Huge Crowd Gathers at Freedom Plaza to Cheer Team USA (photos)
By July 7, 2014 0 1850
•
The red, white and blue were ubiquitous as thousands of spirited soccer fans turned out in sweltering heat on Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., July 1 to root for Team USA against Belgium. Mayor Vincent Gray’s administration joined 94.7 Fresh FM to organize the World Cup viewing party. Also co-hosting the event were D.C. United along with Akridge, a developer that stands to benefit if the city agrees to build a new stadium for the Major League Soccer franchise. Other sponsors included Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District, Events D.C. and Pepco. The game was viewed on a 17-foot screen. D.C. United provided free water and a misting-tent to keep everybody cool as the thermometer reached 95 degrees midway into the contest. However many fans hung onto the bitter end as Belgium won 2-1 in the game which was extended by 30 minutes of extra time after regulation ended in a 0-0 tie.
View our photos from the viewing party at Freedom Plaza by clicking on the photo icons below.
- An estimated 4000 soccer fans gather at Freedom Plaza for USA vs Belgium. | Jeff Malet