LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – “FIFA Fever” is growing in Lubbock as fútbol fans get ready for the first World Cup match tomorrow.
There are two official watch party locations in Lubbock: Mano Negra Brewing Co. and Two Docs Brewing Co.
Mano Negra, the only Latino-owned micro brewery in Lubbock, is the official Spanish World Cup watch party destination.
Daniel Badillo, the brewery’s owner, said the tournament is something close to his heart.
“The World Cup is a big thing, especially for the Latino community, because it’s not just games,” Badillo said. “It’s a celebration of culture, heritage and excitement, music, food, noise. It’s just everything for us.”
Two Docs Brewing Co. is also an official World Cup watch party destination. It received the designation from Lubbock Mayor Mark McBrayer in December. It will have all of the games in English.
Taylor Swift, the general manager at Two Docs, said he’s excited to see soccer fans, new and loyal alike, get into the game.
“I grew up playing soccer in West Texas, and for this kind of exposure to be here, not only in Lubbock but in the States as a whole, it makes people understand that there’s an access point, that soccer is alive and well,” Swift said.
Both breweries are offering specials for the tournament. Mano Negra is selling FIFA World Cup sticker books, a Latino childhood tradition.
Two Docs will have beer specials for every game.
“We just want to create a nice, warm environment for folks to enjoy the world’s sport,” Swift said.
While the World Cup is good for business, both Swift and Badillo said it’s more about what it does for the community.
“That’s what I built Mano Negra for,” Badillo said. “It was never about the beer, never about the sangria – that’s the excuse for us. It’s about community. As long as that’s happening, I’m happy.”
Mano Negra is located at 708 13th St, Lubbock, TX 79401 and is open from 2-10 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday, 2-11:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2-9 p.m. Sundays.
Two Docs is located at 502 Texas Ave, Lubbock, TX 79401 and is open from 12-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, and 12 p.m. – 12 a.m. Friday and Saturday.
The first match of the World Cup is Thursday between Mexico and South Africa. You can find the full tournament schedule here.
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