World Cup Soccer and the San Diego Fair – The best of both worlds

The World Cup is upon us, and what better way to watch than at the San Diego County Fair? The fair is fun for the whole family, and you won’t have to feel guilty if there are a few not-so thrilled soccer fans in your family. Just head on over to the Surfside Race Place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds and shoo any family members who aren’t interested in the game to many of the fair’s other attractions. They’ll be kept busy while you enjoy the game at Del Mar’s exclusive race book and sports bar.

Thirty-two nations will face off to determine the world’s best soccer team this month in South Africa. Fair dates almost perfectly coincide with the World Cup, so the Surfside Race Place is going to be “Soccer Central”. Admission is free with admission to the Fair.

The USA’s first match is against England 11:30 a.m., Saturday, June 12, just in time for the Fair’s grand opening. World Cup games will be shown live Wednesday through Sunday at Surfside at 11:30 a.m. through June 25, the final day of group play. A schedule of the games that will be shown is on the Fair’s Web site. Once the elimination rounds begin, a new viewing schedule will be posted.

Want some schwag? World Cup merchandise will be on sale in the gift shop, and every Friday Surfside will offer $2 beers to Diamond Club members. Joining is free, and the benefits include half-price admission to Surfside and free parking.

The theme for the 2010 San Diego County Fair is “Taste the Fun,” which highlights local agriculture, producers, culinary arts and all things related to food. The Fair will run for 22 days opening Friday, June 11 and closing on Monday, July 5. (The Fair will be closed the first three Mondays, June 14, 21 and 28.)

The San Diego County Fair, presented by Albertsons|Sav-on, is the largest annual event in San Diego County and the sixth largest fair in the United States, drawing more than 1.2 million visitors each year. For more information on the fair, concerts, and food, read the Entertainer’s fair coverage here.

*Photo from Jason Gulledge via Flickr