Soccer Celebrations arrives in Chula Vista

The global tournament has come to Chula Vista, bringing matchday energy, live music, chants, flags, and community viewing experiences across the city. Fans will be able to watch the world’s game at San Diego FC’s Soccer Celebrations, presented by Adriana’s Insurance and hosted by the city of Chula Vista.

The international competition runs from June 11 through July 19. While San Diego will not host matches, residents and visitors will be able to gather at multiple viewing events throughout Chula Vista during the 39-day tournament.

“We are proud to create locations where families, fans, and visitors can come together to celebrate our community,” Mayor John McCann said. “These soccer celebrations are about community pride, bringing people together, and creating memorable experiences for residents and visitors throughout the summer.”

Mirella Leung Lopez, communications officer with the city, said the idea behind the watch parties is rooted in Chula Vista’s deep soccer culture and growing regional enthusiasm for the sport.

“Chula Vista is a soccer city,” she said. “We have some of the most passionate soccer fans in the region, and San Diego FC has shared that Chula Vista leads the county in viewership and game attendance. When you combine that passion with our diverse community and the excitement of bringing people together for the world’s game, it made perfect sense to host these celebrations here.”

Organizers said the goal is to offer more than a place to watch matches, with each event designed as a full community experience.

“These events are about much more than what’s happening on the screen,” Leung Lopez said. “Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, local food vendors, a beer garden, and a vibrant community atmosphere. Whether you’re a lifelong soccer fan or watching your first match, there’s something for everyone.

The city selected a range of venues to reflect different community settings and experiences, from elite athletic facilities to neighborhood gathering spaces.

Each location offers something unique, Leung Lopez said. The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center will serve as a premier kickoff site. Downtown Chula Vista will bring a walkable street-festival atmosphere, and Southwestern College will host the championship match in a larger stadium setting designed to bring the community together.

“Each location offers a unique experience,” she said. “The Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center is one of the premier sports venues in the country and a fitting place to kick off the celebrations. Downtown Chula Vista provides an energetic, walkable setting in the heart of our community, while Southwestern College offers a spacious stadium to bring people together for the championship match.”

Beyond entertainment, city officials emphasize that the watch parties are also about connection.

“Soccer has a unique ability to bring people together,” Leung Lopez said. “These events create opportunities for neighbors, families, and visitors from different backgrounds to gather, share an experience, and celebrate together. That’s what community is all about.”

She also said soccer plays a central role in the city’s broader recreation and engagement efforts, reflecting local passion and cultural diversity.

“Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Chula Vista and reflects the diversity of our community,” she said. “These celebrations are another way we’re creating opportunities for residents to connect through sports, culture, and shared experiences.”

With strong early interest, the city expects attendance to grow as the tournament continues.

“We expect momentum to build throughout the tournament as more people hear about the events and experience the atmosphere for themselves,” Leung Lopez said.

“Each celebration offers something unique, and we’re excited to welcome both soccer fans and first-time attendees.”

Looking ahead, she said the focus remains on delivering a strong experience for this year’s events tied to a major moment for soccer across North America.

“At this time, our focus is on making these Soccer Celebrations a great experience for everyone who attends,” she said.

The San Diego FC Soccer Celebrations, presented by Adriana’s Insurance, will conclude Sunday, July 19, at Southwestern College. Doors open at 11 a.m. for a community event featuring food vendors, a beer garden, and a live championship match viewing experience on a giant screen.

Every four years, the world turns its attention to football’s biggest stage as nations compete for the championship title. This year’s expanded tournament features 48 teams across 12 groups of four, with only one ultimately crowned champion.