Vancouver’s Granville Street, experienced a grueling 12-hour shift amid the intense crowds drawn by the FIFA World Cup, which has transformed the downtown entertainment district into a bustling hub for soccer fans. Despite a delayed start—still finishing her makeup on the Canada Line SkyTrain at 9:07 a.m., just minutes before her 9:30 a.m. shift—Ms. Banks braced for a marathon day marked by nonstop activity and high stress.

Granville Street has been pedestrianized for the event, with expanded patios, vendors, and live entertainment creating an unofficial gathering area for visitors flocking to watch matches at nearby BC Place Stadium. The B.C. government estimates some 350,000 people will visit the Vancouver region during the tournament, with seven matches held at BC Place driving extraordinary demand for local bars and restaurants.

Ms. Banks’s workplace was fully booked well before kickoff of Canada’s noon match against Switzerland. The atmosphere was electric yet chaotic as staff rushed to meet the needs of a packed venue. By halftime, Ms. Banks had already walked more than four kilometres inside the bar, her heart rate consistently elevated by the physical demands of serving hundreds of patrons.

The match ended in a 2-1 defeat for Canada, but turnover was swift as the bar prepared for the following Brazil-Scotland game. Staff quickly adapted, with Ms. Banks switching from a Canadian to a Brazilian team shirt to match the changing crowd. The energy shifted noticeably; Brazil fans were louder and more demanding, including an incident when a customer complained about televised content, which Ms. Banks managed with calm.

Operators across Granville Street have faced unprecedented logistical challenges, including rapid inventory depletion. Tyler Broers, general manager of Dublin Calling, one of the area’s busiest pubs, hired dozens of additional staff and ordered hundreds of extra kegs to keep up. Normally ordering 20 to 50 kegs weekly, the pub was consuming 75 every three days during the tournament. Similarly, Good Co. increased its beer orders fivefold and upped trash collection frequency due to extraordinary foot traffic.

The physical toll on staff has been significant. Throughout her shift, Ms. Banks logged nearly 20,000 steps and covered close to 16 kilometres without leaving the building. Her heart rate frequently surged during peak moments, and her calorie expenditure was comparable to that of a long-distance runner. Breaks were scarce, with meals limited to a morning smoothie and a late protein bar, supplemented by multiple caffeinated drinks.

Other venues in the district echoed the chaotic but spirited environment. Jeremy Fischer, general manager of Speakeasy pub, described the experience as “absolutely crazy,” surpassing previous major events like the 2010 Winter Olympics in scale and pressure. Despite supply shortages and extended work hours—some staff logged up to 20-hour shifts—managers and employees have embraced the opportunity, viewing it as a unique, once-in-a-lifetime occasion.

The day ended with high emotions and some challenges for the staff, including several instances of customers leaving without paying. Ms. Banks took it upon herself to locate and confront one such group, successfully recovering a nearly $200 tab in the midst of boisterous fans celebrating Mexico’s 3-0 victory over Czechia.

At the close of her shift just after 9 p.m., exhausted but resolute, Ms. Banks joined colleagues for a brief moment of respite before preparing to return for another demanding day. Her experience underscores the extraordinary operational demands and human endurance behind the scenes as Vancouver’s hospitality industry navigates the World Cup’s unprecedented influx of visitors.