As soccer enthusiasts, there's no better way to enjoy the thrills of the game than hosting a soccer party. MLS soccer is one of the most impactful soccer leagues in the world, and it brings together a diverse group of fans who share a love for the game. Whether you're supporting your favorite team or celebrating an MLS season's victorious end, hosting an unforgettable MLS soccer party requires careful planning and creativity. Here are some tips to help you plan a memorable MLS soccer party.
Plan Your Guest List
The first step in hosting a successful soccer party is to decide on the guest list. Reach out to friends, co-workers, and family members whom you know have a passion for MLS soccer. You can even ask them to bring a friend who shares the same interest. Don't forget to invite fans of opposing teams if you want an exciting debate. Having diverse soccer fans will make the party interesting and spark conversations that could last the entire game.
Set Up a Viewing Area
When hosting soccer parties, you need to have a perfect viewing area where people can follow the match comfortably. Therefore, ensure that you have a large communal area with enough seating and a big screen TV. Moreover, you can transform the space into a soccer stadium by adding streamers, balloons, or flags of the teams playing. You can also decorate the tables with soccer-themed cups, plates, and napkins.
Enhance the Viewing Experience
In addition to the basic setup, consider aspects that will enhance the overall viewing experience. For instance, if possible, set up multiple screens in different areas so that every guest has a good view of the game. If the party is during daylight hours, ensure you have proper blinds or curtains to prevent any glare on the TV screen. Sound is another crucial aspect - a good speaker system will amplify the commentary and make it feel like you are in the stadium. Don't forget to have a stable and high-speed internet connection if you're streaming the game. Lastly, ensure the viewing area is close to the refreshments and restroom, so guests don't miss out on the action while grabbing a drink or snack.
Decorations
Add a fun touch to your party with MLS decorations. Create a festive soccer-themed atmosphere by hanging streamers, MLS soccer team colors, and soccer balloons. You can include pillows, action figures, or other soccer-themed toys in your guest's goodie bags.
Go the Extra Mile with Decorations
To truly capture the spirit of an MLS game, consider going a step further with your decorations. You can set up a mini soccer field in your backyard or living room with miniature goals and soccer balls for guests to enjoy during half-time. Consider also using soccer-themed tablecloths, serving bowls, and coasters to add to the theme.
If you're feeling adventurous, create DIY pennants and banners with your favorite team's logo or colors. These could be hung around the viewing area or at the entrance to welcome your guests. Life-sized posters or cardboard cutouts of popular MLS players can also make fun photo opportunities and can double as exciting conversation starters.
Remember, the key is to make the space feel as much like a soccer stadium as possible, so don't be afraid to get creative with your decorations! Don't forget to add a touch of personalization - if you or your guests have a favorite player or team in the MLS, be sure to include elements in your décor that reflect this. Happy decorating!
Theme Food and Drinks
Soccer games can be long, so you'll need to provide your guests with enough food and drinks. Incorporate a soccer theme by creating a menu of foods from your favorite MLS teams hosting the event. Think about party favorites like wings, nachos, and pizza. Also, consider getting creative with themed desserts, cupcakes and drinks. You can serve drinks in soccer ball-shaped cups or make cupcakes that look like soccer balls. Offer a good variety of bites to please everyone's appetites. Here are some ideas:
- MLS Region-Inspired Dishes: Each MLS team has a unique cultural and geographic identity, and you can use this to inspire your menu. If you're celebrating a game with the Los Angeles Galaxy, consider serving tacos or other Mexican-inspired cuisine. For a New York City FC game, New York-style pizza or hot dogs would be fitting.
- Soccer Ball-Themed Snacks: This can range from cheese or meatball sliders that resemble soccer balls to soccer ball-shaped cookies or cupcakes. You could also make a soccer field dip by using guacamole as the field, sour cream for the field lines, and black olives as the players.
- Refreshing Drinks: Keeping your guests hydrated is crucial, especially if the party is during the warmer months. Include a variety of beverages like iced tea, lemonade, and a selection of beers for the adults. Consider creating a signature cocktail for the event.
- Healthy Options: While indulgent foods are a staple at any sports party, it's a good idea to have some healthier options available too. A veggie platter, a salad, or a fruit bowl can offer a lighter alternative for those who prefer it.
- Dessert: End the night with a sweet treat. Cake pops decorated like soccer balls or a cake decorated with the colors of the competing teams can be a fun way to incorporate the theme of the party into the dessert.
Whether you are serving robust, hearty dishes or light, refreshing snacks, the most important thing is to ensure that your guests have a great time and enjoy the food. So, stay creative and have fun planning the menu!
Games and Contests
To keep the excitement going before kickoff, during halftime, or after the final whistle, prepare some games for your guests to play. There are some great ideas below:
- MLS Cornhole Game: A game of cornhole, where players take turns throwing bags of corn kernels at a raised platform with a hole in the far end, can easily be adapted to fit the soccer theme. You can use boards customized with the colors and logos of the competing teams, and even adjust the scoring to reflect soccer rules. For example, a bag in the hole could count as a "goal" worth three points, while one on the board could be a "shot on goal" worth one point.
- Soccer Penalty Shootout: Set up a small goal post in your backyard and hold a mini penalty shootout competition. Participants get turns to play as the goalkeeper and the shooter. The person who scores the most goals wins.
- MLS Trivia: Test your guests' knowledge of the MLS with a trivia contest. This could include questions about team history, famous players, and memorable moments.
- Guess the Score: Before the match starts, have each guest predict the final score. The person who gets closest to the actual result could win a small prize.
- Soccer Charades: Create a list of soccer-related terms and phrases. Have guests act them out and others guess. This can be a fun and interactive way to keep everyone engaged.
Why Cornhole Is the Best MLS Party Game
Cornhole is a classic party game beloved by many, and it's particularly well-suited to an MLS watch party for several reasons. Firstly, the game is simple and accessible, requiring minimal skill to participate, which means all your guests, regardless of age or athletic ability, can join in the fun.
Additionally, the gameplay encourages friendly competition and social interaction without taking away from the central event—the MLS game on screen. It’s also extraordinarily versatile, allowing for customization; American cornhole boards can be painted in team colors or adorned with logos, creating a personalized touch for your party.
Furthermore, cornhole doesn't require continuous play, so guests can easily shift their attention between the game on the screen and the game they're playing. Lastly, the game's pace is adaptable, with rounds short enough to play during halftime or pre-game without missing any live action, making it the perfect choice for keeping the energy high and attendees entertained throughout the event.
Remember, the aim is to ensure your guests are having a great time. Prizes for these games could include soccer-themed items like mini soccer balls, team jerseys, or even tickets to the next local MLS game.
Seating Arrangements
Lastly, figure out your seating arrangements. You want everyone to have an excellent view of the TV and make sure everyone's seated comfortably. It's also essential to have space for guests to move around and socialize: couches, beanbags, or air mattresses are great options. Also, consider covering your furniture with furniture sleeves to avoid spills.
Be the Party Pro
Hosting a memorable MLS soccer party requires creativity, planning, and careful consideration of your guest's comfort. Follow the tips above to create an unforgettable MLS soccer event that your guests will cherish for years to come. Remember, a successful soccer party depends on the right mix of decorations, food, games, and great company. Get ready to host a soccer party that will have everyone talking!