Happy World Cup season!
The world’s biggest sporting event is back! While Denver wasn’t selected to host any World Cup games this summer, that doesn’t mean the Mile High City is going to miss out on any of the fun.
For the next month, millions of fans across the globe will gather to cheer on their countries, celebrate their cultures, and experience the drama that only the World Cup can deliver. Denver’s soccer community is ready to do the same, with watch parties, supporters groups, local clubs, and plenty of opportunities to join the excitement.
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fanatic or someone who only tunes in every four years, here are some of the best ways to celebrate the World Cup right here in Denver.
1.)
Attend a Watch Party
The World Cup is best experienced with a crowd.
Throughout the tournament, sports bars, breweries and community gathering spaces will be full of Denverites waking up early, wearing their country’s colors and cheering for every dramatic moment. Keep an eye out for local watch parties hosted by support groups and cultural organizations. If you’re looking to get immersed into the culture of international soccer, this is the most authentic way to do it.
McGregor Square in LoDo will be hosting watch parties on their massive 66-foot outdoor TV during the entirety of the event. Skyline Park on 16th Street is hosting outdoor watch parties, along with 5v5 soccer matches on their mini-fields. Perhaps the most unique watch party will be at the Sie FilmCenter’s GOLAZO event, where key World Cup matchups will be
2.)
Indulge in some International Food
The World Cup is just as much of a cultural celebration and showcase as it is about soccer.
Use it as an excuse to explore the city’s international food scene. Grab some Maria Empanadas while watching Argentina, get some authentic street tacos and elote from a food truck while watching Mexico, watch Germany at a local biergarten like Bierstadt Lagerhaus with a pretzel and bratwurst. The list goes on and on.
Our city is home to restaurants representing cultures from every corner of the world, making it easy to turn match day into a culinary adventure.
3.)
Catch a Game from a Local Club
While there might not be World Cup games in Denver, that doesn’t mean you have to feel far away from the pitch.
If watching the world’s best players inspires you to catch a game in person, Colorado has plenty of options. The state’s top professional club, the Colorado Rapids, plays at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park and competes in Major League Soccer. The Rapids’ season is currently paused during the World Cup, as 44 players across MLS have departed to represent their national teams on the biggest stage. That includes Rapids defender Lucas Herrington, the club’s lone World Cup representative.
The Rapids return to action on July 22, but if that’s too long to wait, consider heading south to see the Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. The reigning USL Championship club isn’t taking a World Cup break and has three home matches scheduled at Weidner Field over the next month.On the women’s side, Denver Summit FC is in the midst of their inaugural season, bringing a new era of soccer to the city. The club has quickly become the focal point of the Denver soccer scene, drawing fans who are eager to build something from the ground up. Summit FC has two home games in the beginning of July, so be sure to check them out.
4.)
Join The American Outlaws
Looking to get into the patriotic spirit ahead of Team USA taking the pitch on home soil? There’s no better way than joining The American Outlaws, the largest U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Team supporters group in the country.
The group, which has over 30,000 members, is known for bringing USA fans together with events like watch parties, kick arounds and more. There are seven chapters across Colorado, hosting official events in Denver, Boulder, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Durango, Pueblo and Castle Rock.
The Denver chapter hosts their watch parties at The Celtic on Market, right next to the Auraria Campus. If the U.S. is playing, it’s a sure bet that American Outlaws are partying and cheering together somewhere near you.
While there’s a $30 annual membership due to join the American Outlaws, joining includes a welcome kit full of gear and discounts on tickets and travel to any Team USA game. If you’re looking to take your fandom to the next level, it’s a solid investment.
5.)
Play the World’s Game Yourself
One of the best parts about soccer is how easy and accessible it is to play. You don’t need expensive equipment, reservations or even a full team. All you need is a ball, a patch of grass and a couple of friends.
While millions of people from around the globe gather to watch the World Cup over the next month, it’s also a perfect excuse to get out and play for yourself. Head to a local park, organize a pickup game or simply just kick the ball around with friends and family.
If you are looking for folks to play with, heading to any of Denver’s larger parks, such as Washington Park, Cheesman Park or Sloan’s Lake Park, is a good place to start. If coordinating pickup isn’t your cup of tea, you can also sign up for a platform like Volo, where you can easily find pickup games across the city online.
Whether you’re eight or 80, a seasoned player or someone who’s never touched a ball before, this sport has a way of bringing people together. Plus, it’s a fun way to soak up some fun and get a little cardio in.
The World Cup is about more than what happens on the field. It’s a celebration of community, culture and the shared experience of cheering alongside millions of people around the world.
Even without hosting matches, Denver is more than capable of capturing that spirit. From packed watch parties and stellar international cuisine to local soccer matches and pickup games at the park, there’s plenty of ways to get in on the action.
Do you have a listicle in mind? Any ideas can be sent to ryland.c.scholes@gmail.com. And don’t forget to check out our events calendar on our website to see what else is happening in our area.
See you next Tuesday with another Bucket Listicle.
Ryland Scholes
Production Manager/ Bucket List Community News
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