World Cup 2010 in Prague

The 2010 FIFA World Cup kicks off Friday June 11. Even though the Czech Republic failed to qualify, there are still a bunch of events happening throughout Prague, with many places showing all the matches. Just about any pub with a television will most likely have the game on. Games are at 13:30, 16:00 or 20:30 local time. South Africa is on the same time as the Czech Republic. If you are the stay at home type, channels ČT 4 and ČT 2 are showing the games. Click here for a schedule in Czech. Česká Televize also has a website setup that will be streaming the games. If you need to get off your couch; a big screen on Old Town Square will be showing all the matches. The matches will also most likely be shown on the big screen in the Riegrovy sady beer garden.

Hard Rock Café will be rocking out for the series with 2 LCD screens showing the games and special menu prices for those who come to watch. Starting June 26, those who aren´t content to only watch can play xBox football. Hilton Old Town Prague´s Zinc Lounge & Bar is planning a “Bar World Cup Fever” offering special bar snacks and beer packages to go along with the matches being shown. The Brewery Bar in the Augustine Hotel will be showing all the matches. They´ve prepared a special menu plus you can try their one-of-a-kind Sváty Tomáš beer. If you want to check out one of the newest restaurants in town; head over to Belushi´s in the new Mosaic House Hotel near Karlovo náměstí. The Globe will turn to less literary pursuits and show the games on big TVs and have special wings and beer offers.

During the matches, TGI Friday´s will be running a special on appetizers and free beer. On the Vinohrady/Vršovice border Czech Inn has drink specials and 3 TV screens showing the games. In Jama´s sport viewing room matches will be shown on their two TVs. Zest Bar in the Hilton Prague will be showing all the matches on their 3×2 meter wide screen. They´ll also offer a special menu filled with “national team food” like the Italian menu which offers herb Panini with Parma ham, buffalo mozzarella and candied tomatoes. O´Che´s will be offering lunch specials, daily drink vouchers and sweepstakes for each match shown. For those in the mood for Mexican, Banditos will have a large screen and projector setup to show the games.

All the typical sports bars will of course have their TVs tuned in. Rocky O´Reilly´s promises to be a rollicking good time when showing all the matches with a special menu and prices, plus t-shirts and prizes for hearty drinkers. Flannagan´s (formerly Shamrock Irish Pub) will have the games on as well as J.J. Murphy´s who is also planning some drink specials and international dishes. Others include: Zlatá Hvězda, The Pack, Caffrey´s and George and Dragon. Reservations are strongly recommended.