World Cup fever is here.
On Thursday, June 11, fans in the green jerseys of Mexico filled the streets of Phoenix, filing their way into watch parties and friends’ houses for the opening match. After El Tri’s 2-0 win, cars blared their horns in celebration.
On Friday, June 12, it’s the United States’ turn, as the Americans take on Paraguay in their first World Cup match on home soil since 1994.
And all across the Valley, sports bars are making their preparations. For those that have carved out a niche as the home to soccer watch parties, this is a crescendo. Among them: George and Dragon in midtown, Kettle Black downtown and Crown Public House next to Chase Field.
The biggest party of the U.S. World Cup run, though, will be at Tombstone Brewing Company in Arcadia. That’s where the Phoenix chapter of the American Outlaws — the national team’s largest supporters’ group — will be hosting its watch parties.
Jamara Saah, the president of American Outlaws Phoenix, estimated that the group has 350 members, with the majority set to be in attendance for each watch party.
For many, this is a frustrating consolation prize. The World Cup is taking place in their backyard, with the Americans’ first game at SoFi Stadium, just outside of Los Angeles. But for most fans, the cheapest ticket available for the opener was listed at an astronomical $1,120 — a price in line with tickets to the final match of previous tournaments.
So instead of making the trip to Los Angeles, these die-hards plan to host the party in Phoenix, watching from afar.
“We want to create that in-game experience,” Saah said. “… With this World Cup and the pricing, a lot of people can’t afford to (go to games). But you can find your local chapter bar and you can get that like-minded experience.”
(This story will be updated. Check back soon.)
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Across Phoenix, watch parties ready for USMNT World Cup opener
About the Author
