U.S. vs. Portugal Viewing Party on Sunday (6/22) Moved to Lower Hutchinson Field in Grant Park

Well it seems like World Cup fever is sweeping the country and that energy will be on display again in the Sloop on Sunday.

As you may recall, this past Monday there was a viewing party at Arvey Field in Grant Park for the U.S. vs Ghana game.  Apparently a lot of people came.  The Chicago Tribune reported 8,000.  We heard 10,000 on CBS.  Judging by this picture that may be true:

Anyway, apparently they're expecting even bigger crowds on Sunday (6/22) for the U.S. vs. Portugal game that starts at 5pm.  As a result, they're moving to lower Hutchinson field which has played host to many recent high-profile large events (Blackhawks Stanley Cup celebration, Obama's First Presidential Celebration and Lollapalooza annually):

The second 2014 FIFA World Cup viewing party hosted by U.S. Soccer will take place at Lower Hutchinson Field in Grant Park on Sunday, June 22 at 5 p.m. CT. The U.S. Men’s National Team faces Portugal in both teams’ second Group G match.  

“All of us, the guys, the staff, everyone here in Brazil saw clips of the celebrations at watch parties and gatherings throughout the U.S., and what we saw from our fans back home was beyond amazing,” said U.S. Men’s National Team head coach Jurgen Klinsmann. “You don’t have to be with us in Brazil to make an impact. I know the turnout this Sunday in Chicago and all over the U.S. will be incredible and I thank everyone for coming together to show the world that we take a backseat to no one when it comes to supporting the national team.”  

Supported by the Chicago Park District and the Chicago Sports Commission, each event is free and open to the public. The viewing parties will also feature ESPN’s live feed of the matches displayed on a 33’-by-19’ high-definition screen and will include live look-ins on the fans gathered in Chicago. The match viewing area will open at 2 p.m. CT.

While there most likely will be a lot of people, it shouldn't be nearly as crowded as some of the other big events we listed above.  Regardless, it will probably be a fun event if you're looking to watch a soccer game in Grant Park with 10,000 of your closest friends.

(Hat tip: AR!)