Chicago’s Soldier Field will today host a USMNT World Cup Watch Party where event organizers are expecting more than 20,000 soccer fans to cheer on Team USA.
Home to the NFL’s Chicago Bears and multiple USMNT matches down the years, the stadium has a capacity of over 60,000. Even in a stadium that will be just one-third full, the atmosphere promises to be electric during the USA-Belgium game, which kicks off at 4pm ET/3pm CT.
Stadium gates open at 1:30 p.m. and admission to the stadium is free. Regular Soldier Field parking rates apply.
The viewing party will feature ESPN’s live feed of the match displayed on the north end zone video board. Fans will have access to watch the game on the field and in the stands.
Chicago, like so many other cities across the country, is showing how much they love their U.S. men’s national team. A win against Belgium on Tuesday, and that love could continue to increase.
Chicago is home to seven different professional sports teams, and every single one of them is supported fervently by the town’s millions of inhabitants.
It’s also home to the U.S. Soccer Federation, so it comes as no surprise that the city is setting the standard when it comes to supporting the U.S. Men’s National Team.
It all began with the USMNT’s game against Ghana, when thousands filed into downtown’s Grant Park to watch the match on a big screen. Two hours and three points later, the video of the park’s celebrations went viral.
Thanks to John Brooks’ late header, the bandwagon was off and running across the country, and Chicago was no different. Officials expected an even bigger crowd for the Americans game against Portugal, so it was moved to larger portion of Grant Park. Unfortunately, rain the night before meant the location had to be moved again, this time to a place with a smaller capacity. Nobody was surprised to see an 20,000 fans turnout once again, with some fans even being turned away at the gate.
Thursday’s game against Germany fell at an inconvenient time for many Americans, and the crowds in Chicago didn’t quite live up to their predecessors. But now, a knockout round matchup with Belgium is a expected to bring the big crowds again.
