Vancouver tattoo parlours have not experienced the expected surge in business from the FIFA World Cup, but hope remains that a strong performance by Canada in Wednesday's match against Switzerland at B.C. Place could spark a wave of commemorative ink.
Slow Start for Tattoo Business Despite World Cup Hype
Across the city, tattoo studios have prepared flash designs featuring soccer balls, Maple Leafs, flames, waves, and even the World Cup trophy (unofficially), anticipating that fans would want permanent souvenirs. However, store managers report that the influx of customers has been slower than anticipated.
Amanda Crane, store manager at Adrenaline Tattoo on Granville Street, said they have done a few soccer-themed tattoos—such as a soccer ball wreathed in flowers for a soccer mom—but not enough to match the business seen by local bars. “There are more people outside than inside the tattoo parlours on the Granville Street fan zone,” she noted.
Busker Sees Record Crowds
While tattoo parlours wait, Granville Street busker Josh Burns, known as Burns the Dragon, is celebrating record-breaking crowds. On June 21, he performed for 1,200 people—his biggest audience ever. To mark the occasion, he got a soccer ball surrounded by a heart tattooed on his leg by artist Nasrin Shafiee at Robson Piercing & Tattoo Studio.
Burns, who fire-breathes, sword-swallows, and manages boa constrictors for tourist photos, said the World Cup atmosphere has boosted his street performances, even if it hasn't yet translated into tattoo sales.
Commemorative Tattoos Often Follow Wins
Commemorative soccer tattoos are a global World Cup phenomenon, but they typically surge after a team wins. Following Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar, ending a 36-year drought, tattoo artists across the country reported a stampede of fans requesting Lionel Messi's likeness and his No. 10 jersey, with some even getting the entire team inked.
Masi Aghdam, a tattoo artist at Granville Street Tattoo, said she had expected more fans to commemorate their teams with tattoos. The current lull could change if Canada defeats Switzerland on Wednesday, sparking a wave of patriotic ink.
Free Tattoo Offer for Team Canada
Adrenaline Tattoo owner David Nixon has extended an open invitation to all members of Team Canada to receive a free soccer-related flash tattoo. However, he acknowledged uncertainty about whether players are permitted to get tattoos during a tournament, especially on game day, due to potential infection risks. “(Ismael) Kone could come in and get one. We hope he does,” said Nixon, referring to the Canadian midfielder.
FIFA does not prohibit players from having tattoos, which are considered a form of self-expression. However, Rule 4 explicitly bans players from displaying political, religious, or personal slogans on their jerseys and equipment.
Tattoos and Penalty Success
Interestingly, a study from the 2018 World Cup found that penalty-takers with tattoos had a slightly higher goal success rate than those without. Tattooed players were also more likely to be observed in forward field positions, play longer, and exhibit more aggressive, extroverted, risk-taking, and dominant behaviour.
Looking Ahead
With the Canada vs. Switzerland game on Wednesday at B.C. Place, tattoo parlours are hopeful that a victory will drive fans to their shops. For now, the streets are busy with World Cup visitors, but the ink remains largely unpurchased.
