Brenlyn Ng
Alif AmsyarTo what has been an intense tournament filled with shocking upsets during the group stages and an unprecedented number of penalty shots aided by VAR- technology, the finale deserves a big party and celebration. Following the “curse of champions” that has struck for the fourth consecutive tournament (Germany made a surprise group exit!), a new champion will be crowned on 15 July in Moscow.
Have trouble deciding where to catch the long-awaited spectacular finals? Here are 10 spots in Singapore to celebrate football’s biggest showdown. Grab your family and friends and get together for the world’s most-watched sporting event!
1. Resorts World Sentosa
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Here’s something really cool for all you soccer buffs! The grand ballroom at Resorts World Sentosa will be transformed to look like a football stadium decked with floodlights, a soccer turf, and super-wide 270-degree screens. Talk about creating an immersive experience! While admission is free, you can get VIP or regular packages for beer and bar bites. This is a pretty neat experience for something that happens only once every four years.
Address: Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island
2. OCBC Square
Let’s get the party started! After a successful event during the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Singapore Sports Hub will be opening its doors once again to broadcast live matches at the huge OCBC Square. What better way to catch the finals than to soak in the football craze at Singapore’s National Stadium?
There will be many other exciting things to do (look out for the mini football pitch!), events you can partake in and even a bar to enjoy a couple of drinks! Gear up for this great experience else you’ll have to wait for another four long years…
Address: 5 Stadium Drive
3. Changi Airport
Image credit: Changi Airport
Soak in the FIFA World Cup fever by catching the live finals at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3! Lined with plush sofas and soccer-ball-shaped cushions, this is the perfect location to have a laid-back live football screening away from the rowdy crowds. To top it off, you get to watch the exhilarating game from a large seven by four metre high definition LED screen!
The area is open to public for free, and you even stand a chance to win S$1,000 Changi Gift Cards if you predict the correct winning team.
Address: Changi Airport Terminal 3, Departure Hall North, Public Area (Near Skytrain To T1)
4. SAFRA
Image credit: SAFRA Facebook
Say goodbye to exclusivity as SAFRA opens all its branches to the public for the screening of the entire FIFA World Cup season! They accept free walk-ins for non-members; simply turn up early to snag the better seats.
For members, an early registration entitles you to premium seating, fan packs, snacker kits and other special perks! You can also bring up to two friends along with you to enjoy the match at the exclusive member’s area. SAFRA has also organised snack booths and other entertaining activities for everyone to join in the festivity. It’ll surely be a night packed with excitement and fun!
Address:
SAFRA Jurong 333 Boon Lay Way, Singapore 649848
SAFRA Mount Faber 2 Telok Blangah Way, Singapore 098803
SAFRA Punggol 9 Sentul Crescent, Singapore 828654
SAFRA Tampines 1/A Tampines Street 92, Singapore 528882
SAFRA Toa Payoh 293 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319387
SAFRA Yishun 60 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 769027
5. Community centres
Image credit: The People’s Association Facebook
It’s time to revive the Kampong spirit! People’s Association has opened 55 community centres all around Singapore for the public to catch the FIFA World Cup Finals together. For those who prefer a more casual and homey atmosphere, why not watch the finals at your very own neighbourhood community centre?
Although the halls may be crowded, you will definitely feel the warmth of the community as each side cheers passionately for their preferred team to win. Join the buzz and be proud to don your favourite team’s jersey!
6. Mediacorp Toggle
Image credit: Mediacorp Toggle
For those who prefer to be in the comfort of your own homes, here’s a piece of good news for you. You will get front-row seats to the finals right from your own living room, all thanks to Mediacorp Toggle. Kudos to the three local broadcasters – Mediacorp, Singtel and StarHub – for a historic first in working together to bring the FIFA World Cup coverage to Singapore. Okto channel will also broadcast the finals live on 15 July.
Note: It’s still not too late to purchase the FIFA World Cup package and catch the knockout rounds leading up to the final match for just S$112.35!
7. Timbre+
Image credit: Timbre+
From an array of activities specially lined-up to guessing the victor of each match, Timbre+ at Buona Vista will be perfect for those who are competitive in guessing games. Three lucky winners who make correct guesses will even stand to win a prize!
The gastro park is screening 33 live matches in their courtyard and there will be food and beer promotions as well. It’ll be such a great experience for the oohs and aahs!
Address: JTC LaunchPad @ one-north, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent
8. Mezza9 @ Grand Hyatt
Image credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore
The mezzanine level of Grand Hyatt is well worth a visit. From martinis and cocktail lounges to its convenient location at the heart of Orchard Road, it sure makes for a great resting spot after a long day of shopping.
Football enthusiasts, you’ll be glad to note that Grand Hyatt has opened the party room for the entire FIFA World Cup month. If you’re looking for spacious seating amidst a stylish yet cosy ambience to cheer on your favourite teams, this is the place to catch the finals! Did we forget to mention that there will be three 86-inch screens?
Address: M/F Grand Hyatt Hotel, 10 Scotts Road
9. Bar Bar Black Sheep
Image credit: Bar Bar Black Sheep
Bar Bar Black Sheep at Cluny Court will also open its doors for football fanatics to catch the FIFA World Cup Finals! Simply spend S$50 to assure yourself a place to catch all the action.
Foodies, this affordable restaurant is the place to go to since you get to enjoy quality western food and great drinks while watching the finals. Soak in the laid-back ambience as you watch the teams battle it out for the champion’s title.
Address: 501 Bukit Timah, Cluny Court, #01-05C, Singapore 259760
10. McDonald’s
Image credit: Mcdonald’s Facebook
We are all well-aware of McDonald’s FIFA World-Cup-themed menu this season, with the fierce marketing of their ever-so-popular McGriddles and Chicken Pizza Kicks. Well, that’s not all!
McDonald’s has decided to take their FIFA World Cup rave to the next level as they open 22 of their outlets for the public to watch the matches together. Time to gather your friends and family as you feast on burgers and ice-cream while watching the teams fight it out on television.
Address:
North
- McDonald’s Woodlands Mart 768 Woodlands Ave 6 #01-01 Singapore 730768
- McDonald’s Yishun SAFRA 60 Yishun Avenue 4 #01-11 Singapore 769027
North East
- McDonald’s Ang Mo Kio Park 10 Ang Mo Kio Street 12 Singapore 567740
- McDonald’s Ang Mo Kio Ave 3 51 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3 51 @ AMK #01-04 Singapore 569922
- McDonald’s Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 163 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 4 #01-438 Singapore 560163
- McDonald’s Hougang 208 Hougang Street 21 #01-217 Singapore 530208
- McDonald’s Hougang Ave 8 684 Hougang Avenue 8 #01-999 Singapore 530684
- McDonald’s Punggol SAFRA 9 Sentul Crescent #03-05 Singapore 828654
- McDonald’s Sengkang Rivervale Plaza 118 Rivervale Drive #01-32 Singapore 540118
- McDonald’s Sengkang Sports Complex 57 Anchorvale Road #02-03 Sengkang Sport & Recreation Centre Singapore 544964
Central
- McDonald’s Boat Quay 1 South Canal Road Singapore 048508
- McDonald’s Geylang East Central 113 Aljunied Ave 2 #01-01 Singapore 380113
- McDonald’s Kallang (Stadium Boulevard) 200 Stadium Boulevard Singapore 397801
- McDonald’s Marine Cove Marine Cove 1000 East Coast Parkway East Coast Park #01-05 Singapore 449876
- McDonald’s Springleaf Tower 3 Anson Road #01-03 Springleaf Tower Singapore 079909
East
- McDonald’s 632 Bedok Reservoir Road 632 Bedok Reservoir Road #01-850 Singapore 470632
- McDonald’s Downtown East 1 Pasir Ris Close #01-338 Downtown East Singapore 519599
- McDonald’s Pasir Ris Sports Complex 120 Pasir Ris Central #01-12 Pasir Ris Sports and Recreation Centre Singapore 519640
- McDonald’s Tampines Mart 5 Tampines Street 32 #01-01 Singapore 529284
West
- McDonald’s Fajar Shopping Centre 445 Fajar Road #01-520 Singapore 670445
- McDonald’s Jurong Bowl 1 Yuan Ching Road Jurong Family Bowl Singapore 618640
- McDonald’s Jurong East St 24 Blk 256 Jurong East Street 24 #01-381 Singapore 600256
Each location truly has its own appeal, whether you like being among boisterous people or prefer some peace and quiet. Say no more to laggy internet websites and inaccessibility to cable television back at home; it’s time to soak in the whole FIFA World Cup atmosphere and scream at the top of your lungs for the team you support!
