WHEELING – A worldwide event will take on some local flair as the Wheeling Park Commission and FC Wheeling are hosting three free World Cup watch parties so the public can come cheer on the United States men’s national team.

“Soccer has a way of bringing people together,” explained Thomas Olivier, director of FC Wheeling. “It’s called ‘the world’s game’ for a reason. We’re hoping for hundreds of people, especially families.”

Olivier hopes those attending will get in the spirit by wearing red, white and blue.

The watch parties will take place at the White Place on the following dates and times:

– USA vs. Paraguay: Friday, June 12. Doors will open at 7:30 p.m. with kickoff at 9 p.m. The event also coincides with “Fun Fest Friday” happenings at the park.

– USA vs. Australia: Friday, June 19. Watchers may enter at 1:30 p.m. to await kickoff at 3 p.m.

– USA vs. Turkey: Thursday, June 25. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. for the 10 p.m. kickoff.

Additional watch parties could be added as the U.S. men move on in the five-week competition, according to Olivier.

“We will also do the World Cup final viewing party (on July 19) regardless of who is in it,” he continued.

There will also be some game-time snacks and beverages available for purchase during the watch parties courtesy of the Wheeling Park Commission’s international culinary staff. While there will be American standards prepared such as hot dogs, food choices representing other countries in the World Cup also will be available.

Olivier said he approached Nat Goudy, manager at Wheeling Park, with the idea for the watch parties and Goudy was very receptive. He believed the first watch party to be a good addition to “Fun Fest Friday” at the park.

“We’re just going to piggy-back off of that,” Olivier said. “We hope to attract a red, white and blue crowd.”

There will be multiple screens inside and outside the White Palace so all will be able to view.

“The World Cup is the most-watched event in sports,” he continued. “It’s definitely good for soccer.”

It is the third time the World Competition has come to America, according to Olivier. The men’s competition was in the U.S. in 1994, and the women’s tournament came to America in 1999.

“It should be five weeks of intense soccer games,” he added. “Soccer is growing in America at the grass-roots level, and in the tri-state area. We have all kinds of players from the tri-state area from the ages of four to 18 and adults playing.

“Certainly, a polarizing event like this brings everyone together. It should be fun,” Olivier said.