What better way to kick off Richmond’s jam-packed summer soccer season than a World Cup watch party at Richmond’s City Stadium, home to the Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy SC soccer teams?
Join the fun by reserving your free tickets to watch the United States take on Paraguay in the first round of the World Cup at 9 p.m. on June 12. The game will be shown live on City Stadium’s 65-foot-by-35-foot big screen, which was installed in the summer of 2024.
“Even if you don’t follow soccer, everyone gets behind the World Cup,” said Camp Peery, president and COO of Richmond Kickers and Richmond Ivy. “Having a space like City Stadium that can accommodate thousands of people is really special. It’s going to be a big festival-like atmosphere.”
Gates open at 7 p.m. on June 12 for the pre-watch party celebration — complete with live pre-match music from DJ Kobe and food trucks from Shakedown Eats, El Guapo, Timber Pizza, Traveling Tom’s Coffee and Funnel Cake Recess. A happy hour takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. with $4 Michelob Ultra pints.
With its massive video screen and space for 6,000 fans, City Stadium is the perfect spot to celebrate soccer with people from around Richmond. Insiders suggest arriving right at 7 p.m. to grab food, drinks and your ideal seats. “There’s no assigned seating. It’s about 90% bleacher seating,” said Peery. “You can even bring your dog and try different seats to find your perfect spot to watch. It’s kind of like an old-school stadium vibe.”
Peery wants the event to be as accessible as possible for the estimated 5,000 to 6,000 people who are expected to attend. In addition to the free tickets, there is free parking and many other perks for guests.
“We’re excited to host these big community events,” he said from his office overlooking the pitch. “Bringing people together in our community is our ‘why,’ and it’s why we love to do things like this. Getting behind the U.S. team — it’s going to be a great celebration of soccer and of Richmond.”
The celebration continues all weekend (and summer!)
The Paraguay-USA game is starting off a busy summer for the Kickers, Ivy and City Stadium itself.
“It’s the first World Cup group stage game for the Americans, and it lines up nicely with the rest of our schedule,” Peery said. “Consider the event your kickoff to a summer of soccer.”
Fans can head back to the stadium the following night, Saturday, June 13, to watch the Richmond Ivy in a game against VA Beach United at 6:30 p.m. The first 1,000 fans at the “Green Out” match will receive a green rally towel.
Then, immediately following the in-person Ivy game, guests can watch the Richmond Kickers play Corpus Christi on City Stadium’s big screen. “We’ll pop up the game on the big video board at 8:30 after the conclusion of the Ivy game,” said Peery. “Kickers are definitely going coast to coast, representing Richmond across the country.”
With the giant video board, surround sound and festival-like atmosphere, City Stadium is shaping up to be Richmond’s home for summer soccer celebrations.
To reserve your seats for the World Cup watch parties, click here.
