I was in Germany in 2006 and the fan fests were outstanding. I will be in Virginia Beach for the England vs USA game attending the North American Sand Soccer Championships where 10,000+ players will be in attendance. I have requested a jumbo screen on the beach so participants can watch the match in a fan fest style. Are there any other fan fests being held in America? For a Saturday afternoon (US East Coast kick off time) with a match of this significance, this really tests the powers and collaborative energies of US soccer fans, who I have found the most apathetic in the world since I moved to the US 20 years ago.
I wouldn't expect anything like the Germany 2006 Fan Fests in the USA. (I was in Frankfurt and the huge multi-sided screen in the middle of the Main River was fantastic with viewing on both banks and a huge ferris wheel). I know that Columbus Crew stadium had watch parties in 2002 with a big screen. I don't know if that will be repeated or not. I think I read something about DC requesting a big screen for a watch party somewhere (maybe on BS) but I can't seem to locate it.
Erm ... have the organisers of this 10,000 person event got back to you about your request? Coz, it would seem a bit previous to start talking about "other fan fests" if they haven't. "I have requested ...". They might, you know ... not bother. And then it would be you, a fourpack of Bud Light and an empty beach, rather than a "fan fest". On the other hand, if you can just request something and they do it, I feel you've sold yourself short with "a jumbo screen". A bit of imagination in order, I feel.
AT&T Park is having a huge fan fest for the England vs. U.S. game, It's free and I would have to imagine it's going to get a lot of supporters.
House of Blues in Boston will have one as well. Will be open for the Argentina-Nigeria match earlier that morning as well.
I could not find any announcement of this. (http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/ballpark_events.jsp) Can you elaborate?
I heard, but can't confirm, that there's going to be another full-screen airing of the final on Boston's City Hall Plaza.
It's true. http://www.nesn.com/2010/06/world-cup-boston-2010-hosts-soccer-and-cultural-events-in-the-hub.html
It's been in the media here. Here's a link: http://sanfrancisco.giants.mlb.com/sf/ballpark/ballpark_events.jsp
San Francisco also has a W.Cup jumbotron going up at Civic Center in front of City Hall: http://www.sfexaminer.com/local/World-Cup-action-to-be-broadcast-on-big-screen-94331439.html
Several soccer friendly pubs in Indianapolis are gearing up for what should be packed houses once again. Indiana USA fans, pm me.
We're going to have an interesting mix at the sports bar in NE Massachusetts where I work - a bunch of Englishmen here for work for the summer will be there on Saturday with a bunch of USA supporters. We're warming up the 10 foot TV now for the first serious soccer crowd we've ever had.
In Denver the Rapids are sponsoring a giant TV on Stout St. in between Boradway and 21st for the USA x England game (the location is in front of British Bulldog, a soccer-watching center in Denver). (http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=123185851055732&ref=mf)
Discovery Green Park in Houston is having a screening and festival for every U.S. and Mexico (its houston afterall) match. Its pretty nice out there and there was a big turnout today (1,000+)
