Thousands of soccer fans are expected to flood downtown San Jose again Thursday evening, bringing an undeniable economic windfall—and a logistical frenzy—to local businesses hosting watch parties for the World Cup match between Mexico and South Korea. With crowds projected to exceed 30,000 pe ople in San Pedro Square, business owners say the intense demand has forced them to completely upend their typical operations. At the Old Wagon Saloon, a popular bar directly facing the watch party plaza, routine inventory schedules have transformed into around-the-clock restocking operations just to keep the taps flowing. “On the first day of Mexico, we learned quickly that we need almost four to five times of what we usually get just for a day,” said Brandon LoDolce, a bartender at the saloon. “After we close, we get kegs in tonight for tomorrow morning. Then when I come in the morning, we’re getting kegs in for the night games, so we are constantly getting shipment.” LoDolce noted that the bar is currently burning through nearly two dozen kegs a day and has doubled its usual orders of tequila cases. “It’s been insane,” he added. Just down the street, neighboring businesses are reporting a similar surge. Owners note the tournament has provided a critical financial lifeline during an otherwise quiet stretch of the year. “It’s very good for business,” said David Mulvehill, a partner at O’Flaherty’s Irish Pub. “June and July can be lean months downtown because no Sharks, college is out, people are on vacations. So this is a huge boost to our businesses and a big economic impact on the community here on San Pedro.” While local merchants reap the financial benefits, they emphasize that the true highlight of the tournament is the atmosphere being generated on the streets, where strangers of differing backgrounds are instantly bonding over a shared love of the game. The celebration is expected to stretch late into the night. While crowds will eventually thin out after the final whistle, workers at many San Pedro Square establishments face long hours ahead, working through the night to prepare for Friday’s slate of games. ...read more read less