Excited to watch Team USA in the World Cup? Check out these Centre County watch parties
After a four-year wait, the FIFA World Cup has finally returned — and several spots around Happy Valley are hosting watch parties to celebrate Team USA’s opening match.
The quadrennial sporting event officially kicks off Thursday afternoon. But the U.S. Men’s National Team (USMNT) plays its first game at 9 p.m. Friday against Paraguay, and that’s the match local fans are preparing for.
Here’s a closer look at the announced USMNT watch parties that treat the World Cup like a major event. If we missed any, email jmoyer@centredaily.com to get them added.
East End Social Watch Party
Where: Downtown State College (Outdoors) at Hiester Street
When: 7:30 p.m. Friday
This all-ages event will take place outdoors at the “pocket park” that opened last month. This is seen as a family-friendly event, so the beer garden and open container exception will not be in effect so those younger than 21 can still share in the watch party experience. In other words, there will be no alcohol at this event. And it’s not BYOB.
This watch party was organized by Centre Soccer Association in collaboration with East End Social, State College Borough, and Centre Region Parks and Recreation. Centre Soccer initially wanted to host this at Fogleman Field but, given the late start time, it instead audibled to East End Social — which plans to remain open until 11:30 p.m., about 90 minutes later than usual for other evening events.
There will be one big screen, with audio, and it’s the same screen that Parks and Rec has used for past pop-up movies. Organizers said the event can handle more than 250 people and, while there will be no food vendors on-hand, organizers encourage attendees to grab something at the surrounding businesses.
In the case of thunderstorms, attendees will be asked to seek shelter and the watch party will be temporarily suspended until the storms subside. Admission is free.
HiWay Pizza Pub Watch Party
Where: 1301 W. College Ave. (Ferguson Township)
When: 8 p.m. Friday
All of the main TVs indoors, outside on the terrazza and downstairs at Alla Spina will be tuned in to the game — and the match’s audio will also be playing throughout the restaurant.
For those who prefer alcohol with their sports, HiWay plans to have drink specials involving the “official” beer and hard seltzer sponsors of U.S. Soccer — Michelob Ultra and Truly Hard Seltzer.
A 16-ounce draft of Michelob Ultra will cost $4, and a 16-ounce can of Truly Wild Berry will also cost $4. Free swag from both sponsors will also be available for a limited time.
The usual menu can be found online. And seats will be first come, first served.
Axemann Brewery Watch Party
Where: 2042 Axemann Road (Spring Township)
When: 8 p.m. Friday
Axemann is still finalizing a few things, so plans could slightly change. But, as of Wednesday, the idea is to have a large indoor projector and screen showing the match near the gaming area — so it lines up well with the high-top tables. Other TVs at the bar will be tuned into the game, and match audio is expected to be piped through the brewery as if it’s a Penn State football game.
The brewery has already said it will stay open past its normal hours if the match runs long. And Friday’s all-day special is $4 drafts in tailgate cans.
The usual menus, for Flo Bros. Pizza and Marin Eats, can be found online. And, for those looking for something to do before the match, Axemann is hosting musician Ben Lambert from 6-8 p.m. Friday.
Staying at home? How to watch
Each participating World Cup team will play three games during this opening Group Stage that runs through June 27. Team USA will face Paraguay at 9 p.m. Friday, Australia at 3 p.m. June 19 and Türkiye at 10 p.m. June 25.
There are 48 competing teams, and 32 will advance past the Group Stage and to the Knockout Rounds. It’s single-elimination from there on out, with the World Cup Final scheduled for July 19.
Here’s how to watch USMNT’s first match:
When: 9 p.m. (ET) Friday, June 12
Where: Los Angeles Stadium (Inglewood, California)
TV: FOX | Stream: Fox One
Who’s calling the game: John Strong (Play-by-Play), Stu Holden (Analysis), Jenny Taft (Sideline)
