If you want to watch a live game in Manuel Antonio, go to a bar that shows sports and ask ahead what is on. At ECOTICA, YOLO Social is our restaurant and bar with sports viewing, cocktails, music and games, and a casino, and our team will tell you what games are showing during your stay. Check kickoff times in local time first, since Costa Rica does not change its clocks.
Check the time zone first
Costa Rica uses Central Standard Time (UTC-6) all year and does not use daylight saving time. That means:
- From about March to early November, US Eastern games start two hours earlier here than on the clock back home, and Central games one hour earlier.
- From early November to about March, Eastern games are one hour earlier and Central games are at the same time.
- European football often kicks off in the morning or around midday local time. Early risers win.
A quick check of your team’s schedule converted to Costa Rica time saves a lot of confusion.
How to plan for a big game
- Ask ahead. Call or message the venue a day before to confirm they will show your game and on which screen.
- Arrive early. Finals, derbies and national-team matches draw a crowd. Get there before kickoff to find a good seat.
- Order before the rush. Kitchens get busy at halftime.
- Plan your ride home. Book a taxi or ask the hotel to call one. Do not drive after drinking; the roads here are steep and curvy.
- Have a backup. If your game is on a niche channel, bring a streaming option and ask about the Wi-Fi.
Watching sports at YOLO Social
YOLO Social is ECOTICA’s evening venue: a restaurant and bar with sports viewing, cocktails, live music, games and a casino. It is where guests and locals come to watch a match together, eat dinner and stay for a drink.
What games are showing depends on the day, the season and what guests ask for. We do not publish a fixed sports schedule, so ask our team at the front desk or at the bar which games are on while you are here. YOLO Social is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm.
Making a day of it
A game day in Manuel Antonio can still include the rainforest:
- Morning: national park or beach while it is cool.
- Afternoon: pool time and a drink at La Poza, our poolside bar, while the monkeys move through the trees.
- Evening: dinner and the game at YOLO Social. Stay for music if it is on, or try the casino.
Watching football like a local
Costa Ricans are serious about football (soccer). When the national team or a big local club plays, the country watches. If you are here for a national-team match, join in: wear something red and expect a noisy room when the ball goes near the goal.
Other evening options at ECOTICA
Not everyone in your group wants to watch the game. That is fine:
- The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm (check current hours).
- La Poza is the calmer choice for a cocktail and light bites by the pool.
- The Jungle Spa is a good plan for anyone skipping the match earlier in the day.
For a wider look at nights out, read our guide to live music and evenings in Manuel Antonio or our post on YOLO Social at ECOTICA. All our venues are listed on the dining page.
Tips for fans on vacation
- Pack your jersey. It starts conversations with other fans, and there is usually someone from your city at the bar.
- Check streaming rights. Some services work differently abroad. Test your app on the hotel Wi-Fi before game day.
- Mind the sun. An afternoon at the beach before a night match is great; a sunburn during overtime is not.
- Plan tours around the fixture. Most tours finish by early afternoon, so a morning tour and an evening game work well together.
- Big tournaments. During a World Cup or a Copa América, expect busy rooms and loud cheering. Arrive early and be patient with service.
Watching with a group
Traveling with friends for a bachelor party, a reunion or a team trip? Let us know ahead of time. We can help you plan a table for the match and dinner before or after. For bigger or more private gatherings, see our private events page.
FAQ
Is there a sports bar in Manuel Antonio?
Yes. Several bars in the area show sports, and at ECOTICA, YOLO Social has sports viewing along with dinner, cocktails, live music, games and a casino. Ask ahead to confirm your game is showing.
What time zone is Costa Rica in?
Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time (UTC-6) all year, with no daylight saving time. From about March to early November, it is two hours behind US Eastern time.
Can I watch NFL or Premier League games in Manuel Antonio?
Often, yes, but it depends on the venue and the day. Ask the bar in advance which games they plan to show, and confirm the local kickoff time.
Is YOLO Social open to people not staying at ECOTICA?
Yes, YOLO Social is open to visitors as well as hotel guests. It is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm, and for big games it helps to ask ahead about seating.
Coming for sun and sport? Check availability and rates or ask us what is showing during your stay.
