Soccer Fans to Pack Viewing Parties to Cheer on U.S. vs. Belgium

U.S. soccer fans will pack bars and restaurants – plus a special outdoor viewing party at City Hall Plaza in Boston – on Tuesday to cheer on the national team in a do-or-die World Cup game versus Belgium.

Kickoff from Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil is at 4 p.m. The game is broadcast on ESPN.

The U.S. arrives at the round of 16 game after placing second in Group G. Belgium won Group H. If the U.S., which is an underdog headed into the game, advances it would be the first second place qualifier to advance to the round of eight.

The game could also mark the return of United States striker Jozy Altidore, who left the game early in the Americans' first game of the World Cup versus Ghana. Team officials say he will be "available" for Tuesday’s game, although he will not start.

In addition to the outdoor viewing party, "soccer bars" such as The Banshee in Dorchester and Phoenix Landing in Cambridge will likely be packed well before game time. Sports bars and restaurants all across the state will become popular gathering spots to cheer on the team as kickoff approaches.

Many restaurants will be running specials during the game. Uno’s, with 28 locations in Massachusetts, is offering 25 cent wings and half-price appetizers in the bar. Uno’s can be found in Attleboro, Braintree, Burlington, Dedham, Framingham, Newton, Swampscott, Waltham and Woburn, plus three locations in Boston, among other locations.

Sylvan Street Grille, with locations in Peabody and Salisbury, is offering an $8 burger and beer special. The special is also available at Bradford Tavern in Rowley and Castle Kreek in Essex.

99 Restaurants are offering $5 burgers from 3-6 p.m. in the bar at more than 60 locations in Massachusetts, including in Andover, Braintree, Canton, Danvers, Framingham, Hingham, Lynnfield, North Andover, Plymouth, Salem, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Waltham, Walpole, Wilmington and Woburn.

The Massachusetts-based chain Not Your Average Joe's is also offering several specials, including $19.99 for a large cheese pizza and any two appetizers or half-price appetizers in the bar from 3-7 p.m. There are 15 Massachusetts locations, including Acton, Arlington, Beverly, Burlington, Medford, Needham, Watertown and Westborough. 

If you’ll still be stuck at work, the game can also be seen on the ESPN website and mobile app plus heard on WEEI radio 850 AM.

Where will you be watching the game? Do you know about any other gametime specials? Let us know in the comments section.

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