World Cup Watch Party in Wiswall Park

Ballston Spa— On Monday, July 6, the Ballston Spa community came together in support of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in their round of 16 tie against Belgium in Wiswall Park.

Mayor Frank Rossi gauged interest for a watch party following the USMNT’s win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on Facebook. 

“Who wants a Village of Ballston Spa watch party Monday night in Wiswall Park for Belgium/USA?” the mayor wrote on Facebook. 

The post reached over 200 likes and 60 comments and the next day, Mayor Rossi announced a watch party at Wiswall Park Monday night.

The mayor worked diligently over the weekend to get local vendors to set up shop at the game. JJ’s Snack Bar and Mike’s Hot Dogs turned up at the event despite the short notice.

“I actually went there (Mike’s Hot Dogs) on Thursday, I go there whenever I’m in Schenectady, it’s one of my guilty pleasures,” said Mayor Rossi. “And I saw their owner who I’ve known for years. I’m like, “John, you still have that food truck? We’ve got an event.” And he said, “I’ll be there.”

Despite losing 4-1 and being knocked out of the World Cup, enthusiasm for the game was high. After Malik Tillman scored his second free kick goal of his tournament, USA chants erupted in the park. 

“I think that the community coming together like this for a World Cup is something that I’ve been hoping for a long time with this sport,” said Raffaele Rispo, owner of Ballston Spa Barber Club. “You don’t see people coming to the park for the Olympics, or the NBA finals, or the Super Bowl, but you see this because this really is the world’s game and it’s catching on here big time.”