Metro Detroit watches as soccer's World Cup gets underway

DETROIT (WJBK) - From Russia to Detroit's Eastern Market. the opening ceremony for the 2018 FIFA World Cup captured audiences from around the world and of course, here in Detroit on Fox 2.

One Detroit soccer hotspot tuning in, is at Thomas Magee's Sporting House.

"We have a very eclectic group of locals and fans that watch the world sports here, soccer included," said bar owner Erik Olson.

On Thursday soccer - or futball fans -- packed into Thomas Magee's Thursday which is no surprise for Olson.

"World Cup is always big for us no matter what."

The sports tavern is open for every minute of every match.

"Today is a little bit slow, because there is not a big draw for Russia and Saudi Arabia," Olson said. "But starting tomorrow and all through the weekend there is some pretty exciting matches."

With more than 60 matches total, the big games Friday and this weekend include Spain versus Portugal, France and Australia along with Argentina, Germany, Mexico and Brazil.

But Olson says the bread and butter though, is the English Premiere League. Just two weeks ago Magee's was forced to close their doors because it was packed to capacity.

"We are full every weekend for the Premiere League and especially when teams like Liverpool and their big supporters come when they play," Olson said. "There is definitely a fan base in the city for the sport."

And of course what better way to enjoy the World Cup than with a cup of suds?
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"Here people sit down for three to four hours and open up a tab - then the beer starts flowing," Olson said adding that his bar isn't running any soccer specials for the World Cup. "Everything is special!"