The FIFA World Cup is bringing soccer fans together around the globe.
That excitement is showing up right here in Tuscaloosa.
The action might be happening on the field hundreds of miles away, but tonight, two local watch parties brought supporters together to cheer, celebrate and share in one of the world’s biggest sporting events.
“U.S. is doing great. We have a large LED screen. We have one outside,” said Nikki Ray, one of the owners of Sanctuary on 25th. “What better way to celebrate 250 years of America than watching the U.S. soccer team.”
For many fans, the World Cup is about more than just soccer.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the sport with people who share the same passion.
Tonight, local businesses hosted watch parties as supporters filled in to watch U.S.A. take on Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating a World Cup atmosphere right here in Tuscaloosa.
“We have a great atmosphere for kids, all types of families, even dogs, everybody,” said Rob Dunn, general manager of Crimson Tap House. “So trying to get everybody included in the community to get close.”
Organizers say bringing people together is just as important as the match itself.
Whether longtime soccer fans or people watching their first World Cup game, the goal is creating a place where everyone can be part of the experience.
The watch parties also come as interest in soccer continues to grow across the county with the World Cup being hosted in North America.
“We’ve done a bunch of different things in the past for soccer organizations around town,” said Dunn. “We’re trying to get more people enthused and you know go all in for it.”
As the tournament moves into the knockout rounds, organizers said they hope Wednesday is just the beginning, with even more fans coming together for future matches throughout the summer.
“What’s more fun than watching it with other people and having a cold drink? And, you know, that’s America,” said Ray. “That’s Fourth of July, right? Have a cold beer and watch your favorite team play soccer”
Fans say it was about more than the final score, it was about watching the world’s biggest soccer stage together, right here in Tuscaloosa.
The final score USA wins 2-0.
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