Bridgeport is getting ready for the big World Cup soccer game between rivals Brazil and Portugal on Friday.
Vasco de Gama Cultural & Civic Center, 355 James Street, and Azul Brazilian Restaurant, 1691 Main Street, will be hosting the viewing of the game and subsequent celebratory activities starting at 10 a.m.
It’s likely to be a good battle between two tough teams and sure to be a raucus affair in a city that boasts large Brazilian and Portuguese communities.
Following other games Brazil has won, loud victory celebrations and crowds have meant police involvement. Madison Avenue, with a concentrated Brazilian population, has been shut down while crowds were dispersed. In Danbury on Sunday, three people were arrested in the midst of celebration.
In anticipation, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch issued a statement today urging locals to enjoy the game “while upholding a sense of respect for others who are watching the game, and the community at-large.”
“Our police department will be strictly enforcing all traffic laws and there will be zero tolerance for any disturbances that jeopardize your safety and that of others,” Finch warned. “Have fun and be safe!”
Tensions have been simmering between Brazil, generally favored to win the World Cup, and Portugal, which has three Brazilian natives on its roster this year.
mayor calm down theres nothing wrong in having some fun after a game,no need to warn.we coming to madison ave after the game and have some safe fun the game. please tell your public service officers to let people be.
Comment by eduardo santos — June 23rd, 2010 @ 10:57 pm
Eduardo-Having fun does not mean beating the crap out of each other and starting fights in the street. It means watching the game in your own home! The police have to do what they have to do to keep citizens safe, if people knew how to behave then Bridgeport would not have to issue a statement and warning.
Comment by anonymous — June 24th, 2010 @ 10:58 am
Brasil is going to lose !
Comment by Luis Jabardas — June 24th, 2010 @ 11:40 am
re anonymous beating the crap out of each other? where dude in bridgeport? fights? you wrong.maybe you thinking 4 years back
when the police officers were the only ones doing the beating.peace brother
Comment by ed santos — June 25th, 2010 @ 5:00 pm