The Oakland Ballers independent professional baseball team will host a free World Cup watch party Friday at Raimondi Park.
On Friday, 3,000 fans will gather at the ballpark of the Oakland Ballers and have a chance to cheer on the U.S. team as they face Paraguay in a group stage match.
Doors to the stadium open at 5 p.m. and it is a sold-out event.
The Oakland Ballers are playing against the Missoula PaddleHeads on Friday leaving the stadium available for the watch party at their home stadium.
At a press conference Thursday morning, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee and Councilmember Carroll Fife talked about their excitement for the watch party as it represents an opportunity for Oakland residents to come together and celebrate the city’s sports community.
“This is not only a sports event, it’s a community event, it’s part of our culture. It’s part of what we believe in here in Oakland. We are a sports city,” said Lee.
“And this is a part of our effort to bring Oakland once again into the sports, but also it’s about showcasing the best of Oakland,” she added.
Lee also noted that the Australian team is currently holding their practices in Alameda.
Fife talked about the fighting spirit of Oaklanders and the city’s continued commitment to the celebration of athletics.
“Oakland doesn’t just watch greatness, we make it,” said Fife. “When we come together in West Oakland, around our FIFA activities, it’s exactly the kind of community magic that I’m talking about.”
Raimondi Park is one of the many locations around the region hosting watch parties.
“It is one of dozens of watch parties around the East Bay over the next six weeks. And I want to encourage everyone to get out of your house, go to your local restaurant, your favorite bar, and enjoy watching the games in community with our fellow Oaklanders, said Lindsay Barenz, president of the Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul men’s and women’s soccer teams.