Huge Crowd Gathers at Freedom Plaza to Cheer Team USA (photos)

The red, white and blue were ubiquitous as thousands of spirited soccer fans turned out in sweltering heat on Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., July 1 to root for Team USA against Belgium. Mayor Vincent Gray’s administration joined 94.7 Fresh FM to organize the World Cup viewing party. Also co-hosting the event were D.C. United along with Akridge, a developer that stands to benefit if the city agrees to build a new stadium for the Major League Soccer franchise. Other sponsors included Downtown D.C. Business Improvement District, Events D.C. and Pepco. The game was viewed on a 17-foot screen. D.C. United provided free water and a misting-tent to keep everybody cool as the thermometer reached 95 degrees midway into the contest. However many fans hung onto the bitter end as Belgium won 2-1 in the game which was extended by 30 minutes of extra time after regulation ended in a 0-0 tie.

View our photos from the viewing party at Freedom Plaza by clicking on the photo icons below.