The city of Oneonta will host a street-party-style viewing for some World Cup games on Water Street beginning Friday, June 12, for the United State’s debut against Paraguay.
Oneonta Mayor Dan Buttermann said the city applied for and received a license to broadcast the games outdoors and will set up a 25-foot inflatable screen at the eastern end of Water Street.
“The World Cup is a big worldwide event. It is a very exciting event to watch anywhere and if you can make it a big community event, that is even better,” Butterman said. “It should be really fun.”
The U.S. team kicks off about 9 p.m., Friday for a game in Inglewood. The other U.S. first-round games will also be shown. They will be at 3 p.m., Friday, June 19, against Australia, and 10 p.m., Thursday, June 25, against Turkey.
If the first-round games go well, and the community wants to watch more games outside, Buttermann said the city is open to more viewing parties, especially if America or some country with a local fan base advances to the finals.
“I hope we can do more games,” he said. “We will start with the U.S. games and see how it goes. Since this is the first time we have done something like this, we might have to pivot a little bit to see how it goes and see what the community reception is.”
The city passed a temporary exemption to the local laws prohibiting outdoor alcohol consumption at the Common Council meeting Tuesday, June 2. The exemption applies to the U.S. games and any other World Cup games.
Buttermann said viewers are allow to buy alcohol from businesses on Main and Water streets near the viewing site and bring it onto Water Street and the adjoining areas around the party. However, people are not allowed to bring alcohol from home.
There will be tables and some chairs, but Buttermann also said he recommends people bring their own lawn chairs. Food can be brought in or bought at local restaurants.
Water Street will be closed for the events, with a barrier blocking car access by the Chestnut Street Extension.
Buttermann said city official chose Water Street to show off the changes in that part of downtown.
“As there have been a number of changes downtown, it seemed like doing it on Water Street would be a good opportunity to showcase the ability to host events on Water Street,” he said. “Now that the Market Street renovation is complete, part of that included parts of Water Street. Now there is a gate at the end, which means we can close it off to traffic, which we will do.
“With the changes here, this can be a really great spot for outdoor events in the summertime in Oneonta,” Buttermann continued. “There hasn’t been an event yet that would fit. The World Cup is maybe a once in 32-year situation, so we are going to make the best of it and give it a shot.”
Buttermann said he is optimistic the U.S. team will advance out of the opening round. He listed England, Brazil and the Netherlands as some of the favorites, and said he will also be rooting for Argentina, his wife’s native country.
If and when more games are selected for the Water Street parties, the city will notify residents via social and traditional media.