10 tips for Mass Ave. World Cup Block Party

There's really nothing better than getting a whole city together to cheer on the homeland in the World Cup. All around the country, from Chicago to Washington, D.C., people have thrown massive watch parties in support of the U.S. team's surprising success in the tournament. And now, it's Indy's turn.

On Tuesday, Indy Eleven and the IndyStar will team up with Mayor Greg Ballard to throw a free World Cup Block Party on Mass Ave. beginning at 2 p.m. The match begins at 4 p.m.

Here are the top 10 things you need to know about surviving the day and having a blast.

1. WHERE TO WATCH:

When seating is first-come first-served, you can be sure the prime viewing spots will go fast. Granted, the screens are 9-by-12 feet, so any seat is sure to be a good seat, but why not get to the front of the pack? There will be three viewing areas within the Park and College avenue boundaries. One in the middle of the intersection of Park and Massachusetts, facing east; one in the alleyway next to Mesh on Mass, facing the street; and one on the side of the Firefighter's Union Hall building, facing northeast.

2. WHAT TO BRING:

Since the block party is free, the city isn't going to pony up for any luxury seating. You're responsible for bringing your own chair or blanket, and if you want my advice, make sure they don't hold any sentimental value. There's a pretty good chance someone's going to spill something on them. Also, instead of an umbrella, pack a poncho in case of rain. They're easier to transport and they won't block the folks behind you who are trying to watch the match. And if you're bringing a cooler stuffed with beer, please bring a couple water bottles too. Stay hydrated. It's going to be in the upper 80s and most of you will be sitting on hot asphalt. Having an ambulance come to get you will really put a damper on the game.

3. WHAT TO EXPECT:

Any fan, no matter the sport, tends to get a little crazy if their team's future is on the line. Take Chatham Tap's World Cup viewing parties, for example. Each time the U.S. scored a goal, beer would go flying, fans would be soaked, but it was all in the name of fun and good sport. So when the mayor's office puts out a city-wide call for Hoosiers to descend on Mass Ave. for a World Cup Block Party and allows them to bring their own coolers, there's a pretty good chance things could get rowdy. Just note, if you're bringing kids, you might want to stick to the "family zone" on the corner of St. Clair and College. Either that, or give the little ones some ear plugs. Some of the chants can get nasty.

4. WHAT TO CHANT:

Every sport has its battle cry, and soccer is no different. Don't be the Silent Sally in the crowd if U.S. scores a goal or makes an incredible save. Pump your fist and lose your voice with some of this year's most popular chants: "Oh When The Yanks," "I Believe We Will Win," "We Love Ya!" and "USA — Not To Be Messed With."

5. WHAT TO EAT:

There's no shortage of restaurants on Mass Ave. to fuel up at before the game. However, if you're afraid of loosing that sweet spot in front of the big screens, Chef Dan's, Der Pretzel Wagen and the Taste of the Caribbean food trucks will be on-site serving up grub to hungry fanatics. Chatham Tap, Forty Five Degrees, Mass Ave Pub, Mesh on Mass and Metro, all located on the block, will be open and serving food as well.

6. WHERE TO PARK:

Free parking is available at Old National Centre, 502 N. New Jersey St. I'll be honest, if you can walk to Mass Ave., do it. Parking will almost certainly be a nightmare once the Old National Centre lot fills, and the Mass Ave. parking enforcement officers are unforgiving. If you must drive, here's a little secret, all of College Avenue, south of Mass Ave., is meter-free. There is also free street parking on the South side of St. Clair Street between East Street and College. City meters are in effect 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. If you can find an available parking space on Mass Ave., you're looking at a $1.50 per hour.

7. HOW TO BLEND IN:

To Hoosiers, "football" equals Colts, Andrew Luck, Lucas Oil and Peyton Manning. But to the rest of the world, the term "football" is taken much more literally. During the block party, you may hear terms like "match," "pitch," "nutmeg" and "dive." Here's a short glossary to help you know what the heck fans are talking about so you're not left scratching your head and offering up a nervous chuckle. Match = soccer game. Pitch = the soccer field. Nutmeg = when a player passes the ball through the legs of his opponent. Onion bag = the net. Yellow card = used to caution a player who has committed a foul. Two yellow cards equal a "red card," which ejects the player from the match and leaves the team shorthanded for the remainder of play. Tackling = taking the ball from another player. Stoppage Time = time added onto the first or second half of the match by the referee to make up for injuries or time wasting.

8. WHAT TO WEAR:

It goes without saying that the majority of fans will be donning either a U.S. soccer jersey or T-shirt, but if you're new to the sport, or just want to support your country, American flag/red, white and blue T-shirts are considered "acceptable" attire. Temperatures are estimated to be in the mid-80s, with a possibility of isolated thunderstorms, so be sure to pack a poncho and wear something cool. Remember, if you forget to bring sunscreen, or enough beer, the closest spot to restock on provisions is the Marsh Marketplace on the corner of Vermont and New Jersey streets.

9. WHAT'S AT STAKE:

If the U.S. loses the match against Belgium, their World Cup journey is over. If they win, they advance to the quarterfinals where they'll play the winner of the Argentina-Switzerland match. The game will be played in the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil, which can hold 51,900 people. According to ESPN's analysis of the two team's SPI ratings ("SPI is an international and club rating system designed to be the best possible representation of a team's current overall skill level"), the U.S. has a 42 percent chance of beating Belgium in the knockout round.

10. HOW TO AVOID:

If you're like Ann Coulter and despise soccer and its fans, you'll want to steer clear of Mass Ave. between Delaware and Bellefontaine streets. And your best bet is to stay south of New York Street, west of Delaware, north of east 10th Street and east of Davidson. Oh, and don't go anywhere near sports bars. Remember, American football and basketball seasons are over in Indianapolis. Just about every bar in town will have the soccer match on. In fact, you might just want to stay home.

Call Star reporter Michael Anthony Adams at (317) 444-6123. Follow him on Twitter: @MichaelAdams317.