The impact of the hit show “Heated Rivalry” is being felt beyond the small screen, as fans flock to filming locations to experience the world of Shane, Ilya, and the rest of the MLH players in person. One such location that has seen an influx of visitors is the Sleeman Centre in Guelph, Ontario, home of the Guelph Storm ice hockey team.
Last year, when the Storm missed the playoffs, the arena manager, Ryan Giles, found himself with unexpected availability at the Sleeman Centre. This opened up the opportunity for the “Heated Rivalry” cast and crew to film all of the hockey sequences at the rink, transforming it into the fictional home of the Montreal Metros, Boston Raiders, and New York Admirals. Fans of the show have been eager to visit the arena and see where their favorite scenes were shot, with Giles estimating that hundreds have already stopped by to take selfies or purchase merchandise.
The show, created by Jacob Tierney, has garnered a massive following since its premiere, drawing in fans who may not have been interested in hockey before. Giles notes that the show is breaking down barriers in the traditionally male-dominated sport, promoting inclusivity and sparking new interest in hockey among a diverse audience. This is evident in the increased demand for hockey tickets during the show’s run, as well as the growing popularity of the show’s filming locations, like the Sleeman Centre and Relay Coffee Roasters in Hamilton.
At Relay Coffee Roasters, fans have been coming in to see the cafe, which stands in as the Straw+Berry smoothie shop in the show. Co-founder Rachel Hofing has enjoyed the response from fans, noting that the show has brought new customers to their cafe and sparked interest in a potential “Heated Rivalry” drink on the menu. With nods to the show’s characters and relationships, fans are excited to experience a taste of the show in real life.
Overall, the impact of “Heated Rivalry” extends beyond the screen, as fans immerse themselves in the world of the show at filming locations like the Sleeman Centre and Relay Coffee Roasters. As interest in the show continues to grow, these locations are sure to see even more visitors eager to experience the magic of “Heated Rivalry” firsthand. The highly popular cafe that featured in the hit TV series “The Umbrella Academy” is gearing up to host a sold-out fan meet up later this month. Fans of the show are eagerly anticipating the chance to visit the iconic filming location and immerse themselves in the world of the Hargreeves siblings.
Located in Ontario, the cafe is just one of many filming locations that have captured the attention of viewers. Other notable spots include Mansion Nightclub, the rooftop bar Lavelle, Le Tambour Tavern, and Dundurn Castle, which served as Moscow during Ilya’s jogging scenes. These locations have become must-visit spots for fans looking to experience a piece of the show in real life.
As the first season of the show wraps up, speculation about a potential second season has already begun. However, actor Giles, who plays a key role in the series, remains tight-lipped about any future plans. While he hasn’t heard anything from the production company regarding a second season, he is open to the possibility and willing to rearrange his schedule if the opportunity arises.
For fans of “The Umbrella Academy,” the chance to visit these filming locations and interact with fellow enthusiasts is a dream come true. The cafe, in particular, has become a hub for fans to gather and share their love for the show. With the upcoming fan meet up, excitement is at an all-time high as attendees prepare to celebrate their favorite series and connect with like-minded individuals.
Overall, the success of “The Umbrella Academy” has not only captivated audiences on screen but has also created a community of dedicated fans who are eager to explore the world of the show beyond their screens. Whether it’s visiting filming locations or attending fan events, the show has left a lasting impact on viewers and continues to inspire passion and enthusiasm among its fan base.
