Join us for the 6th Annual FC USA Meetup!
Every year the Effzeh USA community hosts a meetup to get together, watch an 1. FC Köln match, and take in a local soccer match. We'll have local supporters to show us around, too. Follow @fckoelnUSA on Twitter for up-to-date info during the meetup. This year we are taking the FC Meetup to Albuquerque, New Mexico: October 25-27, 2024. We hope to see you again this year in Albuquerque!
Welcome to Albuquerque, New Mexico! We're so excited to be visiting ABQ this year for the Effzeh USA meetup. While the meeting officially runs Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27, we highly encourage everyone to get in a little early or stay a little late to enjoy more of the beautiful high desert. We've got a summary of the main activities below.
Everyone coming to the meetup will have access to a group WhatsApp chat. We will use that to update everyone with any last minute changes, moves, notices, etc. We hope you'll accept the WhatsApp invite when it goes out. Reach out to us if you didn't get the invite.
We also have a Google Doc you can utilize (Link Here). This will be updated on the fly if we have any last minute changes since the website is a little slower to update. Our full schedule will be continuously updated on the Google Doc with all necessary info. Here's the basic outline we have! Come join us for all or part of the meetup!
FRIDAY
07:00PM until late - Meet ’n’ Greet and drinks at Lizard Tail Brewing
SATURDAY
11:00AM - Meeting at Bosque Brewing
11:15AM - Watch Game First Half of the Game
12:00PM - Half Time: Jersey Contest
12:15PM - Watch Second Half of the Game
01:00PM - Trivia & hangout
03:00PM - Tailgate w/ The Curse & Black Diamonds at the Isotopes Stadium South Parking lot
06:15PM - Head into the stadium
07:00PM - Kick Off
Post Game: Head over to Sister Bar downtown
SUNDAY
10:30AM Brunch at Range Cafe on Central Ave
+ Post Brunch Activities
Friday Night Drinks
Everyone will be arriving at different times, but we will have an official welcome party at Lizard Tail Brewing (The Alleyway, 3417 Central Ave NE Suite C, Albuquerque, NM 87106) - Note that the entrance is in the back of the building facing the alley. We may move after a while to a second location, so keep an eye on our social media (Twitter, Bluesky) and the WhatsApp group chat for up to the minute details.
1. FC Köln Watch Party
We'll be watching the match against Paderborn together at 11:00am at Bosque Brewing Co Nob Hill (106 Girard Blvd SE B, Albuquerque, NM 87106). The match is on Friday, but we are watching it on delay Saturday morning. Most of us will be watching the game for the first time on Saturday morning, so do your best to avoid spoiling the result for yourself and everyone else!
New Mexico United Match
We'll be attending the New Mexico United match against Memphis 901 FC at 7pm on October 26! Group ticket link here. We will be in the NMU Supporter Section which is Sections 116 and 118.
Effzeh Trivia
Immediately following the watch party on Saturday morning, we'll be hosting a friendly game of FC trivia! Prizes can be won, so start studying!
Effzeh Tailgate
This year we're going to do things a little differently, and instead of a bar crawl to the stadium, we're tailgating with The Curse and Black Diamonds before the New Mexico United match! We'll have plenty of beer, food, and Karneval music! We'll be at the main tailgate in the parking lots south of the stadium.
Sunday Brunch
Finally, before everyone heads out of town, join us for brunch at Range Cafe (320 Central Ave SE, Albuquerque, NM 87102)! We try to organize this early enough so people can still catch flights home if they leave on Sunday afternoon or evening. Plan on meeting at 1030am.
Quick Note Regarding Altitude Sickness
Albuquerque is at a very high elevation (higher than Denver), so there is less oxygen in the air. Arriving early is ideal, if possible, so you can acclimate to the elevation a couple days before the start of the meetup. Altitude sickness can be different for everyone, so pay attention to your body, stay hydrated, and don't overdo it. Even if you don't feel different, be careful around alcohol because it will affect you differently than it does at lower elevations. If you ever feel uneasy, sick, or uncomfortable, let someone know so we can help!
Where to Stay.
While it may seem smart to book a location downtown, it likely won't be super convenient to the events we will be planning. Most of our events will be centered along the Nob Hill area, so if you are looking to stay nearby to the activities, that's the area we recommend. We recommend staying in a house/casita with others to experience the New Mexico atmosphere at its best. Public transit is free in Albuquerque, but like many small cities, it has limited hours and frequency. Uber and Lyft are exist in ABQ, but there are few drivers, so you may want to plan other methods of transportation.
FAQs.
Q: Do we buy tickets to the local match or should I get my own?
A: You can order your ticket to the New Mexico United match here!
Q: I already have tickets to the match. Can I still RSVP?
A: Yes! The RSVP link is for both locals who already have tickets, and for out-of-towners who need them. We want to make sure to have everyone's info so we can keep you updated via email.
Q: I'm not sure if I can go or not, should I still RSVP?
A: Yes. We will email you a few times as we approach the deadline to remind you to confirm, and we will keep you updated about the event to make sure you are up-to-date.
Q: Is this event family friendly?
A: Absolutely! Kids are welcome at most of the events, though the late night events at bars will likely be 21+. Everything during the day through the local match is family friendly.
Q: I don't know much about the team, is that ok?
A: Everyone started somewhere with their Effzeh fandom. Some of us were born into it, others adopted it just this year. We really hope you'll feel welcome regardless of your background. You don't have to be a diehard fan to join us.
Q: You really didn't answer my question. How do I contact you?
A: You can email us at fckoeln.us at gmail or tweet at us at @fckoelnUSA. We're happy to answer any questions you might have!