Sports

World Cup Viewing Parties Planned At Aurora's RiverEdge Park

Locals are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and picnics to RiverEdge Park for free World Cup watch parties beginning this week.

AURORA, IL — As soccer teams around the world are preparing for the elimination rounds of the World Cup, the City of Aurora and RiverEdge Park announced they are teaming up to host free watch parties at the downtown Aurora park.

Locals are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets and picnics to RiverEdge Park for three watch parties beginning this week. This is the schedule:

The first party will take place June 30 for the match between Mexico and Ecuador. Gates will open at 6 p.m. for the game that starts at 8 p.m.

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The second party will be held the next evening, July 1, as the Unites States takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and the game will start at 7 p.m.

The final party is planned July 19, the day of the championship match. Gates will open at noon ahead of the 2 p.m. kickoff.

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Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages will be for sale during the watch parties, and concession stands will also be open. Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food, but organizers noted coolers can't be larger than 12 inches all around.

Only two gates will be open for entry into RiverEdge Park. Gate 2 is located across from the post office at 525 N. Broadway, and Gate 4 can be found at the south end of the park at the pedestrian bridge.

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