Titletown to Host 'World Soccer Watch Parties' June 12 and July 19
As the United States prepares to welcome the world for international soccer’s biggest tournament this summer, Titletown is planning a celebration of the highly anticipated global event with free watch parties on Friday, June 12, and Sunday, July 19.
Titletown will kick off the festivities by bringing soccer fans and community members together for a watch party to cheer on the U.S. team as they begin their tournament run against the Paraguay men’s team in Los Angeles on June 12. The next month, Titletown will also host a championship match watch party on July 19 to celebrate the tournament reaching its conclusion.
Both watch parties will offer the chance to experience the lively soccer matchday atmosphere with a variety of fun activities throughout Titletown starting three hours before kickoff. The June 12 event will begin at 5 p.m., and the July 19 event will begin at 11 a.m. Each match will be available for viewing on a large screen at the base of Ariens Hill.
Both events will have a variety of activities for families and visitors of all ages to enjoy, including Giant Yard Pong, Live Music, a Header Challenge, Make a Sign and Post Card Stations, Giant Games, photo opportunities, face painting and more. A food truck from Steel Belly BBQ will be on site with food and drinks available for purchase between 5 and 8 p.m. Additional details and activities for the watch parties are being planned and will be announced as each event approaches.
The June 12 experience will feature special guest and soccer star Jay DeMerit, who will host his Rise & Shine Soccer Clinic on the Emplify Health Field from 5 to 7 p.m. before taking the stage with former Green Bay Packers kicker and soccer aficionado Mason Crosby and former professional soccer player Lauren Sesselmann for a soccer panel prior to kickoff. A waiver is required to participate in the clinic portion of the event.
The first watch party will also include live music taking place at the base of Ariens Hill from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with Shotgun Jane set to perform.
As Titletown explores more opportunities to bring community members together for shared viewing experiences, the Watch Party festivities this summer will take the place of the Titletown Beats concert events offered in recent years. Titletown will still offer opportunities to enjoy live music throughout the year, and music fans are encouraged to follow Titletown’s events calendar to see upcoming events.
Parking is free in the Titletown parking lots, and attendees are reminded that tailgating is not permitted. Fans are also asked to keep in mind the park’s policies as they prepare to enjoy the festivities. Carry-in coolers, glass bottles, lawn chairs and portable grills are not permitted in Titletown.
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June 12 Soccer Panel Guests:
- Jay DeMerit, a Green Bay native, was a member of the United States Men’s National Team and started every match during the 2010 tournament. He later became Vancouver Whitecaps FC’s first MLS signing in 2010 before serving as the club’s captain, and is now known for his leadership, entrepreneurship, media work and youth development initiatives.
- Mason Crosby was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the sixth round of the 2007 NFL Draft before becoming the franchise’s all-time leading scorer and 2011 Super Bowl winner. Today, he is an advocate for growing the game of soccer in America, a strong leader in community initiatives throughout Green Bay and host of The Mason Crosby Show on 105.7 The Fan Milwaukee.
- Lauren Sesselmann, originally from Green Bay, is a former professional soccer player who competed in both the WPS and NWSL while representing the Canadian Women’s National Team, earning a bronze medal and competing in the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Off the field, she now works as a mentor, television host, mental health advocate and trainer of the fitness program “Fit As A Pro.”