Boston is famed for its fanatic hockey, baseball and football aficionados. But there is a die-hard band of soccer followers in the city that wake up every weekend and head to the bar to support their team. Whether you’re a Boston Gooner or know nothing about soccer, futbol (wait what?), going to a bar to watch the games or to soak up the atmosphere is a blast.
This Sunday marks the end of the British Premier League and it’s coming down to the wire. Two teams, Manchester City and Liverpool, have a chance to hoist the cup if certain scenarios materialize. Manchester City can win it all if they don’t lose. Liverpool needs a win and must have Man City lose. Who will win? No one knows, but get ready, grab a pint, and watch it all unfold this Sunday at one of these bars.
[Feature image credit: Digital TV]
[All other images by Dennis Brinkworth]
Due to the massive crowd of Liverpool supporters that come to this bar every time the Reds play, make sure to get here at least one to two hours before the game. Luckily, Phoenix Landing is opening at 8:30am this Sunday. The Landing is the titan of soccer bars in Boston; so if wall-to-wall people aren’t exactly your thing, check out a different bar. But if you want to see some of Boston’s most passionate soccer aficionados, make your way here. Also, NBC Sports will be dishing out promotional gear all day if you’re the type who loves free swag (512 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 576-6260).
Looking for a more laid back bar to watch the games and enjoy a drink? The Field, which is a stone throw away from Phoenix Landing, is the ideal spot. The Field has a classic Irish Pub appeal with an array of beers and liquors to choose from. The doors open at 9 a.m. so a pint of Guinness may be essential to get the buzz going in the morning before kickoff. NBC Sports will make an appearance here as well (20 Prospect St., Cambridge, MA 02139, (617) 354-7345).
Fans of Chelsea call The Banshee home, but it’s perfect for anyone who wants to watch a match this Sunday. This Dorchester bar is a short walk from the JFK/Umass T stop and it seems like it was plucked from a neighborhood in Dublin. The Banshee is ideal for anyone looking for plenty of space, good drinks and that Irish charm that only more authentic pubs can provide. They take their soccer seriously so make sure to get their early, fans will be funneling in when the doors open at 8 a.m. (934 Dorchester Ave., Dorchester, MA 02125, (617) 436-9747).
If you walk by Lir on any given Sunday and take a peak into the bar, you’ll notice tons of people wearing red and white jerseys emblazoned with little cannons. You’re looking at the cities Arsenal fan club, the Boston Gooners. This Sunday they’ll be at Lir in droves, but Lir is also committed to other fan bases and will show most of the games. It opens at 8 a.m., two hours before kickoff, so make you sure you get a good spot and buzz before the fireworks start (903 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02115, (617) 778-0089).
McGreevy’s doesn’t have an official soccer team they cheer for (although Manchester United fans enjoy this haunt), but who wouldn’t want to watch soccer at the home of the Dropkick Murphys? There is plenty of space and they have a huge TV behind the main bar, which is perfect for the games. So stop into this Boston sports bar on Sunday and party like a Dropkick Murphy. Oy! Oy! Oy! (911 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02115, (617) 262-0911).
This pub will be buzzing with futbol fanatics come Sunday. Home to the Boston Spurs, who support Tottenham Hotspur, The Kinsale is next to the Government Center T stop, which is currently closed, but still easy to get to. The interior is striking, and if it feels like you’re in Ireland, don’t be surprised– the bar itself was designed and built in Ireland. The big screen TVs will be showing all the games all day. So sit back, grab some pub fare and cheer on your club of choice (2 Center Plz, Boston, MA 02108, (617) 742-5577).
