Downtown St. Petersburg will host three giant World Cup watch parties

The Rowdies suffered a heartbreaking playoff loss last weekend, but Tampa Bay soccer fans will soon have a different team to root for—even if it's just for a month.

The controversial 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar ahead of Thanksgiving, and Williams Park is hosting big ass parties where fans can watch the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) take on Wales, England and Iran as part of play in Group B.

A press release says watch parties (see schedule below) will feature a high-definition broadcast on an 18-foot screen with surround sound throughout the park.
"Cannons and effects sounding at every USA goal," are also planned.

Tickets are $20 and come with a complimentary beverage (alcoholic if you're old enough, N/A otherwise). Kids 13 and under get in free, and blankets and chairs are encouraged. Leashed pets are welcome, too.
"I wanted this to be a family-friendly atmosphere, and we've been planning and thinking about this for a long time," Pete Boland, who's promoting the events for PMB Events LLC, told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. "The World Cup is in November this year, so an event like this usually isn't an option when the tournament is the summertime."

Also on tap for the World Cup 2022 parties in St. Petersburg's Williams Park (330 2nd Ave. N) are the Tampa Bay Rowdies Kids Zone, plus pregame pep rally activities led by the local chapter of USMNT supporters group American Outlaws.

Live entertainment will come from Acoustic Thunder and Mighty Fine Peppers (Nov. 21), DJ Wizz Kid and Black Honkeys (Nov. 25), plus 22N (Nov. 29). Food includes local vendors like MnM Barbecue’s famous local brisket, JB’s Sweet Addiction, Lucky’s Italian Ice, and more.

USMNT matches kickoff at 2 p.m., and gates open at 11 a.m. A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to marine habitat restoration nonprofit, Ocean Aid 360.

See the schedule and live entertainment for St. Petersburg's World Cup 2020 watch parties at William's Park below.

• Monday, Nov. 21 v. Wales
• Friday, Nov. 25 v. England
• Tuesday, Nov. 29 v. Iran

Will the parties continue when the boys make it out of the group?

"Yes," Boland added. "We have that approved and considered."