👋 Shafaq here! I went to Shell Energy Stadium last night to see Mexico beat Czechia 3-0 on the big screen.
Why it matters: With Houston's large Mexican American population, we're easily one of the best places — outside of Mexico — to gather for watch parties and cheer on Mexico's national team.
The vibe: Shell Energy Stadium is the home base for Mexico's national team watch parties, with live Spanish commentary. It's free, family-friendly and laid-back, but still feels like a game day.
You get the full stadium experience — stadium food, the wave, chants and fan shots on the jumbotron — except instead of seeing the match on the field, you're watching it on a screen.
After the FIFA Fan Festival reached capacity, many funneled into Shell Energy Stadium instead of waiting in long lines at nearby bars.
My experience: The screen was a little far from where I was sitting, but the atmosphere made up for it.
Over 15,000 people attended, and the crowd erupted after each goal, and again when beloved goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, came in as a substitute.
What's next: More free watch parties are on the schedule, including Colombia vs. Portugal at 6:30pm Saturday.
Mexico, clinching the top spot in its group, will play Tuesday evening in the round of 32.
Editor's note: This story has been corrected to show there were over 15,000 people in attendance (not 20,000).
