US women's soccer in Birmingham: Parties, World Cup trophy on display, match info

Starting today, there are plenty of events to get soccer fans excited in the lead-up to Sunday's match between the world champion U.S. women's soccer team and Haiti.

Fans can start the weekend early by watching the first match-up between the two teams, as they meet in Detroit on Thursday night. Here's a rundown of the rest of the weekend's events:

Thursday:

• 6 p.m.: Watch party for the U.S. team's first game against Haiti, played in Detroit. It's the third match of the U.S. team's victory tour.

Friday:

• 2 p.m.: The FIFA World Cup trophy will be on display at the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame (located at 2150 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N in Birmingham) from 2 to 6 p.m., when admission to the museum will be free. Fans are encouraged to take photos with the trophy.

Saturday:

• 3:30 p.m.: The USWNT will hold an open practice from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Parking lots open at 12:30 p.m., and the gates at Legion Field open at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free.
• 7 p.m.: The Birmingham chapter of the American Outlaws – a U.S. National Team supporters group that holds watch parties and travels to games – is hosting a party at Good People Brewing Company. (Torn between your soccer fandom and football Saturdays? They'll be showing the Alabama vs. Ole Miss game at the brewery that night, too.) World Soccer Shop will be offering giveaways.

Sunday:

• 9 a.m.: Legion Field parking lots open. Parking costs $8 a car and is limited.
• 10 a.m.: Ticket windows open.
• 10 a.m.: The USA Official Fan Zone opens, including photo booths, a DJ and the World Cup trophy on display. The fan zone is located on the west side of the stadium across from Gate 5.
• 10 a.m.: Round-trip shuttle service begins and will run until 90 minutes after the game ends. It costs $6 per person and picks up riders in the Uptown District near 23rd Street North and Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North.
• 12:00 p.m.: Legion Field gates open.
• 12:30 p.m.: Official American Outlaws march begins in Lot K (If you're wondering what this is like, watch this video from a match in Nashville.)
• 1:30 p.m.: The game kicks off.