This year’s World Cup in Brazil has had quite a few moments to remember. Whether it’s the beautiful first goal by the Netherlands, the dancing Colombian team or the U.S. men’s national soccer team’s nail-biting loss/win against Germany to reach the knockout round, the Cup shows there’s nothing better than some friendly global competition. And on Tuesday at 1 p.m., the United States will have its shot to keep its World Cup run alive for one more game as they go against Belgium in the soccer pitch.
So you’re thinking we may have a chance of beating Belgium and advancing to the quarterfinals. That’s a great thought to have. The world needs people like you out in public cheering on the team and spreading positivity. Downtown Phoenix needs you.
So what better way to support Dempsey, Bradley, Jones, Howard and the gang than by watching the game out in one of several downtown hotspots for soccer fans? Put on your red, white and blue (or Belgian best) and head to one of these welcoming locations.
1. Rose & Crown Pub
The semi-UK-themed pub has opened early for the last two U.S. games (both at 9 a.m.), offering early-morning deals such as breakfast and $3 mimosas. Fans have been coming by the masses, and other deals are bound to be announced on their Facebook page Monday and Tuesday as game time approaches Located on 628 E. Adams Street.
2. FilmBar
The independent theater and bar will be showing the game on the movie screen for those 21 years old and over. It’s free to get in, but you might want to arrive early as there is limited seating inside the theater. Doors open an hour before the game starts. Located on 815 N. Second Street.
3. Crescent Ballroom
The music venue/Mexican-food locale will show the pride of America on two projection screens in the ballroom and the lounge. Deals include $5 burritos and $3 beer. They even have bleacher seats, so you can pretend you’re actually in the stadium watching the game! (Okay, that last one was a bit of a stretch.) Located on 308 N. Second Ave.
4. Short Leash Sit … Stay
The downtown hot-dog mainstay opened its doors early for the last game, offering coffee and doughnuts to a hungry and nervous crowd. That’s hospitality. Check their Facebook page for other announcements on their World Cup plans. Located on 110 E. Roosevelt Street.
5. Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery
I placed this one last on the list, as it is the headquarters for the branch of one of the biggest soccer fan bases in the U.S., the American Outlaws. I saw Outlaws coming into the pub at 9:30 a.m. on the day of the last 1 p.m. U.S. game, so good luck finding a seat. Located on 2 E. Jefferson Street.
There are many downtown options to watch the game with other loyal fans, and these are just a few. So join in the excitement, scream at the referees and leave either bursting with happiness or wallowing in tragic defeat. Either way, it will be an experience. Just don’t ask us to tell you how to take work off.
Contact the reporter at motarola@asu.edu
