U.S. vs. Mexico – Viewing Options

The USA/Mexico game is the most significant home game the U.S. Soccer team plays. There is only one home World Cup Qualifier versus Mexico every four years. All of the other soccer news fades to the background as this match takes center stage. It is so important to many American soccer fans, that many are coming in from all over the country to Columbus to see the game.

With Columbus becoming the epicenter for American soccer for a day, several bars are serving as a home base for events around the game. With plenty of fans in town and a full day of international soccer going on around the world, it’s a great time to have a few drinks while you wait to head to the game or if you are settling in to watch it on television.

What to Wear – Red: U.S. Soccer is asking everyone to wear red on Wednesday to create a unified atmosphere against the Mexican national team. It is a good thing the Buckeyes wear scarlet as the National Team has not had a red jersey since 1998 (2006′s limited edition jersey doesn’t count). So pull out a red jacket, sweatshirt, or both given the uncertain forecast.

Where to Go – That Depends: There are three options to join in the soccercentric festivities. Each one has something a little different to offer the soccer fanatic or novice.

Claddagh Irish Pub (585 S. Front St.) – Opening at 10 A.M. on Wednesday. Possessing a casual atmosphere, this will be the home base of the Sam’s Army supporters group and an official U.S. Soccer Bar. While Claddagh is a chain restaurant, the management has taken great care to cultivate a very soccer friendly atmosphere. They recently added numerous HD televisions and receive every soccer channel around. They will have a full array of old U.S. matches and live action from around the world on Wednesday. The beer selection is pretty good and they will be running specials on Tuesday and Wednesday to cater to a thirsty crowd. To sweeten the deal, they will be running shuttles to and from Crew Stadium for the game for a mere $5, a safe and smart choice after an afternoon of drinking.

Ruby Tuesday’s (1978 Summit St.) – Ruby’s is the opposite of Claddagh. It is a little run down, rough around the edges, and reeks of history (and in the basement, urine). While a college dive bar may seem like an unlikely home for soccer, it has developed into a soccer refuge for the Hudson Street Hooligans and the American Outlaws. The basement is a shrine to the Crew and it is one place that soccer is at home. While the TVs are smaller, the beer is inexpensive ($3.50 Guinness, Newcastle, Strongbow) and it is within walking distance of the stadium. Oh, very important, Ruby’s is cash only.

Studio 35 (3055 Indianola Ave.) – If you are unable to get a ticket and still want to head out to watch the game, Studio 35 will have the match on the big screen. They hosted a more family friendly atmosphere for MLS Cup in November and will be doing the same this Wednesday. Admission is free and there will be beer specials for the game.

What to Watch For – The last question will have to wait until Wednesday. I will have some links and a few notes on what to look for tomorrow.