Cheer on the USA (or any team you fancy!) in style right here in Champaign-Urbana
You don’t have to travel halfway across the world — or even have cable — to catch some Women’s World Cup matches
The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicked off this week in Australia and New Zealand, and with the United States playing its inaugural match on July 21, you may be wondering how to celebrate locally. Lucky for you, our community has a few opportunities for you to get your USA kit dry cleaned and your vuvuzela primed and ready.
Show your Spirit
Grab a kit (soccer-ese for “jersey”) at Dick’s House of Sport! You can’t miss it: a huge USA Women’s Team display greets you as you walk in via the outside doors, complete with commemorative t-shirts and special-edition USA kits for the whole family.
Catch a Match
The FIFA Women’s World Cup is on FOX here in the United States, but if you don’t have cable, don’t worry. You can also watch the games on streaming services like Hulu and Peacock Premium, but you have to have the proper level of subscription to watch the games live. Check out this article to learn more.
Our personal opinion: The best way to enjoy live sports is with other people! And you can do that without needing a plane ticket to Australia.
The Illini Union will be hosting a viewing party for a few games throughout the tournament, including the United States opener against Vietnam on July 21. (Due to the time difference, the Union will only show a few matches, so be sure to check out the schedule here.) Viewing parties at the Illini Union are free and lots of fun for the whole family, with food, trivia, and prizes.
Or head to Demirjian Park for a viewing party on the big screen for the U.S. vs. Netherlands on July 26. Hosted by Illini Soccer, this event is also free to attend and the concession stand will be open.
However you plan to celebrate the FIFA Women’s World Cup, remember that you don’t have to travel far to do it. Enjoy a match with others or in the comfort of your home, sport a cool kit, or just lounge in your pajamas. Here in Champaign-Urbana, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the Women’s World Cup! Ole!