Okay, be honest — how many Sundays this summer have ended with you standing in front of the fridge at 5 PM having a full existential crisis about dinner? Yeah, same. This Sunday, put the fridge down and back away slowly, because Downtown Elkhart is about to give you (and the whole crew) a much better way to spend the afternoon.

Elkhart Parks and Recreation and The Lerner Theatre are teaming up for Game on the Green, a free watch party for the biggest soccer match on the planet — and it’s happening right on the Central Green.

So What Exactly Is Happening?

Picture this: a gorgeous summer Sunday, a screen the size of a billboard, and absolutely zero dishes to wash afterward. That’s the vibe.

• Event kicks off: 1:00 PM with pre-game festivities and mini-soccer games for the kiddos
• Kick-off (the actual match): 3:00 PM
• Bonus: live coverage of the halftime show, broadcasting all the way from New Jersey
• Totally free to attend

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who’s had this date circled since the last tournament, or you’re just there for the snacks and the vibes (no judgment), there’s something for everyone.

Dress the Part

Rally your family and rep your favorite country in style — local merchants will have jerseys on hand if you want to gear up on-site. Bonus points if you can get your kids to match without a meltdown. We believe in you.

The Fine Print (Read This So You’re Not “That Person”)

A few quick things to know before you head out:

• ✅ Bring your own chairs or a blanket to claim your spot on the lawn
• ❌ No coolers allowed
• ❌ No umbrellas or tents allowed

Basically, pack light, pack smart, and let the food vendors handle the snack situation — one less thing on your to-do list.

The Details

• What: Game on the Green — Free Final Watch Party
• When: Sunday, July 19th at 1:00 PM
• Where: Central Green, Downtown Elkhart
• Cost: Free!
• More info: Head over to the official event page on The Lerner Theatre’s website, or call The Lerner Box Office at (574) 293-4469

This one’s brought to you by a great local trio — Elkhart Parks & Recreation, The Lerner Theatre, and the City of Elkhart — proving once again that downtown Elkhart knows how to throw a party.

So tell us — who are you cheering for on Sunday, and are the kids coming in matching jerseys? Drop your team pick in the comments on our Facebook or Instagram — let’s see those colors before kickoff! 🌍⚽