World Cup Final Watch Party Brings Global Celebration to Toyota Arena

World Cup Final Watch Party Brings Global Celebration to Toyota Arena

What may have been one of the largest World Cup Final watch parties welcomed thousands of soccer fans to Toyota Arena on Sunday, with many Empire Strykers star players, broadcasters, and team owner Jeff Burum joining the celebration.

The match itself was tense and combative, with Spain eventually prevailing 1-0 over rival Argentina. Inside Toyota Arena, however, the atmosphere remained relaxed, joyful, and celebratory as fans gathered to enjoy the final match of what many considered one of the greatest World Cups ever played.

“The United States should be extremely proud,” said Tim Kolacz, host of the Strykers-affiliated radio program Soccer in 60, heard on KMET 1490 AM, ABC News and Sports Radio of the Inland Empire. “The production of the games was handled flawlessly, the venues were beyond impressive, there were no notable security incidents of any kind, and the games delivered on the field.”

Of course, this World Cup could not be remembered without mentioning the awe with which international visitors experienced the United States. From the size and majesty of the stadiums to military jet flyovers—and even the magical kingdom known as Buc-ee’s—visitors discovered that each state seemed like its own country, complete with distinct personalities, accents, traditions, and food, including the unforgettable experience of Texas barbecue.

Presented by the City of Ontario in partnership with GOCal, the FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party transformed the City of Ontario Celebration Hub at Toyota Arena into a gathering place for soccer fans from across the Inland Empire.

“The continued growth of soccer in America has had an incredibly positive impact, especially here in the Inland Empire, where so many families came together to support Spain and Argentina,” said Strykers owner Jeff Burum. “On a day like this, you can truly see how soccer brings the world together.”

The Empire Strykers played a major role in the festivities by presenting the Kids Zone on The Backyard patio. The space featured the Empire Strykers Influencer Stage, where children created social media videos alongside Strykers players, as well as the FOX Deportes photo booth, face painting, balloon art, Lawn Soccer Pong, Mesa Ball, and several other family-friendly activities.

For the families in attendance, the Kids Zone added an entirely new dimension to the World Cup experience.

“It was so much fun bringing our kids to Toyota Arena,” shared one parent who asked to remain anonymous. “We came to watch Spain play, but having the Empire Strykers Kids Zone gave them so much more to enjoy throughout the day.”

Young fans also had the opportunity to step inside the Street Panna cage and test their skills one-on-one against an Empire Strykers player—an experience that quickly became a highlight for many children.

“There were activities for the kids everywhere, but their favorite part was competing one-on-one against the Strykers players at the Panna station,” another family member said. “They had an amazing time and couldn’t stop talking about it.”

Strykers players Brian Orozco, Alan Perez, Jorge DeLeon, Andy Reyes, Antonio De La Torre, Chuy Molina, Polo Hernandez, Myo Set, Zakhar Shkidchenko, and Walter Diaz attended the event, meeting fans, taking photos, and participating in activities throughout the day.

The voice of the Strykers, Christian “Filly” Filimon, joined Amanda Filimon and international soccer star Marco Fabián as the event’s hosts and emcees. Mike Cano kept the energy high on the pitch by leading fans through a variety of activities and competitions.

The gathering also gave local business leaders, community partners, and special guests an opportunity to connect while sharing the excitement of the World Cup Final. It was an afternoon that brought together families, soccer supporters, and community organizations in a world-class atmosphere.

With the World Cup now complete, soccer fans throughout the region can look ahead to the return of Empire Strykers arena soccer in November. For everything Empire Strykers—including season tickets, single-game tickets, official fan gear, the latest Major Arena Soccer League (MASL) news, and everything related to indoor soccer in the Inland Empire—visit www.theempirestrykers.com.

And don't forget to tune in to Soccer in 60 every Thursday afternoon on KMET 1490 ABC News & Sports Radio Inland Empire, where hosts J.R. and Tim bring you the latest news and stories from around the soccer world.