FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK) — The world's biggest soccer tournament is kicking off, and one Fort Myers hotspot is inviting Southwest Florida fans to join the party.
As the FIFA World Cup begins, Backyard Social is transforming into a gathering place for soccer enthusiasts, casual fans, and anyone looking for an excuse to celebrate with friends.
The entertainment venue will host a full weekend of World Cup-themed events from Thursday through Saturday, complete with watch parties, international-inspired drinks, and plenty of opportunities to cheer on favorite teams.
The festivities begin with a viewing of the tournament's opening match.
Guests can settle in with food and drinks while watching the first chapter of the month-long global competition unfold.
The excitement continues Friday night when Team USA takes on Paraguay.
The watch party begins at 8 p.m., and fans are encouraged to show their team spirit by wearing jerseys, country colors, or soccer gear.
On Saturday, Backyard Social will take the World Cup experience a step further with its "Drink Around the World" celebration. Running from noon to 10 p.m., the event will feature country-themed drink stations inspired by Italy, France, the United States, Mexico, and Japan. Visitors can sample beverages from around the globe while catching World Cup matches throughout the day.
The event is designed to capture the international spirit of the tournament, bringing together different cultures, friendly competition, and a shared love of the game in one lively setting.
Whether you're a lifelong soccer fan who follows every match or someone simply looking for a fun weekend outing, Backyard Social hopes to create an atmosphere where everyone can join the excitement.
For head bar manager Tucker Zahorian, this event is something you're not going to want to miss. "We're setting up even more chairs on the lawn for people to come on out. The atmosphere here during the games is electric."
This isn't the first time Backyard Social has held a FIFA World Cup watch party. Events manager, Aileen Widger, says they're excited to do it all over again, " It brings together people from all over the world and creates common ground. This event will also bring in so many people to support a local business."
Backyard Social is located at 16371 Corporate Commerce Way in Fort Myers. All events are open to the public.
Event Schedule
Thursday, June 11
World Cup Opening Match Viewing at 3 pm
Friday, June 12
USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party
8 p.m.
Saturday, June 13
"Drink Around the World" Celebration Starts at 5 pm
Country-themed drink stations representing the USA, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, and Spain, with World Cup match viewing throughout the day
As soccer fans across the globe turn their attention to the World Cup, Southwest Florida residents won't have to travel far to find a place to join the celebration.
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