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https://www.easyexpat.com/en/mag/2014/06/12/2014/06/12/where-to-watch-the-2014-world-cup-in-berlin.htm
Lifestyle
Where to Watch the 2014 World Cup in Berlin
A true turncoat to America and American football, I'll be rooting for the home team in the 2014 World Cup. In my case - that means the Nationalmannschaft (German team)!
I don't know how you could miss the lead-up, but for the uninitiated the 2014 World Cup starts today (June 12th, 2014). The opening game will be held in São Paulo at 17:00 (local time) which means 22:00 German time. Games will hop-scotch around Brazil until the finale on Sunday, July 13th. That means I am likely to find myself watching football (or fussball here in Germany) for the next month whether I like it or not.
Luckily - I like! Luckily because there is no escape. All games will be broadcast in Germany on ARD and ZDF and my husband has already helpfully pinned a Bild schedule of events (which came unsolicited in the mail) to our wall so we don't miss a game. When we do venture out, practically every bar, restaurant and imbiss will be playing the games.
Schedule of German Matches
-
Germany v. Portugal - June 16th, 2014 at 13:00 local time; 18:00 German time
- Germany v. Ghana - June 21st, 2014 at 16:00 local time; 21:00 German time
- Germany v. USA - June 26th, 2014 at 13:00 local time; 18:00 German time
Complete 2014 World Cup Match Schedule
Where I'll be Watching the World Cup in Berlin
While this is my first World Cup (Fussball-Weltmeisterschaft), I've had a chance to catch the competition mania at previous European Championships (Europameister) and Olympics. Besides catching games non-stop in our flat, we'll be hitting some of our favorite spots around town for the games.
Berlin Bars
Most bars are going to be blaring fussball whenever games are in play. While dedicated sports bars may offer the best viewing, this is a great excuse to visit your favorite watering holes.
- Salamas - World Cup is the perfect excuse to visit my favorite little American Football bar
- If my brand of dive bar isn't your jam, nearby Simon-Dach Straße will be sure to have something you like.
- Vagabund - This American-owned brewery has been coquiring Berlin's micro-brew scene and they have equipped the small bar with a projector for the Cup.
- Brauhaus Südstern - This bar off of Volkspark Hasenheide pulls out the big screen for games.
- Löwenbräu - The full touristy German (Bavarian) experience. Put on your tracht.
- Hops & Barley - Another beer-centric hang-out will allow the focus to be pulled away to watch the WM.
Berlin Beach Bars
To get into the Brazilian vibe, visit Berlin's beach bars complete with imported sand. Note that some of the more popular gardens require you to purchase a ticket.
- Badeschiff - Everyone's favorite barge in the Spree River will be offering public viewings.
- Oranke-am-See
- BeachBerlin
Expat Bars in Berlin
If you are rooting for someone other than Germany, you may have an easier time finding some like-minded folks at an expat bar. There are plenty of foreign bars and restuarants in Berlin to support your favored team. Hostels are another option for finding an international crowd.
Berlin Beer Gardens
Take the party outdoors in a traditional German biergarten. Well-accustomed to catering to televised sporting events, arrive early to find a good place in front of the screen.
Berlin Public Viewings
Public viewings are the best way to join the collective sporty freak-out. Like Eurovision, screens are put up around the city -often with standing room only.
The Fan Mile in Berlin (Fanmeile) in Berlin is one of the largest in Germany. Located on iconic Straße des 17. Juni, a massive 60 square meter screen is placed at Brandenburger Tor (Gate) with six more screens throughout the Fanmeile.
Note that the street and sections of the Tiergarten are fenced so entry is only through secured points. This means no glass bottles, food, weapons etc. With capacity in the hundreds of thousands, even this popular site can fill up on German game days.
- Kulturbrauerei
- Allermunde am Hauptbahnhof
- Mercedes-Welt
- Other locations for public viewing listings in Berlin
For more places to go and things to do, check out our comprehensive Guide to Berlin and entertainment in Berlin listing.
Where are you watching the World Cup (or not)? What team are you rooting for?
UPDATE
The German team has pulled through and is the 2014 World Cup Champion!
Author: texkourgan | 2014-06-12 09:03:54