Sunday evening, the United States Women’s National Soccer Team will be gunning for its first World Cup championship since 1999. The Americans will also be out for a bit of revenge as they face Japan, which denied them the world title four years ago in the championship game.
     Millions will be watching around the nation and – if you’d like to enjoy the game in a group atmosphere – there is at least one location in Statesboro opening its doors to the public.
 Once again, Carmike Cinemas has caught soccer fever. The theater’s popular Mugs & Movies room has hosted viewing parties for both the 2010 and 2014 Men’s World Cup and plans to have Sunday’s game on the big screen.
 “We’re proud to offer Statesboro a great venue to watch the game,” Tiffany Hedrick, Carmike manager said. “It’s especially great this year now that we have our newly renovated Mugs & Movies. We have more tables, more comfortable seats, and we’ll be having food specials during the game.”
     As with previous World Cup screening parties, admission will be free to the public. However, prospective viewers will need to show up early for the 7 p.m. kickoff as there is only seating for around 100 in the theater.
     Mugs & Movies will be screening originally scheduled films throughout the afternoon, but doors should open for the World Cup viewing around 6:15 p.m.
     With a 16-year drought on the verge of being broken – and with the aforementioned payback on the line – emotions are sure to be running high for players and fans alike. According to Hedrick, that makes the group viewing experience all the more enjoyable.
     “Remembering back to previous games, it was so exciting to be here,” Hendrick said. “Everyone really got into celebrating together and it was a great experience to be a part of. That’s what we’re looking for again on Sunday and hopefully there will be a championship to celebrate.”

Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9408.