Big Al's goes big for World Cup viewing

Aaron Tyger said it perfectly: "It's a dream start."

The Vancouver resident was talking about the three goals the U.S. men's national soccer team scored en route to a 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday in its opener during the 2026 World Cup.

But he also could have been talking the venue where he watched the match.

Big Al's Vancouver has been designated as the Official Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party for the World Cup as presented by The Greater Vancouver Chamber and Visit Vancouver WA.

Friday's match wasn't part of the Fan Zone events, as those events are just for the six World Cup matches that will be held at Seattle's Lumen Field.

But Big Al's is inviting fans to enjoy its venue to watch all the World Cup action on its big screens.

"We're really excited to be Vancouver's Fan Zone site," Big Al's Vancouver general manager Dave Mayhew said. "It's the first time a lot of these people are seeing a World Cup in the U.S. You have to go back to 1994 (for the last one). ... We're just here to support U.S. soccer and all the other fans coming in, making sure they have a great viewing experience."

Tyger was pleased with his experience, saying it sure beats watching the match at home.

"I love the spirit of the fans here," he said. "It's a great atmosphere, and the beer is cold. And watching on the big screens, it's like being in Vegas."

With every goal the U.S. team tallied on Friday, fans jumped, cheered, shared high fives and even started the occasional chants of "U-S-A! U-S-A! U-S-A!"

Mayhew said fans can watch any World Cup match on a first-come, first-served basis. But select games involving the U.S. or Mexico teams, reservations are strongly recommended.

Reservations are free, but they come with a $25 food and drink minimum for every member of your party.

And Mayhew said people have been eager to sign up for prime seating.

"We've got regulars that are booking reservations," Mayhew said. "We've got people who haven't been in for years coming in to watch teams that aren't even the U.S. team. Mexico was a great turnout for the opening match. It's a chance for us to connect with soccer fans who are also Big Al's fans."

The Greater Vancouver Chamber had a table set up for Monday's first Fan Zone Watch Party featuring Belgium vs. Egypt.

"We're going to have some free swag giveaways for all the Seattle matches," Mayhew said. "Come in and check out what we have to offer. It's directly from FIFA. Other than that, we're just trying to make sure it's a prime-time viewing experience. We're working with the Chamber to let everyone know the World Cup is here, and this is the place to watch."

The next Fan Zone Watch Party will feature the U.S. team against Australia at noon Friday.

Tyger said he won't be at Big Al's for that match.

"I'm going up to Seattle for Friday's match," he said. "But I'll be back here for the next match."

Mayhew said Big Al's opens at noon daily but will be opening a little earlier for U.S matches that start at noon. And matches will be on the big screens well into the evening.

"You can't just stay at home and watch these games," Tyger said. "You got to get out and enjoy it with other fans. It's amazing."

Vancouver Fan Zone Watch Party games

Friday, June 19: United States vs. Australia, noon

Wednesday, June 24: Qatar vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina, noon

Friday, June 26: Egypt vs. Iran, 8 p.m.

Monday, July 1: Round-of-32 match, 1 p.m.

Saturday, July 6: Round-of-16 match, 5 p.m.

Big Al's World Cup reservation games

Big Al's is taking reservations for the following World Cup matches:

Thursday, June 18: Mexico vs. South Korea, 6 p.m.

Friday, June 19: United States vs. Australia, noon

Wednesday, June 24: Mexico vs. Czechia, 6 p.m.

Thursday, June 25: United States vs. Turkey, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14: Semifinal match, noon

Wednesday, July 15: Semifinal match, noon

Sunday, July 19: Championship match, noon

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