As many of our soccer-fan followers will be aware, there’s only 6 days left left until the freshly crowned Barclay’s Women’s Super League Champions, Chelsea FC Women, take on Gotham FC on August 19 in a hotly anticipated pre-season match. With the PATH taking you straight from central Manhattan all the way to the state-of-the-art Red Bull Arena in time for a 7pm (ET) kick off, fans will have plenty of time to factor in some pregaming in the build up before (and hopefully plenty of celebrating after!). So we’ve rounded up some of the best places Manhattan and New Jersey to visit on game day, to help you get pumped up to see your team play.
1. Beckett’s Sports Bar
Beckett’s Sports Bar and Grill is a go-to destination for any soccer fan in New York. With two bars serving drinks across two levels, 21 TV screens and year-round outdoor dining, it’s the perfect place to congregate with your fellow supporters and soak up the vibes before the match over some mouth watering food and ice cold beers! 81 Pearl Street, 48 Stone Street, NY 10004
2. The Football Factory at Legends Bar
One of the best things about going to see your team play is reveling in the atmosphere and sharing the anticipation with fellow supporters. So if you’re looking for the ultimate game day experience, head to Football Factory at Legends Bar. Home to over 30 NYC supporter clubs, this premier sports bar will welcome fans by the bucket load. Plus, they’ve got a 10/10 food and drinks menu to fuel you beforehand. 6 W 33rd Street, NY 10001
3. Mulligans Hoboken
If you’re planning on crossing the river for your pregame antics, Mulligans Pub in Hoboken is the ultimate premier soccer spot. Their game day menu dishes range from succulent wings and sirloin burgers to a traditional Irish breakfast, with perfectly poured Guinness to wash it down. You’ll also find large screen TVs lining every wall of the pub, so you can enjoy round the clock soccer before you head over the Red Bull Arena. 159 1st St, Hoboken, NJ 07030
4. The Lawn Club
Not everyone who goes to soccer games is a die-hard fan, per say, and that’s fine! Whether or not you’re a dedicated supporter, a sporting event is always a great day out. So if you’re looking for somewhere a little less soccer-centric to get warmed up for the match, then The Lawn Club is just the place for you. New York’s leisure headquarters is filled with lawns where you can play games such as croquet and cornhole, before enjoying a beer or a frosty cocktail with some of their irresistible bar snacks. 1 Fulton St, NY 10038
5. O’Donnell’s Pub
Another fantastic Irish pub to visit before (or after!) the game is O’Donnell’s in New Jersey. If you’re in the mood for a celebratory drink to round off the evening, we recommend heading there for some good old Irish hospitality, served along with a Guinness or some great single malt whiskey. 233 Harrison Ave, Harrison, NJ 07029
6. Pre-Game Fan Fest at Red Bull Arena
Eager to get in and amongst the action nice and early? Head to the Pregame Fan Fest at Red Bull Arena before the match. There’ll be plenty of food and drink options to explore, as well as fun football themed activities. You can even buy personalised merch to take home – and don’t forget to take a pic next to Chelsea’s WSL Trophy to remember the occasion!