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Looking for a lively crowd to watch the FIFA World Cup? Jackson has several spots hosting World Cup watch parties.
Though the U.S. men's national soccer team faced a last-second loss to Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, local bars and their patrons remain optimistic. Since the team won Group D after beating Paraguay and Australia, the loss on Thursday did not prevent Team USA from reaching the knockout stages.
The USMNT will face off Bosnia and Herzegovina in an upcoming match on Wednesday, July 1. The match is crucial for USMNT being their first-ever knockout-round game in the modern World Cup era.
From longstanding soccer fans to Jackson locals, here is where to watch the World Cup game this Wednesday.
First stop on the list is The Station and Fondren Yard in Jackson, which has drawn large crowds throughout the tournament, especially for team U.S.A. matches. Manager Ty Bounds said the atmosphere is what keeps people coming back for more.
"It's really just about bringing the community together, the vibes are immaculate out here," Bounds said.
Bounds said he was surprised by how packed The Station is for every game.
"We've seen everybody from everywhere. Some familiar faces, but mostly I'm seeing a lot of new people coming out to these watch parties," Bounds said. "It's nice having everyone out here in their uniforms pulling for their teams."
Hardy Lewis, a Johannesburg, South Africa native who played at Mississippi State and now coaches with Mississippi Rush United, said he was pleasantly surprised by the watch party turnout.
"Coming from South Africa, I didn't expect a lot, but now that I'm here, it's a lot bigger than I thought it was. Just looking around the yard here there's probably about 100, 200 people, and I didn't think we'd get 50," Lewis said.
Bounds recommended visitors to try their dill pickle pizza and new craft cocktail menu when watching the games.
Fertile Ground Co. has also become a popular spot for World Cup Watch parties, drawing energetic crowds and turning match nights into a social event for regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Co‑founder and Chief Operating Officer Conner Reeves said the venue has leaned into the growing demand for soccer, with strong turnout during past tournaments and even more interest this year.
"We had a great turnout (four years ago) and we were excited to open the doors and see who showed up," Reeves said. We've had a great turnout this year as well."
Reeves said the turnout to these parties has increased since Qatar in 2022 because of improved kickof times, with more matches now falling in the evening.
"Those games four years ago were in the middle of the day. These have been in the afternoon or evening," Reeves said.
Bartender Michael Lamb said the atmosphere during World Cup matches stands out compared to other sporting events.
"Watch parties are just really high energy," Lamb said. "People are excited for soccer. It seems like the sport that really brings people together."
Reeves echoed this sentiment, reflecting on both the past world cup and this year's.
"During the World Cup, there's extra camaraderie around the game and just being together and cheering the team USA."
Lamb said the crowd includes both longtime soccer fans and newcomers, both bringing their own sense of creativity.
"We've had people dress up as George Washington, people get really into it, it makes it fun behind the bar" Lamb said, "it gets loud."
Fertile Ground also introduced a new house beer called Fertile Ground Light, to add to the game day experience for fans watching on the patio and inside.
Fondren Public has become the home base for the Jackson chapter of the American Outlaws, the official supporters for the U.S. men's and women's national soccer teams.
Garrod Lee, a member of the Jackson chapter, and his wife Catherine Lee, the chapter's vice president, said the choice came naturally because of their long-standing connection with the bar.
"It's kind of like the neighborhood spot," Garrad said. "We're there all the time."
Since partnering with the American Outlaws, owner and operator Jimmy Quinn said the bar has transformed into a soccer hub, complete with members decorating the space with flags and scarves and organizing match events.
"The turnout's been great. Camaraderie's been great. It's been a blast," Quinn said.
Catherine said the group helps run watch parties at the bar and sees them as central to building a stronger local soccer community.
"We try to build that community and network." Catherine said. "We hope to do more parties like this next year leading up to the Women's World Cup."
These World Cup watch parties have also benefited Fondren Public, leading to new menu offerings and gameday deals, including wings, sausage dogs, pizzas and other fan favorites.
Quinn has simple advice for first timers: "Prepare to get loud, prepare to have fun. You'll leave with a bunch of friends."
Beyond Jackson proper there are plenty of ways to get connected and watch the World Cup.
For those with a short attention span, Topgolf patrons can catch the games on a wall of 225 TV screens while hitting in over 60 bays. More into putt-putt? Topgolf also offers a nine-hole mini golf course and a full-service rooftop bar.
Each bay can fit up to six players, and costs vary by hour. Prices typically range from $30 to $56 depending on the time of day, but Topgolf offers a "Half off golf" deal on Mondays through Thursdays, just in time for the game on Thursday.
Located in Madison and Flowood, Georgia Blue will be playing the World Cup matches across multiple TV's spanning multiple rooms. Known for its po'boys and live music, Georgia Blue offers a space to enjoy "sophisticated food and a laid-back style."
Email Mary Evans story tips at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson bars welcome FIFA World Cup crowds watch parties. Where to go
Continue reading...
Though the U.S. men's national soccer team faced a last-second loss to Türkiye on Thursday, June 25, local bars and their patrons remain optimistic. Since the team won Group D after beating Paraguay and Australia, the loss on Thursday did not prevent Team USA from reaching the knockout stages.
The USMNT will face off Bosnia and Herzegovina in an upcoming match on Wednesday, July 1. The match is crucial for USMNT being their first-ever knockout-round game in the modern World Cup era.
From longstanding soccer fans to Jackson locals, here is where to watch the World Cup game this Wednesday.
The Station in Fondren
First stop on the list is The Station and Fondren Yard in Jackson, which has drawn large crowds throughout the tournament, especially for team U.S.A. matches. Manager Ty Bounds said the atmosphere is what keeps people coming back for more.
"It's really just about bringing the community together, the vibes are immaculate out here," Bounds said.
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Bounds said he was surprised by how packed The Station is for every game.
"We've seen everybody from everywhere. Some familiar faces, but mostly I'm seeing a lot of new people coming out to these watch parties," Bounds said. "It's nice having everyone out here in their uniforms pulling for their teams."
Hardy Lewis, a Johannesburg, South Africa native who played at Mississippi State and now coaches with Mississippi Rush United, said he was pleasantly surprised by the watch party turnout.
"Coming from South Africa, I didn't expect a lot, but now that I'm here, it's a lot bigger than I thought it was. Just looking around the yard here there's probably about 100, 200 people, and I didn't think we'd get 50," Lewis said.
Bounds recommended visitors to try their dill pickle pizza and new craft cocktail menu when watching the games.
Fertile Ground Beer Co. in Belhaven
Fertile Ground Co. has also become a popular spot for World Cup Watch parties, drawing energetic crowds and turning match nights into a social event for regulars and first-time visitors alike.
Co‑founder and Chief Operating Officer Conner Reeves said the venue has leaned into the growing demand for soccer, with strong turnout during past tournaments and even more interest this year.
"We had a great turnout (four years ago) and we were excited to open the doors and see who showed up," Reeves said. We've had a great turnout this year as well."
Reeves said the turnout to these parties has increased since Qatar in 2022 because of improved kickof times, with more matches now falling in the evening.
"Those games four years ago were in the middle of the day. These have been in the afternoon or evening," Reeves said.
Bartender Michael Lamb said the atmosphere during World Cup matches stands out compared to other sporting events.
"Watch parties are just really high energy," Lamb said. "People are excited for soccer. It seems like the sport that really brings people together."
Reeves echoed this sentiment, reflecting on both the past world cup and this year's.
"During the World Cup, there's extra camaraderie around the game and just being together and cheering the team USA."
Lamb said the crowd includes both longtime soccer fans and newcomers, both bringing their own sense of creativity.
"We've had people dress up as George Washington, people get really into it, it makes it fun behind the bar" Lamb said, "it gets loud."
Fertile Ground also introduced a new house beer called Fertile Ground Light, to add to the game day experience for fans watching on the patio and inside.
Fondren Public
Fondren Public has become the home base for the Jackson chapter of the American Outlaws, the official supporters for the U.S. men's and women's national soccer teams.
Garrod Lee, a member of the Jackson chapter, and his wife Catherine Lee, the chapter's vice president, said the choice came naturally because of their long-standing connection with the bar.
"It's kind of like the neighborhood spot," Garrad said. "We're there all the time."
Since partnering with the American Outlaws, owner and operator Jimmy Quinn said the bar has transformed into a soccer hub, complete with members decorating the space with flags and scarves and organizing match events.
"The turnout's been great. Camaraderie's been great. It's been a blast," Quinn said.
Catherine said the group helps run watch parties at the bar and sees them as central to building a stronger local soccer community.
"We try to build that community and network." Catherine said. "We hope to do more parties like this next year leading up to the Women's World Cup."
These World Cup watch parties have also benefited Fondren Public, leading to new menu offerings and gameday deals, including wings, sausage dogs, pizzas and other fan favorites.
Quinn has simple advice for first timers: "Prepare to get loud, prepare to have fun. You'll leave with a bunch of friends."
Beyond Jackson proper there are plenty of ways to get connected and watch the World Cup.
Topgolf in Ridgeland
For those with a short attention span, Topgolf patrons can catch the games on a wall of 225 TV screens while hitting in over 60 bays. More into putt-putt? Topgolf also offers a nine-hole mini golf course and a full-service rooftop bar.
Each bay can fit up to six players, and costs vary by hour. Prices typically range from $30 to $56 depending on the time of day, but Topgolf offers a "Half off golf" deal on Mondays through Thursdays, just in time for the game on Thursday.
Georgia Blue
Located in Madison and Flowood, Georgia Blue will be playing the World Cup matches across multiple TV's spanning multiple rooms. Known for its po'boys and live music, Georgia Blue offers a space to enjoy "sophisticated food and a laid-back style."
Email Mary Evans story tips at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Jackson bars welcome FIFA World Cup crowds watch parties. Where to go
Continue reading...
