Sacramento businesses are preparing for a surge of soccer fans as the FIFA World Cup approaches, with bars and restaurants across the region transforming into gathering places for supporters.At Garden at the Line in Midtown, World Cup-themed decorations are already on display, including collectible FIFA cups and a countdown clock marking the days until kickoff.”We are going to be opening up for every single game. Even if it’s outside of our normal business hours, we’re going to be showing it all,” said Gabby Suri, assistant general manager at Garden at the Line.Garden at the Line is among more than 30 locations featured in Sacramento Republic FC’s Sac Soccer Guide, an initiative highlighting businesses hosting watch parties throughout the tournament.Republic FC is also organizing a free two-day block party at Downtown Plaza Park on June 24-25.”Not many people are going to get a chance to go to a World Cup game at one of these stadiums. We’re bringing the event right here to Sacramento, to Downtown Plaza Park,” said Connor Sutton, Republic FC’s vice president of fan experience.Republic FC officials say they expect attendance in the thousands during the two-day event.The Downtown Sacramento Partnership says major events centered around sports and entertainment can help draw visitors into the urban core, benefiting nearby restaurants, hotels and other businesses.At Zebra Club, preparations include adding new televisions and expanding viewing areas ahead of the tournament.”Imagine the Super Bowl times the whole world. That’s pretty much the World Cup,” said Zebra Club manager Matt Lopez.Lopez said the tournament gives businesses an opportunity to reach customers who may not normally visit sports bars while introducing new fans to Sacramento’s growing soccer culture.With kickoff approaching, business owners say they are ready to welcome supporters from across the region. See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel

SACRAMENTO, Calif. —

Sacramento businesses are preparing for a surge of soccer fans as the FIFA World Cup approaches, with bars and restaurants across the region transforming into gathering places for supporters.

At Garden at the Line in Midtown, World Cup-themed decorations are already on display, including collectible FIFA cups and a countdown clock marking the days until kickoff.

“We are going to be opening up for every single game. Even if it’s outside of our normal business hours, we’re going to be showing it all,” said Gabby Suri, assistant general manager at Garden at the Line.

Garden at the Line is among more than 30 locations featured in Sacramento Republic FC’s Sac Soccer Guide, an initiative highlighting businesses hosting watch parties throughout the tournament.

Republic FC is also organizing a free two-day block party at Downtown Plaza Park on June 24-25.

“Not many people are going to get a chance to go to a World Cup game at one of these stadiums. We’re bringing the event right here to Sacramento, to Downtown Plaza Park,” said Connor Sutton, Republic FC’s vice president of fan experience.

Republic FC officials say they expect attendance in the thousands during the two-day event.

The Downtown Sacramento Partnership says major events centered around sports and entertainment can help draw visitors into the urban core, benefiting nearby restaurants, hotels and other businesses.

At Zebra Club, preparations include adding new televisions and expanding viewing areas ahead of the tournament.

“Imagine the Super Bowl times the whole world. That’s pretty much the World Cup,” said Zebra Club manager Matt Lopez.

Lopez said the tournament gives businesses an opportunity to reach customers who may not normally visit sports bars while introducing new fans to Sacramento’s growing soccer culture.

With kickoff approaching, business owners say they are ready to welcome supporters from across the region.

See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel