The Alamo bar on South Jefferson Street has earned a reputation far beyond its modest façade. Since 2014 it has served as the official watch‑party home for the Springfield chapter of the American Outlaws, the fan group that cheers on the U.S. Men’s National Team. On a recent Friday evening, the venue was packed to the rafters, with every seat filled and strangers standing shoulder‑to‑shoulder to catch every pass.
A Homegrown Audience
What began as a gathering spot for immigrant communities has gradually transformed into a homegrown American tradition. Barry Friedman, the bar’s owner, notes that the crowd now includes families who grew up watching the sport on television, not just those who arrived with a love of soccer from abroad. The shift mirrors a broader surge in soccer’s popularity across the United States since the 1994 World Cup.
A Politics‑Free Zone
For many attendees, the match night offers more than entertainment; it provides a rare space where political differences melt away. Jose Jimenez, a longtime supporter who moved from Bolivia in 1999, describes the atmosphere as a “politics‑free zone” where the sole objective is a United States victory. The camaraderie is evident in the chants of “U‑S‑A” that rise after each goal.
Echoes of Past Glory
The excitement is not new. Dirk Klemm, a Chicago‑based American Outlaws member, recalls the last time the U.S. Men’s team played on home soil in 1994, a moment that still resonates with fans. He says the energy he felt then is now being replicated in 2026, but on a much larger scale, with younger fans filling bars and stadiums across the country.
The Night of the Match
When the U.S. faced Australia on June 19, the bar erupted. Tom Bundy, a 70‑year‑old former player, blew a vuvuzela — a relic from the 2010 South Africa tournament — while his bass drum kept the rhythm for chants. Owner Barry Friedman had installed a second television for outdoor patrons, and the four bartenders worked nonstop to keep drinks flowing as the crowd roared.
Beyond the Bar
Friedman’s vision extends beyond a single venue. Conversations with his nephew Zach Rambach and former Illinois House representative Tim Butler paved the way for the bar to become the official watch‑party host for both the men’s and women’s teams. The partnership with the American Outlaws, whose official site is americanoutlaws.com, formalized the arrangement ahead of the 2014 World Cup.
A Global Connection
The fan base stretches far beyond Springfield. Dirk Klemm, on the eve of his 59th birthday, traveled from Kansas City to catch the U.S. match, illustrating how supporters from across the Midwest converge on the bar. Meanwhile, fans like Jimenez and Bundy keep alive memories of tournaments in South Africa, linking past and present through shared rituals.
Looking Ahead
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the bar remains a focal point for a movement that blends tradition with newfound American enthusiasm. Whether it’s a young family cheering for the first time or a lifelong player like Bundy heading to an over‑70 tournament in Burlington, Vermont, the common thread is a love of the game that transcends borders, politics, and generations.