Surprise! Birmingham ranked 4th nationally in TV viewership on the opening day of the World Cup.

According to the Washington Post, the Birmingham metro media market ranked 4th nationally in TV viewership for the opening World Cup game between Russia and Saudi Arabia.

Does the Magic City have World Cup fever? Or did the Nielsen rating people just survey the local rural Jefferson County town of  Brookside ?

Either way, it is nice to be recognized in our nation’s capital. (Btw: Tulsa, Austin, San Francisco and New Orleans joined Birmingham in the top 5).

This past Saturday morning saw restaurants from Rojo to Brat Bot filled with fans watching Mexico’s upset of defending champion Germany and Brazil’s draw with Switzerland.

Birmingham Legion Block Party

Building on that momentum, today, our own Birmingham Legion  is taking World Cup fever to the streets, literally with a block party downtown between 22nd Street and 1st Ave. South.  The festivities begin at 5:00.

The event will feature face painting, a gaming truck, an inflatable soccer game and food available for purchase from both Devil Dawgs Concessions and Repicci’s Italian Ice and Gelato. Good People Brewing Company will also provide beverages while supplies last.

Attendees will enjoy an exclusive, event-only 10 percent discount on new merchandise and apparel at the Official Legion FC Store. Additionally, fans who place season ticket deposits onsite will be entered for a special raffle.

What a great way to celebrate the Beautiful game and our new USL team!

Tell us, where are YOU watching the World Cup, and who are you rooting for?  We just finished the first week.  Three more to go!