World Cup fever has gripped the globe.
Billions of eyes are trained on host team South Africa, with people calculating odds, watching stats, sizing up future competitors.
Except, of course, in the United States.
We know about it here, and many of us will probably watch a game or two to get in the spirit of things. But as a nation, we are nowhere near as soccer-mad as the countries where it’s called “football.”
Nonetheless, there are still pockets of soccer fanatics here. Some are expatriates of soccer-loving lands, some are natives who simply enjoy the sport.
Whatever their story, they’re in trouble when the month-long World Cup tournament rolls around. Sure, it’ll be easy enough to catch matches on cable, but what about when they want to gather with other fans? Americans aren’t as unified in our love of Team USA as are the fans of, say, the Brazilian team. They’ve got the entire country pulling for them — we’ve got fans from all over cheering for their favorites.
Luckily, Denver’s bars are stepping up to the World Cup challenge and preparing to show games from all sorts of countries — even opening early to bring in fans.
The Funky Buddha (776 Lincoln St.) is planning to open every day for World Cup soccer, starting today at 7 a.m.
With the 8-hour time difference between Denver and Johannesburg, superfans will have to rise and shine to catch live matches. Hence, the Buddha will serve coffee and a breakfast buffet during the Cup — a nice touch.
Over at Fado (1735 19th St.) they’re billing themselves as “the official bar of U.S. soccer.” They’ve got the schedule to prove it, promising that all 64 games of the tournament will be shown live at the pub.
That means, yes, that they’ll be open at 5:30 a.m. Saturday to start their World Cup revelry with the Greece-vs.-South Korea match. Hearty breakfasts will be served, with optional beers on the side. The U.S.-vs.-England match begins at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, so don’t pregame too hard.
Fado’s website () is worth a visit, too, with the full schedule of games, links to American soccer blogs and even a fantasy World Cup game.
Oak Tavern (1414 Market St.) is taking a more laid-back approach by just making sure to show the games. Still, they’ll be opening at noon on select dates as well, including Saturday and Tuesday. Lotus Concepts marketing director Brittany Barlet says that Colorado Rapids players will be in attendance at the early games, too — try to eavesdrop on their conversations for expert commentary.
Sobo 151 (151 S. Broadway), a Czech bar and restaurant, is hosting World Cup parties in the Baker neighborhood. They’re opening early for games at 8 a.m. — that’s 4 p.m. South Africa time.
For a quick soccer fix, stop in at GB Fish and Chips (1311 S. Broadway, Denver, and 2175 Sheridan Blvd., Edgewater). It’s not a bar, but they do have plenty of beer and TVs, and the United Kingdom vibe is strong. They’re opening at 8 a.m. every day during the tournament, with beer specials and giveaways. Plus, kids eat free during the games.
It’s a good place to pop into for a hearty basket of fish and chips — or perhaps another U.K. delicacy — and catch up on the day’s events.
You’ll need the fuel. It’s going to be a crazy month.
Long-winded Brit.
Step away from World Cup craziness at Beta (1909 Blake St.). On Saturday, the club welcomes British house head Lee Burridge. Burridge puts his own spin on his shows, adding elements of techno, progressive and breaks to the set. It’s a good thing he’s flexible, because he’s planning on doing four hours on Saturday.
Advance tickets are $10 at groovetickets.
