World Cup excitement grows in Sacramento with new fan gathering space

Excitement for the FIFA World Cup is building in Sacramento as a local nonprofit and an East Sacramento beer garden prepare to give fans a place to gather throughout the tournament.

At The Garden at the Line, organizers are transforming the space into a hub for soccer fans with watch parties and a soccer court where people can play the game themselves.

“We also know that once people watch the games, they want to play,” said Lisa Wrightsman, managing director of Street Soccer USA.

That idea is behind a new partnership between Street Soccer USA and The Garden at the Line.

Street Soccer USA is a nonprofit that uses soccer to help people experiencing homelessness, poverty and other challenges build community, confidence and life skills.

For the duration of the tournament, a soccer court will be set up at the venue, giving fans a place to keep playing after the matches end.

“US and across so many different cities near us is so exciting because we haven’t had it here in a long time. And so soccer has grown, the interest has grown, but now this is really going to get people to grab onto the excitement and feel like a part of it,” Wrightsman said.

While Sacramento will not host World Cup matches, organizers say fans will still have opportunities to be part of the experience.

“We will be open for every single game. 9 am games, 9 pm games, if the game is on, we will be open,” said Clay Adams, general manager of The Garden at the Line.

Organizers hope the opportunity to watch, play and cheer together will help the World Cup’s impact extend beyond the tournament itself.

The World Cup begins Thursday. Northern California will host six matches at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara during the tournament.

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