St. Petersburg’s soccer community is preparing for what organizers expect will be the region’s largest World Cup watch parties, as Team USA begins group-stage play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Watch Party Details
PMB Events, the company behind Paddy Fest St. Pete, has partnered with Michelob Ultra, Great Bay Distributors, the American Outlaws St. Petersburg chapter, and the Tampa Bay Rowdies to host viewing events at three downtown venues.
The series begins with the United States facing Paraguay at Al Lang Stadium, followed by matches against Australia at Jannus Live and Türkiye at Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill. Each venue will feature a 20-foot LED screen, pregame rallies, live entertainment, giveaways, and supporter-led chants designed to recreate the atmosphere of a World Cup stadium.
Pete Boland, president of PMB Events and owner of Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern, said the appeal extends beyond simply watching a soccer match. ‘If you’re walking through the door into a USA World Cup event, you are going to experience a special frantic energy and the rare feeling of being a part of a completely partisan crowd,’ Boland said.
The watch parties arrive as soccer continues gaining traction throughout St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay. Interest in European leagues, international tournaments, and local professional soccer has grown steadily over the past decade, with Al Lang Stadium serving as a focal point for the sport’s regional fan base.
A portion of proceeds will support Ocean Aid 360, a nonprofit focused on marine habitat restoration, and The Williams Park Partnership, which works to enhance and activate downtown St. Petersburg’s historic Williams Park. Tickets are $10 for each event, and all three watch parties are restricted to guests 21 and older.
Original reporting: St. Pete Catalyst — read the source article.
