A sea of fans converged on Ketchum’s historic Town Square, their eyes fixed on the television screen that streamed the United States’ clash with Belgium in the World Cup.
The gathering was orchestrated by Tripp Hutchinson, a Ketchum City Council member, who arranged a series of live watch parties to bring the town together around the global tournament.
A Festival of Football in the Mountains
Residents from Argentina, Paraguay and other corners of the world added their own fervor, turning the square into a mosaic of flags and chants.
When Paraguay edged out Turkey, the local supporters erupted in celebration, while Remy Novak, still stinging from Mexico’s defeat, found joy in the unexpected victory.
George Prekeges, who had felt the sting of the U.S. loss, described a surprising sense of freedom that allowed him to enjoy every subsequent match without the weight of expectation.
Even Alec Lundell, who confesses a lack of personal interest in soccer, admitted that the communal atmosphere made the experience worthwhile, turning a simple watch party into a social highlight.
Despite the disappointment of the U.S. team’s elimination, the crowd remained upbeat, already marking calendars for the next round of fixtures and the chance to reconvene.
The event underscored how a shared passion for sport can knit together a diverse community, turning a temporary gathering into a lasting memory of unity and anticipation.