General Manager Curt Johnson announced today that the Wizards will once again host adidas World Cup Watch Parties at the Truman Sports Complex for each and every match that the United States plays in at the Cup. Fans will be able to gather together and cheer on the U.S. squad, which includes Wizards players Jimmy Conrad, Eddie Johnson, and Josh Wolff. Playing in Group E, the United States opens its World Cup against the Czech Republic on Monday, June 12th, it then faces Italy on, Saturday, June 17th and Ghana on Thursday, June 22nd.
The Wizards will host the parties at the Arrowhead Pavilion except for the June 17th match when the party will be held at the Arrowhead Practice Facility. In addition to the great soccer action, fans can also enjoy food and beverage at an affordable price, compliments of Fazoli's Restaurant.
Four years ago the Wizards hosted some of the largest watch parties in the United States for each of the U.S.'s games, with fans coming out in the middle of the night and early morning to watch the matches. With this year's Cup being played in Germany, just six hours ahead of Kansas City, fans will be able to watch the games during normal waking hours. The viewership of this summer's FIFA World Cup is estimated to exceed 32 billion.
"We are thrilled to again have Arrowhead serve as World Cup Central for all of the U.S.'s games," said Johnson "The success of these Watch Parties in 2002 in the middle of the night was far reaching and I have no doubt Arrowhead will once again be the place to be for fans of the USA. I want to thank adidas, ESPN, and ABC for allowing us to host these free watch parties."
Conrad, Wolff, Johnson and their U.S. teammates, ranked fifth in the latest FIFA World Rankings, open World Cup play on Monday, June 12th against the Czech Republic. Kickoff for their opening game is scheduled for 10:55 a.m. CT and the watch party will be hosted in the Arrowhead Pavilion. Doors are scheduled to open at 10:30 a.m.
The Red, White & Blue's second game of the Cup against Italy on Saturday, June 17th, offers U.S. Soccer and Wizards fans a wonderful chance to enjoy a full day of world-class soccer. The U.S./Italy match is slated for a 2:00 p.m. kickoff. Doors at the Arrowhead Practice Facility are scheduled to open at 1:30 p.m. Later that evening the Wizards host Eastern Conference rival Chicago Fire at 7:30 p.m. in Arrowhead Stadium on Hispanic Heritage Night presented by Budweiser. With the U.S.'s World Cup match scheduled to end around 3:45 p.m. fans are encouraged to take advantage of the ample space that the Truman Sports Complex provides for tailgating opportunities in addition to the Hispanic Heritage Night festivities that are planned. Beginning at 4:00 p.m. there will be live music, food vendors, a beer garden, as well as a number of family friendly activities along Soccer Street (between Gates B and D).
The final game of group play kicks off in the late morning at 8:55 a.m. CT against Ghana on June 22nd. Returning back to the Arrowhead Pavilion for this Thursday match, fans will be offered breakfast items and coffee for purchase because of the early kickoff, also compliments of Fazoli's. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
As the Cup progresses, the Wizards will continue to host the Watch Parties to coincide with the success of the U.S. If the United States advances to the Round of 16 it will play on either Monday, June 26th, or Tuesday the 27th. Games on both dates potentially involving the U.S. are scheduled to kickoff at 10:00 a.m. CT. Quarterfinal rounds are played on June 30th or July 1st, semifinals on July 4th or 5th, and the semifinals and finals will be contested on July 8th and 9th, respectively.
Monday, June 12 - 10:55 a.m.
United States vs. Czech Republic
Arrowhead Pavilion
Doors open at 10:30 a.m. CT
Saturday, June 17 - 2:00 p.m.
United States vs. Italy
Arrowhead Practice Facility
Doors open at 1:30 p.m. CT
Thursday, June 22 - 8:55 a.m.
United States vs. Ghana
Arrowhead Pavilion
Doors open at 8:30 a.m. CT
