The 2022 FIFA World Cup starts on Sunday with host Qatar facing Ecuador in the opening game, and then the action picks up Monday when Team USA faces Wales in pool play.
Whether or not you’re a Colorado gambling enthusiast, PlayColorado put together a list of the five best places to watch the World Cup.
A survey by the American Gaming Association showed that more than 20.5 million adults in America will bet a total of $1.8 billion on the month-long World Cup.
AGA senior vice president Casey Clark said:
“As the first World Cup with widespread availability of legal sports betting, this will certainly be the most bet-upon soccer event ever in the US. With more than half of all American adults having access to legal betting options in their home market, legal sports betting will deepen American fan engagement in the most-watched sporting event in the world.”
So, here are the places to go in Colorado to watch all the games or throw a big get-together to hoist a few pints, sing a few songs and watch the World Cup.
5 best places to watch the World Cup in Colorado
1: The Celtic on Market & Off Track Betting
- Location: 14th and Market, Denver
Just call it “The Celtic.” This Denver hotspot opens at 6 a.m. on Nov. 21 for breakfast and all the early World Cup games. But be reasonable; drink service begins at 7 a.m. The Celtic is a two-floor sports paradise with more than 20 beers on a tap and plenty of rare Irish spirits to savor. It calls itself “Denver’s best soccer bar” for a reason and is a partner with FanDuel Sportsbook.
2: Stoney’s Bar and Grill
- Location: 111 Lincoln Street, Denver
Stoney’s has three Colorado locations, but the one in Denver is the centerpiece with 31 HDTVs plus a 120-inch projection screen. It boasts 16 beers on tap and happy hour runs from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. Every weekend they serve brunch, but the unique thing on the menu is the pulled pork patty fries — that’s waffle fries topped with cheese, pulled pork and fresh jalapenos.
3: The Colorado Keg House
- Location: 8001 Arista Place, Suite 110, Broomfield
If beer and soccer are your things, this is your place. The Colorado Keg House quite simply has one of the largest selections of beers in the state. And some of the names are hilarious, like the “Westfax Tears of Enemies” made in Lakewood. There are 27 TVs for your World Cup viewing pleasure and a giant 80-inch screen. There’s no food served, but you can bring your own or order from the pizza place next door.
4: In The Zone Sports Bar
- Location: 15600 West 44th St., Golden
In The Zone is one of the biggest sports bars in Colorado, with more than 90 TVs, a 5,000-square-foot patio and four pool tables. The menu is beer, wings, burgers — you know the type — but it’s also a great spot to book a private event. The fried cheese curds aren’t for the faint of heart.
5: The British Bulldog
- Location: 2052 Stout St., Denver
Ahhh, remember that even though the British didn’t invent soccer, it is the nation’s passion. You’ll know you are in a special place for the World Cup right away, with the giant United Kingdom flag out front and tons of soccer memorabilia on the walls. The weekend brunch includes a classic “English Breakfast” on the menu. Be warned, though, this place will probably be rooting for Wales against Team USA.
