Mary Margaret’s has long been Downtown St. Pete’s soccer hub, and the fun is extending into the summer this year. The popular Irish pub announced big plans to host watch parties for all 104 World Cup matches this summer, with a slew of specials, giveaways, and activations to make the experience even better.
There are tons of things happening, which we will lay out below, but these are the key points: there is no cover charge; the sound will be on inside and outside for every game; there will be more than half a dozen drink specials; and Mary’s will serve as the headquarters for American Outlaws St. Pete, the official U.S. Soccer supporters group. But don’t worry, Mary’s will still be the place for fans of every nation to cheer on teams from around the globe.
These are going to be true pub-style soccer parties. It is going to be rowdy, and it is going to be filled with people locked in on every throw-in, free kick and phantom offside call. Whether you’re a first-time soccer viewer or a die-hard footy fan, it’s the kind of atmosphere befitting the moment. Plus, the food and drink are top-notch. Can’t beat World Cup with a side of Reuben egg rolls.
As someone who has watched more than their fair share of soccer matches at Mary’s, I can attest to the enjoyability of the experience. Whether you have a booth or barstool inside, or a table or chair on the patio, you have an easy and clear view of multiple TVs with speakers nearby. You won’t miss a second of the action, so long as you time your restroom break for halftime. They’ll also be expanding the patio space into the neighboring spaces for major matches, adding extra TVs, tables, and seating outdoors so even more fans can enjoy the action!
The other side of the equation is this: Mary Margaret’s is an excellent alternative if the massive watch parties at Al Lang, Jannus and Ferg’s aren’t for you. The Irish pub will provide a more intimate experience that’s just as lively, but less of an arena concert than it is a show by your favorite indie band at a local bar. Both are great, and we plan to give each a try. There are no wrong answers here. If the idea of table service and no cover charge speaks to you, Mary’s would love to have you.
We should also mention that this is a great time to join up with American Outlaws St. Pete. With the World Cup hosted in the States this summer, there has very literally never been a better time to become an AO member, and the group is making Mary’s their headquarters all summer. It’s a built-in group to catch every game with, as well as an excuse to yell like a hooligan at every Antonee Robinson slide tackle.
Mary Margaret’s will feature rotating specials on select international beers, highlighting them when their national teams play. Think Tennent’s Lager for Scotland matches, Peroni for Italy, Pilsner Urquell for the Czech Republic, Beck’s for Germany, and more. It’s all part of bringing the spirit of the World Cup to downtown St. Pete, one match and one pint at a time.
Here’s more of what to expect at Mary Margaret’s for the World Cup watch parties.
Drink specials:
$5 Michelob Ultra draft
$25 NÜTRL buckets
$5 Heineken drafts
$8 Jim Beam Lemonades
$5 Slane shots with any Guinness, Smithwick’s, or Harp purchase
Activations:
Sound on across the pub
Indoor + patio viewing
Halftime giveaways
SWAG & samplings
Big match atmosphere
Proud home of AO St. Pete
While the U.S. watch parties (more below) will be the most popular, Mary Margaret’s is your destination all summer long no matter which teams are playing. From the opening match in June to the title game in July, every single game will be on. The taps will be flowing, the kitchen will be cooking, and the goals will be coming en masse.
Team USA watch parties at Mary Margaret’s:
Friday, June 12, 9 pm: vs Paraguay
Friday, June 19, 3 pm: vs Australia
Thursday, June 25, 10 pm: vs Turkey
