Eight stadiums, 64 matches, and just a little under 30 days of kickin’, slidin’, and whatever else it takes to be a professional soccer player on the big stage. That’s what you can expect to see during this year’s FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Being that country tightly regulates alcohol sales, the organizers recently confirmed that they will not be selling any such beverage inside the eight stadiums. Here in Tucson, though, there are a few local establishments celebrating the games and there’s going to be beer and cocktails galore.
Here’s a list of a few spots in town that are hosting kick-off parties.
Borderlands Brewing Company
119 E. Toole Ave.
Have you gotten a look at the new Social Club room at the brewery? For the World Cup, they’ll be open extra early so you can catch some of the games. The recently renovated room has a large projected screen and six other TVs. Here’s Borderlands Brewing’s World Cup opening hours schedule:
- Monday, November 21 at noon
- Tuesday, November 22 at 9 a.m.
- Friday, November 25 at noon
- Saturday, November 26 at noon
- Tuesday, November 29 at noon
- Wednesday, November 30 at noon
For more information, follow Borderlands Brewing Company on Instagram.
Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ
1801 N. Stone Ave.
The barbecue joint wants to be your World Cup headquarters this year. On Monday, November 21, they’ll be throwing a viewing party starting at noon featuring $3 Tecate and Heineken.
For more information, follow Brother John’s Beer, Bourbon & BBQ on Instagram.
The Canyon’s Crown Restaurant and Pub
6958 E. Tanque Verde Rd.
On Monday, November 21, the pub will be open starting at 11:30 a.m. to kick off Team USA’s first game. They’ll be serving an early limited menu as well.
For more information, follow Canyon’s Crown on Facebook.
Caps & Corks
3830 W. River Rd. #100
Kick off the World Cup and Team USA’s first match at noon on Monday, November 21. All of Caps & Corks’ TVs will have the volume turned up to 11 and Vianey’s will be serving food. Be on the lookout for drink specials, too.
For more information, follow Caps & Corks on Facebook.
Casino Del Sol
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
On Friday, November 25, the casino is hosting a World Cup viewing party in the Conference Center when Team USA takes on England. The party starts at noon so plan accordingly.
For more information, follow Casino Del Sol on Instagram.
La Botana Tacos
3200 N. First Ave.
On Monday, November 21 at noon, stop by the taco shop because they’ll be showing team USA take on Wales. Plus, they’ll have $3 Michelob Ultra brews.
For more information, follow La Botana Tacos on Facebook.
Pueblo Vida Brewing Company
115 E. Broadway Blvd.
The downtown taproom will be open extra early (sometimes at 6 a.m.) depending on when the games are starting on Monday, November 21. There’s going to be beer, of course, but they’ll be serving coffee from Presta Coffee Roasters, too, being that it’s so dang early.
For more information, follow Pueblo Vida Brewing Company on Facebook.
Reforma
4340 N. Campbell Ave.
Reforma is celebrating Mexico’s first game in the World Cup on Tuesday, November 22. The team takes on Poland at 9 a.m. on the jumbo screen in St. Philip’s Plaza. However, they’ll be open earlier at 8 a.m. if you wanted to get a headstart on some food and drinks.
For more information, follow Reforma on Facebook.
Trident Grill
2033 E. Speedway Blvd.
Beginning Sunday, November 20, Trident Grill at 2033 E. SpeedwayBlvd. will be open early at 9 a.m. They’ll have select breakfast items available, too.
For more information, follow Trident Grill on Facebook.
The Union Jack British Pub & Restaurant
1800 E. University Blvd.
The Union Jack is one of Tucson’s newest sports bars located on University Boulevard. It’s been pretty poppin’ in there since they opened up last month on Main Gate Square. The bar and restaurant will be open early for Team USA’s debut (and every other game before and after that.
For more information, follow The Union Jack on Instagram.
Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
