It's no secret, World Cup fever is in full swing around the world and yes, also here in North Texas, especially with the upcoming football (okay soccer for you Yanks) match between the USA and England on Saturday. Kick-off time of 1:30 p.m. in DFW.
Just in case you are not familiar with the World Cup or have been living under a rock for the past few years, it's a tournament where the world comes together every four years to play a match or two, the Olympics of football. OK, OK, soccer if you will.
Yes the fever is just as contagious as a Super Bowl, World Series or Stanley Cup for many soccer fans. In fact, I'm going home today to brush off my England jersey and get it ready for Saturday.
Now don't judge me. I'm sure you are thinking I should be cheering for the USA, but I grew up in London and have been an England and Arsenal Football Club fan my whole life. And this is the best time to cheer for my home country, so I'm on board as Zane Lowe from BBC Radio 1 would say.
Saturday's game should be a good one. This is the first time England and the USA have played against each other in a World Cup since 1950. And if you want to read what to expect, check out this preview by our very own RJ Marquez - who is an ever bigger soccer fan than I am. Or check out this Nike commercial guaranteed to give you goose bumps.
Now if that doesn't get you in the mood, maybe this will, A list of some of the best places to watch World Cup games. We begin with a favorite of myself, my family and many of my friends.
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The Londoner Pub
14930 Midway Road
Addison
972-458-2444
(locations also in Dallas and Frisco) Doors open when earliest game of day begins (6:30am). Alcohol served at 7am Mon.-Sat. 10am Sunday only if you purchase food. Great atmosphere and drink specials including $4.50 Stella Artrois all day everyday and $2.50 Coors Light.
Trinity Hall
5321 E. Mockingbird Lane
Dallas
214-887-3600
(open for every World Cup game no matter what the time) Doors open when earliest game of day begins (6:30am). Trinity Hall was designed with an authentic Irish feel, so it has one of the best Irish menus and whiskey & scotch collections in North Texas. Huge crowd expected for US/England matches. Extra seating for big matches at Angelika Theaters, Vapiano and Margarita Ranch & Rockfish. No reservations necessary. Dallas location is a good time.
Fox And Hound-Sports, Spirits and Fun (7 Locations)
2 in Ft. Worth and Dallas, Arlington, Richardson and Lewisville
Doors open at 8am every day during World Cup. Special breakfast menu and a number of drink specials including $5 Michelinas, Bloody Marys and Mimosas for the early bird crowd at all 7 locations. Great atmosphere and huge crowds expected for big matches. Tarrant County residents should take note, this is one of the few spots west of Dallas where you can watch a match with real soccer fans.
Now don't forget, Mexico also plays on Friday against South Africa, kick-off bright and early at 9 a.m.
Zaguan
2604 Oak Lawn Ave
Dallas
214-219-8393
(Head on over for the Mexico game on Friday)
Pizza Hut Park Stadium Club
FC Dallas
Mexico v South Africa (9am) Friday
Other places to watch Saturdays match
Victory Park in downtown Dallas. USA vs. England match hosted by FC Dallas. It's free and parking is only $5.
Lochrann's Irish Pub
6195 Main Street
Frisco
214-423-2600
Sherlock's Baker St. Pub and Grill
254 Lincoln Square
Arlington
817-226-2300
Attending a world cup party? Send your pictures to isee@nbcdfw.com.
RJ Marquez contributed to this article.
