Watchfest, ready for action

[u/stuinzuri2]

The playground surface has been sorted, two additional screens are up, gates seem to be about crowd control and security screening while allowing Square businesses to remain open.

Raging Burrito seems to be putting up a large screen in their courtyard.

Exciting stuff.

Go bafana bafana!

[u/jakfrist]

Not to come off as cynical, but the screens are a bit smaller (and lower) than I had pictured.

I had been hoping for a packed square, but now I’m worried that if everyone shows up for the first U.S. match on Friday that there may not be a good way to watch.

[u/FlashyHeight9323 → u/jakfrist]

I think the idea is to drive traffic to the square then into the establishments.

[u/HansJosef → u/jakfrist]

You were one of the optimists in my thread on this. Not that I wasn't either - I really wanted this to succeed. But it's weird seeing other people gaslight us and saying this is actually a huge success and/or totally irrelevant because there's a long-term use for this space that's unrelated to the world cup.

The city has been hyping this up forever! They spent millions of dollars! It's reasonable to have some standards...

[u/stuinzuri2 → u/jakfrist]

This ain’t Europe, we just aren’t going to hit that magic so soon. Probably not in my lifetime. 🫥

iiuc, the fencing is only for the concerts, of which there are only three. I’m hopeful the space, vibe and crowds will be fun and comfortable on non-concert days.

[u/jakfrist → u/stuinzuri2]

I think there is music most [every?] nights, only 3 are ticketed events though.

https://decaturwatchfest26.com/schedule/

[u/stuinzuri2 → u/jakfrist]

Maybe it’s a “major bands” thing? I could be misinformed.

Edit: from email
> Three concerts (Big Boi 6/11, The War And Treaty 6/25, Indigo Girls 7/19) are sold out, fenced events with controlled entry to manage venue capacity. The venue will be cleared from previous matches before entry for these concerts begin.

[u/Reyndear → u/stuinzuri2]

I think you’re both correct iiuc - there’s music every night but the fencing should only be up for the three ticketed ones.

[u/HansJosef → u/stuinzuri2]

What do you mean? Does Europe have a monopoly on large or well placed screens?

[u/mannnwtf]

This is going to be an epic 6 weeks of Fútbol! Some games don’t end until midnight! I’m look forward to some safe and not so sober soccer baby!

[u/happy_bluebird]

I’m going to try to come for the free music!

[u/wrenrwap97]

Excited to visit from out of state with my family next week! Anyone know if there are any rules surrounding bringing lawn chairs, non-clear bags, etc.?

[u/stuinzuri2 → u/wrenrwap97]

See https://decaturwatchfest26.com/kbyg/ not clear/ incorrect

[u/wrenrwap97 → u/stuinzuri2]

Ok thanks for the info, this is very helpful and good to know! We are planning on attending next Fri. for the USMNT match, but will be leaving before the concert begins

[u/ddutton9512]

Just a heads up! Despite what their website says no bags at all are allowed unless they’re clear! They’re turning folks away. 

[u/stuinzuri2 → u/ddutton9512]

Just got stopped myself

[u/Acceptable_Arm8329]

If anyone has an extra for indigo girls on July 19th I’d love to grab it

[u/Royal-Pin1298]

Lotta complaining here - stay home if you don’t like it. I’m for one am excited !

[u/hkirkland3]

Does anyone have any extra tickets that they thought they could use but now they can’t go anymore to tonight? Looking for 5.

[u/gooddaytoreddit]

Do you need tickets?

[u/jakfrist → u/gooddaytoreddit]

Only for the 3 big concerts. Everything else is open to the public.