World Cup Fever Kicks Off

“Que será será, whatever will be, will be” after the first coin is tossed in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association’s 21st World Cup in Russia on Thursday, June 14. One thing is for sure though; there will be no shortage of venues — from Hampton Bays to Montauk — where soccer fans can follow their favorite teams as they spar over the next month.

Most of the games will be broadcast in the U.S. at the 10 and 11 AM, and 2 PM slots. Viewers will have to check schedules ahead of time for viewing compatibility, though, because many of the matches will be shown via satellite TV.

Buckley’s Inn Between in Hampton Bays already has a pretty good following of soccer fans — mostly Irish, English, and Polish ex-pats who stop by regularly to watch the premier European football leagues. The phone is often known to ring off the hook during these games, as avid fans who don’t have satellite TVs in their homes call in for scores, according to owner Mark Shortall.

Fans can catch the matches on eight televisions in the barroom, and there will be $4 beer specials featuring Modelo Especial throughout the month of June. The restaurant will not be opening up for the earlier matches, so he encouraged fans to call ahead of time. Overall, Shortall is looking forward to this year’s season and expects a large crowd for the match between Germany and Sweden on Saturday, June 23. The match starts at 2 PM. “As things heat up, I expect it is going to get busy until the final,” he added.

Further east, all of the matches will be available for viewing on two TVs at Pierre’s in Bridgehampton, according to owner Pierre Weber.

If you are looking to watch a match while chowing down on some barbecue chicken and ribs, head to Townline BBQ in Sagaponack and catch the games on the six large screen HD TVs. Townline will show all of the 11 AM and 2 PM games, as well as the 10 AM games starting with the round of the top 16. There will be a Stoli Moscow Mule special during the 11 AM and 2 PM games, for those looking for a cure from the night before while they watch the match.

Rowdy Hall in East Hampton, which has been a gathering spot for soccer fans during the past several World Cups, will host a viewing party outside where there is a big screen TV in the courtyard — optimal viewing for large crowds. The restaurant has plans to show the 11 AM and 2 PM games and the 10 AM games starting with the top-16 round.

If you are looking for a water view, check out Navy Beach in Montauk where the matches can be viewed on three TVs — two at the bar and one in the dining room. The bar will open early for 10 and 11 AM games and will feature drink specials on mimosas and Bloody Marys.

The restaurant will be open for the opening match at 11 AM on Thursday, followed by matches at 11 AM and 2 PM from June 15 to 30. Next month, the bar will screen matches at 10 AM and 2 PM on July 1, 2, 3, 6, and 7, as well as the semi-finals at 2 PM on July 10 and 11, respectively. The third-place playoff will be shown at 10 AM on July 14, and the final at 11 AM on July 15.

Springs Tavern will also be showing the matches on multiple TVs throughout the restaurant. Prizes will be given away while the matches are on and there will be $5 Heineken and Heineken Light bottles served.

You can also catch the action on five flat screen TVs and order off the bar menu at Indian Wells Tavern in Amagansett.

For a schedule of 2018 World Cup matches, visit www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches.

peggy@indyeastend.com