Two Docs Hosts Lubbock's Official World Cup Watch Parties Before Final

As the World Cup prepares to crown its champion Sunday, soccer fans across Lubbock are heading to Two Docs Brewing Co., which has emerged as the city's unofficial headquarters for tournament watch parties.

The brewery has hosted supporters throughout the competition, bringing together longtime soccer followers and newcomers eager to experience the excitement surrounding one of the world's largest sporting events.

This year's tournament featured several memorable moments, including Lionel Messi setting a new World Cup scoring record and Cape Verde making its first appearance on the global stage.

Two Docs General Manager Taylor Swift said the community atmosphere created during the matches has been one of the tournament's highlights.

"We've had a lot of camaraderie," Swift said. "It just shows how many fans there are here for the world's greatest sport."

Swift, who grew up playing soccer in the Lubbock area, said it has been encouraging to see younger generations continuing to embrace the sport.

"I grew up playing in this area, and it was nice to see that there are continuations and new generations of people wanting to support soccer," Swift said.

The tournament's biggest stars have also inspired local players and fans, he said.

"The things that they're seeing on TV, these heroes they're seeing on the pitch, are real-life examples of what they can do with themselves," Swift said.

For some attendees, the World Cup has provided an opportunity to connect with family roots and national pride.

Armida, who attended one of the watch parties, said she has supported several teams throughout the tournament but found herself backing Argentina as the competition progressed.

"I've been rooting for just about all of the Spanish-speaking countries," Armida said. "I'm half-Mexican, so I rooted for them too."

Swift said one of the most memorable aspects of the watch parties has been seeing fans from different countries and backgrounds gather in one place.

"We're getting to see fanbases from all across the world," Swift said. We're seeing folks root for their home country and for people they just enjoy.

Two Docs will host one final watch party Sunday for the World Cup championship match between Argentina and Spain. Doors open at noon for the final match of the tournament's 39-day run.