The 2006 FIFA World Cup is underway and fans unable to travel to Germany can still experience the passion and pageantry of the biggest spectacle in sports. Supporters are invited to screenings of games presented and endorsed by MLS teams. Many Americans will take two-hour lunch breaks on Monday, June 12 to see the United States play its World Cup opener against the Czech Republic on ESPN2 (Noon ET).
Viewing parties at MLS venues and select locations feature appearances by MLS players and World Cup veterans and an energetic, festive atmosphere.
Below is a list of MLS viewing parties. Times and locations are subject to change. For more information including directions, please visit the team Web sites. Admission is free to all events.
CHICAGO FIRE
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, at Toyota Park, Bridgeview, Ill. Gates open 12 p.m. CT
CHIVAS USA
Viewing parties will be held at the ESPNZone, 1500 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, Calif.
June 11 - Mexico vs. Iran, 8:30 a.m. PT
June 16 - Mexico vs. Angola, 11:55 a.m. PT
June 21 - Portugal vs. Mexico, 6:55 a.m. PT
COLORADO RAPIDS
The Rapids will support viewing parties for all 64 World Cup games. Locations include:
Angel's Sports Bar, 1630 Federal Blvd., 303-825-3606
Aztec Sol, 2219 West 32nd Avenue., 303-TEQUILA
British Bulldog, 2052 Stout Street., 303-295-7974
Celtic Tavern, 1801 Blake Street., 303-308-1795
ESPN Zone, 1187 16th Street., 303-595-3776
Fado Irish Pub, 1735 19th Street, 303-297-0066
Sobo 151 Bar & Grill, 151 South Broadway, 303-778-1560
COLUMBUS CREW
The Crew will host viewing parties for all 64 games at Crew Stadium, located at One Black and Gold Blvd., Columbus, OH 43211. Games will air on four large screens in the Stadium Club tent.
D.C. UNITED
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, The Pour House, Washington D.C., 2:30 p.m. ET
FC DALLAS
FC Dallas will host viewing parties for all 64 games at the Verizon Wireless Club inside Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Tex. Games will air on 30 flat screen televisions and two 19 x 56 foot outdoor screens.
HOUSTON DYNAMO
Houston Dynamo fans will gather at the following locations for all 64 games:
Bull and Bear Tavern and Eatery, 11980 Westheimer, Suite A, Houston, 281-496-6655
The Mezzanine Lounge, 2200 Southwest Freeway at Shepherd/Greenbriar, Houston, 713-528-6399
Hyatt Regency Houston, 1200 Louisiana Street, Houston, 713-646-6935
Home Plate Bar and Grill, 1800 Texas St., Houston, 713-222-1993
Big John's Sports Bar, 6150 Wilcrest Drive, Houston, 281-498-5016.
KANSAS CITY WIZARDS
June 12 - USA vs. Czech Republic, Arrowhead Pavilion, 1 Arrowhead Dr., Doors open at 10:30 a.m. CT
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, Arrowhead Practice Facility, Doors open at 1:30 p.m. CT
June 22 - USA vs. Ghana, Arrowhead Pavilion, 1 Arrowhead Dr., Doors open at 8:30 a.m. CT
LOS ANGELES GALAXY
June 18 - Korea vs. France, STAPLES Center, 1111 S. Figueroa Street, Los Angeles, 11:30 a.m. PT
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, Gillette Stadium, Foxboro, Mass., 2:30 p.m. ET (prior to match vs. D.C. United)
NEW YORK RED BULLS
The Red Bulls will host viewing parties at locations in New York and New Jersey. For more information
call 1-(877) RBSOCCER.
June 12 - USA vs. Czech Republic, Stout NYC, 133 West 33rd St., New York, 11:55 a.m. ET
June 13 - Brazil vs. Croatia, Stout NYC, 33 West 33rd St., New York, 2:55 p.m. ET
June 15 - England vs. Trinidad & Tobago, Mulligans, 159 1st St., Hoboken, N.J., 11:55 a.m. ET
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, the Bubble at Giants Stadium (between Gate A and Gate D) 2:30 p.m.
June 21 - Portugal vs. Mexico, Nevada Smiths, 74 Third Ave., New York, 9:55 a.m. ET
June 22 - USA vs. Ghana, Mulligans, 159 1st St., Hoboken, N.J., 9:55 a.m. ET
REAL SALT LAKE
Eight viewing parties will be held at Salt Lake Pizza & Pasta, 1063 East 2100 South, Salt Lake City
June 12 - USA vs. Czech Republic, 9:55 a.m. MT
June 15 - Ecuador vs. Costa Rica, 9:55 a.m. MT
June 17 - USA vs. Italy, 12:30 p.m. MT
June 20 - Poland vs. Costa Rica, 7:55 a.m. MT
June 22 - USA vs. Ghana, 7:55 a.m. MT
June 24 - Round of 16, Rice Eccles Stadium, 12:55 p.m. MT (prior to match vs. New England)
July 1 - Quarterfinals, West Jordan Soccer Complex, (At Salt Lake Futbolito event)
July 4 - Semifinal, Rice Eccles Stadium, 12:55 p.m. MTP
