ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The City of St. Pete hosted a World Cup watch party Monday as the U.S. team participated for the first time since 2014.

What You Need To Know

  • The City of St. Pete host a World Cup watch party Monday

  • The event took place at Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg

  • Monday's U.S. match ended in 1-1 draw with Wales

Billed as Tampa Bay’s Biggest United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) World Cup Watch Party, the event took place at Williams Park in downtown St. Petersburg.

The watch party was broadcast on 18-foot HD screens, with premium surround sound throughout the park, with cannons and effects sounding at every USA goal.

In Monday's case, the cannons were fired once as the U.S. finished in a 1-1 draw with Wales.

Rick Cundiff has been a soccer fan for almost 50 years.

“I guess it was ‘76, now that I think about it. That was when the Bucs were losing all their games, so going to the Rowdies games, at least they won half their games, it was fun,” he said.

Even with high hopes for this young U.S. team, he knows they are doubtful to win the entire World Cup, but if they can win a few games that is a good start.

“All the good teams start young, and they keep them for two or three World Cups,” he said. “So if we can do that starting now, win a few games, get a good start under our belt, the next time around it will be here in the U.S.”

Tickets are $20 and include a free drink for the three days of watch parties (also planned for games on Nov. 25 and 29). Children ages 13 and under get in free.

The gates will open at 11 a.m.