Copa America Centenario kicks off this Friday, June 3 with the USMNT taking on a Colombia team that made a deep and spirited run in the 2014 World Cup (9:30 pm ET, FS1).
While many American fans in the Bay Area will find their way into Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara Friday evening, not everyone will be able to score tickets. For those in the Bay Area who won’t be at the stadium, here are some pre-match and watch-party options.
Night-Before Party and Tailgate
Thursday, June 2
American Outlaws Night Before Party
Avaya Stadium (1130 Coleman Ave., San Jose)
5:30 to 11 pm PT
Open to members and non-members alike, this party will include a viewing of the US women’s national team vs. Japan on Avaya’s scoreboard screen at 6 p.m. Food and drink will be available for purchase at the LOBINA (Largest Outdoor Bar in North America) at the stadium’s scoreboard end, and in the grassy area adjacent to the LOBINA. Parking at Avaya will be free for the event. Visit theamericanoutlaws.com
Friday, June 3
American Outlaws Tailgate
Levi’s Stadium, Blue 1 Lot (Democracy and Old Ironsides, Santa Clara; theamericanoutlaws.com)
1:30 to 5:30 p.m. PT
The four-hour tailgate will culminate with a march to the stadium, but even those who aren’t going to the game are welcome to pre-game with the American Outlaws. Be forewarned, though, or prepare to rideshare or cab over: Parking, set by the stadium, will cost $50. Visit theamericanoutlaws.com
Copa America Viewing Parties
SoMa StrEat Food Park
428 11th Street, San Francisco
5 to 9 p.m. PT
For those in the City rather than the South Bay, this soccer-friendly food park has 10 TVs strategically placed around nine diverse, enticing food trucks. (One of them, not mincing words, is simply called Bacon Bacon.) The festivities will include beer specials, halftime soccer swag giveaways, and DJs spinning after the match. Visit somastreatfoodpark.com/events-db/2016/6/3/copa-america-viewing-party-usa-vs-colombia
New Parkway Theater
474 24th Street, Oakland
6:30 p.m. PT
If you prefer a comfortable movie seat or couch, and you find yourself in the East Bay, the New Parkway might be your speed. This self-described “community-centered cinema and pub located in Oakland’s Uptown district” is not only showing the Copa’s opener for $5, it’s also offering an all-you-can-watch “2016 Soccer Pass” for $50, allowing access to all its Copa and Euro 2016 showings. Visit thenewparkway.com
American Outlaws Chapter Watch Parties
Despite AOs being out in force in person for the match, AO Chapter bars throughout the region will keep the lights (and TVs) on for the match. Bay Area soccer haunts like San Francisco’s McTeague’s Saloon and San Jose’s Jack’s Bar amd Lounge are among the bars that promise a good time. Visit theamericanoutlaws.com/chapters/california
Maggie McGarry’s
1353 Grant Ave., San Francisco
Though the “watch party” at this legendary North Beach bar is limited to turning on the TVs and making sure the taps work, this is another iconic San Francisco bar worth visiting, from owners whose passion for soccer runs deep. This recent tweet shows that even in these heady basketball-loving times for the entire Bay Area, their first priority remains true. Visit maggiemcgarrys.com
