Richmond may not be hosting a World Cup match, but plenty of people here are watching.
According to television ratings reported by Sports Business Journal, Richmond-Petersburg ranked among Fox Sports’ top 10 local markets during the opening portion of the tournament. Kansas City led the country, followed by Boston, Austin, Dallas-Fort Worth and San Diego.
That is notable considering Richmond is only the 56th-largest television market in the United States.
The numbers have remained strong as the tournament moved deeper into the knockout rounds. Richmond reportedly ranked fifth among local television markets for France’s quarterfinal victory over Morocco, a match that averaged 10.3 million viewers nationally and peaked at 13.6 million.
It is an impressive showing for a region that is neither hosting a match nor home to a top-division professional club. But anyone who has tried to find a seat at Penny Lane Pub, Gus’ Bar & Grill or one of the city’s growing number of World Cup watch parties may not be entirely surprised.
Before the tournament began, we compiled a guide to bars, restaurants, breweries and other gathering places showing matches around the region. The list included longtime soccer destinations alongside newer venues, neighborhood restaurants and large public watch parties organized by the Richmond Kickers.
The Kickers, founded in 1993, remain one of the country’s longest-running professional soccer clubs and currently compete in USL League One. The region is also home to Richmond Ivy SC, extensive youth soccer programs, adult leagues and an increasingly diverse international community with connections to teams competing throughout the tournament.
That interest is carrying all the way through the final with the Richmond Kickers’ World Cup viewing party at City Stadium has sold out with more than 6,000 fans expected to watch Spain face Argentina on Sunday.
Another World Cup final event is scheduled by the city for July 19, with a public watch party planned on a giant outdoor screen at 17th Street Market.
Main photo from Penny Lane Pub in Richmond, VA by R. Anthony Harris
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