Ready to cheer on Croatia in the World Cup semifinal? This KCK church is your spot

Joseph Hernandez
Jill Toyoshiba/The Kansas City Star

St. John’s Catholic Club in Strawberry Hill recently celebrated its 100th anniversary, and now they have something else to cheer for.

An anchor for the Croatian community in Kansas City, the club will host a watch party for Croatia’s semifinal game against Argentina at 1 p.m. on Tuesday at 414 Barnett Ave. All are welcome to show up and watch.

The club came together to watch Croatia defeat Brazil in penalties on Dec. 9 and hope for the same result against Lionel Messi and Argentina. If Croatia pulls off another upset, you can expect St. John’s to host another watch party for the final at 9 a.m. on Dec.18.

Club manager Kenny Yarnevich is anticipating over 500 people showing up for the game. The club’s opened up the upstairs section and brought in more TVs to fit the demand.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing for us,” Yarnevich said.

During the 2018 World Cup, the club was also the gathering spot for Croatian soccer fans; when the team made its thrilling run to the finals. Members put up tents outside to accommodate the approximately 4,000 people who showed up to watch.

WHAT OTHER PLACES ARE SHOWING THE GAME?

  • Strange Days Brewing Co: 316 Oak St.

  • KC Bier Co: 310 W. 79th St.

  • The Blue Line: 529 Walnut St.

  • Six-Ten Club: 610 Reynolds Ave.

  • 403 Club: 614 Reynolds Ave.

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