Despite all three host nations being out of the tournament and games in Seattle and Vancouver coming to an end, festivities for the FIFA World Cup are still continuing in Blaine and Birch Bay.
The World Cup Final is scheduled for a noon kickoff time on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Despite the very un-primetime kickoff time, which was selected to accommodate as much worldwide viewership as possible, according to FIFA, the game will feature what is sure to be a fantastic matchup of defending champions Argentina against reigning 2024 European champions Spain.
For soccer fans in north Whatcom County, there will be plenty of options for catching the big game.
Beach Cat Brewing
7876 Birch Bay Drive #101
Beach Cat’s original Birch Bay location is primed and ready for one final FIFA watch party on Sunday, with two indoor TVs and one outdoor TV on the deck overlooking the berm on Birch Bay.
Marketing coordinator Brad Sakali said the brewery will open an hour before kickoff, and will be proudly serving its housemade $5 lager, Cat’s Blue Ribbon.
Sakali also said the brewery will have Lumpia Love, a food truck specializing in Filipino food, which will serve up lumpia and adobo during the game.
Ben’s Market
1300 Boblett St.
Ben’s Market, right off of State Highway 543, will be transformed into an outdoor watch party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on game day.
The event, which was originally intended to be held across the highway at Borderite Stadium but was forced to cancel due to vendor issues, according to the Blaine Chamber of Commerce, will feature plenty of activities for soccer-crazed fans of all ages.
Ben’s Market will have vendors as well as nearby restaurants serving food, giveaways, face painting, fuel discounts and a chance to win a soccer ball and trophy. It’s hard to miss on the truck route, just look for the giant soccer ball above the Carl’s Jr. sign next door.
Drayton Harbor Oyster Co.
685 Peace Portal Drive
Blaine’s premiere oyster bar will have an outdoor viewing party for the big game, bringing a TV out to its patio with expansive views of the Blaine waterfront.
Gateway 1890 Taphouse & Grill
429 Peace Portal Drive
Gateway 1890, and the Smuggler’s Tunnel speakeasy one floor below, are celebrating the World Cup in style, with a big screen TV in the backyard outdoor seating area.
Paso Del Norte
758 Peace Portal Drive
Paso Del Norte, downtown Blaine’s staple sit-down Mexican restaurant for the past three decades, will show the game on its TVs, both in the main dining area and the cantina, according to Blaine Chamber of Commerce.
The Wheelhouse Sports Bar and Grill
746 Peace Portal Drive
For those looking for a more traditional sports bar experience with plenty of TVs and no shortage of service, Wheelhouse Sports Bar and Grill has you covered.
