After a long four years, the FIFA World Cup has finally returned, and along with it, plenty of ways to gather together and watch one of the greatest spectacles in sports.

The U.S. Men’s National Team will begin its 2026 World Cup run on Friday evening, and State College is hosting a free outdoor watch party at the newly opened East End Social. The Centre Soccer Association, with support from Centre Region Parks & Rec, will sponsor the event that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ahead of the 9 p.m. start time.

Additional bars and restaurants in the community will also host watch parties, which got us thinking—you can really host a watch party for anything these days.

Here are our top picks for what we think would gather the great folks of State College together for a good time.

Sarah Nasif: NHL Draft

While it’s 99% certain Gavin McKenna’s fate lands in Toronto as the No. 1 pick, why not reminisce on his reign in Hockey Valley with a watch party to see the phenom actually get drafted!

Oscar Orellana: The Oscars

While State College isn’t the biggest moviegoing town, having watch parties for it could help fill the void between the Super Bowl and March Madness. 

Get the State Theatre to host it or something. Make State College’s own red carpet and get the cinephile community all together in one room for the biggest night in entertainment. It could be really cool. It also functions the same as any big sporting event (rooting interests, betting, themed food, etc.) 

I also just wanted to point out my name to everyone. 

Michael Zeno: World Series

There are few events in the American zeitgeist that match the worldwide excitement of the World Cup. Obviously, the Super Bowl is our own version of it, but let’s go with a more creative option. 

There are students from all over the country at Penn State, so odds are, there’s going to be (at least) several dozen fans of any particular baseball team. If we’re talking about the Pirates, Phillies, or Yankees? Way more. 

So let’s do a World Series watch party. That way, everyone can watch the Yankees win it all this November, right?

Collin Ward: UFL Championship Game

Who doesn’t love a little summer ball?

The UFL Championship game is on Saturday and will feature Nittany Lions on both sides. Keaton Ellis has been a defensive leader for the Louisville Kings throughout the playoffs, and Brandon Smith looks to help the DC Defenders repeat as UFL champions.

There’s nothing better than supporting fellow Penn Staters, so why not do it all together at a watch party?

Cadyn Gill: Love Island

As a proud soccer hater, there really aren’t too many summer sporting events that pique my interest.

Yes, the NBA Finals are entertaining, but I find myself tuning out since I don’t have a metaphorical dog in the fight. So would I attend a State College watch party for Jalen Brunson vs. an emotional, freakishly tall French man? Probably not.

However, you know what I absolutely would attend? A Love Island Season 8 watch party, preferably at my favorite bar, Doggies.

Just imagine: you’re sipping on an ice-cold SuperLyte fruit punch on a cool summer State College evening. You grab a slice or two from Doggies Pizza, then you pop a squat on a bench outside as you watch Sol snatch Sincere away from Melanie. Sounds like perfection to me.

Ally Eaton: Dancing With The Stars

You can really have a watch party for anything, right?

Like most college girls, Dancing With The Stars is a popular event in my apartment. Filled with celebrities, popular songs, and elimination drama, the viewing experience could only be elevated by watching amongst other superfans. Champs has introduced a Bachelor and Bachelorette viewing party before, so why not add this to Tuesday night’s rotation?