People from around the globe rejoice! The World Cup has begun! On Thursday the games begin in Russia, and though the USA did not make the cut this year (poor, poor Christian Pulisic), there are still 32 teams worth watching from across the planet.
Because Tampa is a city full of culture from all around the globe, sports bars and restaurants alike will be filled with fans rooting for their home team. Here are some of our favorite places to watch the world's biggest sporting event in Tampa. The World Cup brings out some of the most passionate fans in all of sport, and enjoying the game with friends is as much a part of the experience as the football.
American Social Tampa
American Social is the new kid in town but they’ve already proven that they’re a destination for any occasion. This weekend with the World Cup in full swing, AmSo is opening their doors early (11 a.m.) each day so you can root for your home team. There are drink specials throughout the tournament as well, with $20 Heineken and Heineken Light buckets and $4 Absolut cocktails. Stop by their Facebook page for a chance to be one of the lucky winners of a free brunch with unlimited mimosas!
MacDinton's
MacDinton’s is welcoming people from all over the globe to watch all 63 matches of the 2018 World Cup. Doors open early for the first game between Russia and Saudi Arabia this Thursday at 9 a.m. The game begins at 11 a.m., but they’re lifting the lid early for the opening ceremony. Happy hour specials include $6 appetizers such as the pub pretzel, Irish potato skins and fried pickle spears. Drink specials include $12 domestic beer buckets and select premium liquor drinks for only $5. Heads up: if the game is in the afternoon/evening, be sure to get there 30 minutes in advance, as MacDinton’s is full of regulars at this time.
O'Brien's Irish Pub Brandon
If you live across the Selmon Expressway and want to watch the games with a crowd of people that love soccer just as much as you do, head to O’Briens in Brandon. The first day of the World Cup, O’Briens opens at 9 a.m. for the opening ceremonies, followed by the Russia vs. Saudi Arabia game at 11 a.m. Drink specials like $3.75 Modelo’s, $4 Heineken drafts and $4 Carlsberg’s will keep you cheering. If you’re hungry, they’ll also be serving some of their All-American cuisine for special prices depending on who’s playing. Stop by O’Briens for a passionate crowd filled with fans from all around the globe.
Yeoman's Cask & Lion Pub
It’s safe to say we know exactly who their rooting for at Yeoman’s: England! But that doesn’t mean you have to root for them there, and that's probably for the best if you want to avoid heartbreak and disappointment. Specials will include Budweiser, Bud Light and Modelo during the World Cup this year for those of you who want a cold stein in hand during the game. On June 15th the Modelo girls will be handing out free samples in celebration of the World Cup! So be sure to stop by and join in on the fun at Yeoman’s during the World Cup.
Caddy's on the Beach
Do you like watching soccer while sunning your buns? Come to Caddy’s to root your team on from the shores of St. Pete Beach. Be sure to grab a bucket of beer as you sit by the ocean and cheer for your favorite team. If you’re hungry try their Reuben sandwich, which according to me is the best in the Bay! And if you like soccer on the sand bring a soccer ball so you can show the crowd at Caddy’s what the World Cup is missing!
Gator’s Dockside
Gator’s Dockside, near USF, is having a World Cup Watch Party that you just can’t miss! They’re giving away free appetizers for parties of 4 or larger! So bring all your friends along for the game and get either super nachos or onion petals for free. They will be giving away coupons to guests who plan to attend and pitcher specials will continue throughout the game.
Glory Days Grill
Glory Days is the perfect place to watch the World Cup this weekend. They will open an hour early around 10am for the final game. The final game will be playing on all 20 of their flat screen TV’s and fans will go wild at each of the buzzers! Be sure to get there early as they plan to have a large crowd for the game.
London Heights British Pub
London Heights British Pub, the neighborhood pub of Seminole Heights is hosting the FIFA World Cup Finals 2018 Watch Party this Sunday at 10am. Food and drink specials and prize giveaways are happening throughout the day as well. The Grand Prize is becoming a London Heights VIP and receiving 20% off for a year! Seating is first come, first serve so plan to arrive early!
Prime Time Sports Grill
Prime Time Sports Grill is a great place filled with sports fans of all kinds, including a slew of soccer fans. They will have both buckets and pitchers of beer for special prices. Be sure to give their fried pickles and game time pretzel because they’re off the charts!
During the last World Cup in 2014 3.2 billion people worldwide tuned in to watch their favorite team compete for the trophy. And though the USA did not make it this year, there are expected to be a lot of passionate fans in the Tampa Bay area. Stop by any of these bars and restaurants to root for your team alongside fellow fans!
And for more information on sports in Tampa Bay, check out 813area: your free local guide to everything going on in the Bay!
Image Courtesy of Flickr.
