Few events compare to the World Cup. Whether it’s the star factor of some of the sports’ biggest names playing for their country, or the upsets like Saudi Arabia defeating Lionel Messi’s Argentina squad, there are many reasons to keep an eye on the tournament.
Much like any big sporting event, Tampa’s Downtown has numerous great locations to catch the action. Here are just a few of the spots where you can watch the games.
Please note that most of these locations operate within normal hours, meaning not all games will be shown, given the time difference between Tampa and Qatar.
Four Green Fields Irish Pub702 N. Ashley Drive & 802 N. 12th Street
Four Green Fields is a great place to grab a bite to eat with its full food menu, featuring Irish staples like shepherd’s pie and numerous drink options — including Guinness, of course. Open daily at 11 a.m. and featuring two locations in Tampa’s Downtown (Curtis Hixon Park and the Channel District), Four Green Fields is a fantastic option to watch the afternoon World Cup games.
Yeoman’s Cask and Lion202 N. Morgan Street
It’s hardly a surprise that this British-themed pub finds itself on a list of places to watch the World Cup. Yeoman’s is opening a half-hour before games starting as early as 10 a.m., as well as energizing its crowd with a free Red Bull. Yeoman’s also features a full food menu to complement its numerous drink options.
Spain Restaurant513 N. Tampa Street
Located in the heart of Tampa’s Downtown, Spain Restaurant offers a central location to catch games and a great place to have lunch. Spain opens Monday-Saturday at 8 a.m. Additionally, it will be open on Sunday, Nov. 27 to show Canada vs. Croatia (11 a.m.) and Spain vs. Germany (2 p.m.), with specials and giveaways from Estrella Galicia beer.
The Sail Pavilion at the Tampa Convention Center333 S. Franklin Street
The Sail Pavilion’s location makes this one of the best spots to watch any event, the World Cup included. Overlooking the Tampa Riverwalk and the Garrison Channel, this outdoor bar features several TVs and an atmosphere that you’d expect from the Tampa waterfront. The Sail opens daily at 11 a.m. and can be accessed via the TECO Line Streetcar at Dick Greco Plaza (Stop No. 10).
PaddyWagon Irish Pub813 N. Tampa Street
This Irish-themed pub offers a plethora of TVs both inside and outside as well as 24 beers on draft and numerous specials, including $5 Jack Daniel’s on Mondays and $3.50 Miller Lite and Coors aluminum bottles every day. It’s also no stranger to showing soccer, as you can catch it showing UEFA Champions League during the club season. PaddyWagon opens daily at 12 p.m.
Hattricks Tavern107 S. Franklin Street
While Hattricks is known mostly as a hockey-themed bar, it’s still a great location to watch any sporting event. Featuring a full food menu, several local beers on draft, and TVs both inside and outside, Hattricks is a great traditional sports bar to watch the World Cup. Hattricks opens daily at 11 a.m. and is easily accessible via the TECO Line Streetcar at Whiting Street (Stop No. 11) or by parking in the Fort Brooke Garage.
