From a Facebook Idea to a Patio Party: Boyd Walker Hosting Alexandria World Cup Watch Party
A playful suggestion about a giant waterfront Jumbotron turned into a simple invitation: "Why not just watch the game together?"
ALEXANDRIA, VA –Boyd Walker figured Monday night’s World Cup match would be a lot more fun with company, so he is hosting an impromptu Alexandria World Cup watch party, and you’re invited, but get there early to grab a coveted seat. There are only about 80 left as of Sunday at noon.
His first idea was a big one. Why not put a giant Jumbotron on Alexandria’s waterfront so everyone could cheer on Team USA together? After all, this is a big win-or-go-home game for the US.
Walker thinks this game calls for community bonding. He tossed the idea out last week during a friendly Facebook exchange with Alexandria City Councilman John Chapman, and the conversation quickly caught the attention of fellow soccer fans. While a waterfront watch party wasn’t likely to happen on short notice, the discussion sparked another thought.
If there couldn’t be a giant screen on the waterfront, why not simply invite people to watch the match together? That’s exactly what Walker has done. He’s inviting anyone who’d like some company Monday evening to join him on the patio at Taverna Cretekou, 106 S. Alfred St., for an informal World Cup watch party.
“I thought it would be fun to get a group of friends and neighbors together in Old Town to watch together,” Walker told The Zebra.
For Walker, this is not a casual attraction to the game. Soccer has been part of his life for as long as he can remember.
He grew up playing for the Alexandria Soccer Association, where his 1976 team won a league championship after practicing at Jones Point Park that season. Later, he played lunchtime soccer while attending George Washington Junior High School, and he still remembers his father taking him to watch Washington Diplomats matches at Hammond High School.
Details
The gathering begins at 7 p.m., with kickoff at 8 p.m. Because Taverna Cretekou is closed Monday evenings, the gathering is BYOB, and guests are encouraged to bring something to share.
Walker has also partnered with The People’s Drug, just across the street at 103 N. Alfred St., where Happy Hour prices will be extended until 9 p.m. Fans who prefer can stop there for food and drinks before crossing the street to watch the match.
Walker estimates the patio can comfortably accommodate about 100 people and says everyone is welcome on a first-come, first-served basis. A portable restroom will also be available, and part of the patio is covered in case of rain.
Whether you’ve been following every World Cup match or haven’t watched a single minute yet, Walker hopes neighbors will pull up a chair, cheer on Team USA, and enjoy the evening together.
As he texted The Zebra, “This heat is making me have USA fever! (Although my girlfriend is rooting for Norway!).”
⚽ What You Need to Know
Community Watch Party
Hosted by Boyd Walker
Where
Patio at Taverna Cretekou
106 S. Alfred St.
Alexandria, VA
When
Monday, July 6
Gathering begins at 7 p.m.
Kickoff: 8 p.m.
Admission
Free and open to everyone. First come, first served.
Bring
BYOB and, if you’d like, something to share.
Food & Drinks
The People’s Drug, 103 N. Alfred St., is extending Happy Hour until 9 p.m.
Capacity
Approximately 100 people.
Why This Match Matters
This is a win-or-go-home Round of 16 match. If Team USA defeats Belgium, it advances to the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on Friday. If Belgium wins, the United States is eliminated.
What the Oddsmakers Say
Sportsbooks consider this one of the closest matches of the Round of 16, with only a slight edge for Team USA—essentially making it a toss-up.
