As the United States advances in the World Cup, so, too, will the viewing experience.
Soccer fans across Tampa Bay will be able to follow the action from the Americans’ Round of 32 match on Wednesday on more and bigger screens at a watch party at Al Lang Stadium, home of the Rowdies in St. Petersburg.
“The Rowdies are excited to welcome fans into Al Lang Stadium for what will be a can’t-miss event for any local soccer fan,” said team president Ryan Helfrick. “… The response from fans at our initial watch party was tremendous, and I’m sure that the atmosphere at the July 1 watch party will top that.”
More than 3,000 fans filled Al Lang on June 12 to watch the United States open play in the World Cup with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay. It was the first of three watch parties for the U.S.’s group-stage matches that PMB events hosted in St. Petersburg.
The third, for tonight’s final group match against Turkey, will be at 10 p.m. at Ferg’s Pavilion. Gates open at 8. Tickets can be purchased here.
Wednesday at Al Lang, fans will be able to watch the Round of 32 match on a larger main screen set up on the field, as well as two additional screens in front of each dugout suite. The match also will be displayed on the stadium’s main videoboard.
Tickets to the event, which is open to all ages, can be purchased for $10 at rowdiessoccer.com/wcwp. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Ocean Aid 360 for marine habitat restoration and The Williams Park Partnership, a nonprofit organization helping to revitalize St. Petersburg’s historic urban park.
Seating is general admission and first come, first served. Parking in the stadium lot is cash-only, with spots available for $10. Gates will open at 6 p.m., ahead of the match’s 8 p.m. kickoff.
Michelob Ultra will be on hand with giveaways and swag for fans in attendance, and radio stations 102.5 The Bone and Magic 94.9 will have a presence. American Outlaw’s local St. Petersburg chapter will add to the atmosphere with a pre-match pep rally and songs throughout the night.
Food and drink concessions will be available for purchase on the stadium concourse, including Colony Grill pizza.
