SOOCER, BEER AND MUSIC IN A TENT >>>

I'll be camped out at area bars during the World Cup 2010, which kicks off in South Africa June 11. Don't go thinking I'm some footie fanatic who knows what he's talking about: I just like watching the tournament - and enjoying a pint or two in the process.

This World Cup is the first to be held on the African continent, perhaps giving the African teams - Algeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and host South Africa - something like a home-field advantage. And perhaps when Ivory Coast takes the field at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth for its first match against Cristiano Ronaldo, Simao, and Portugal on Tuesday, June 15, at 4 p.m. - that's 7 a.m. in Tacoma - perhaps you might be getting to work late, too - hitting a local pub on your way in.

The no-brainer stop is Doyle's Public House - even without their 200-person tent and accompanying high-definition big-screen television, which they'll erect June 8. Doyle's loves soccer, or footbul. As you'll note, Doyle's does regularly host the Sounders' Supporter Bus carting 54 soccer - and beer - fans up north to the games.

"The June 11 opening match Mexico vs. South Africa at 7 a.m. should be big, but USA vs. England the next day at 11:30 a.m. will be huge with Kasy Keller in attendance," explains Russ Heaton, Doyle's co-owner.

And yes, Doyle's WILL host the 4:30 a.m. games live - with a rebroadcast immediately following at 11:30 a.m.

Doyle's also loves shots, and they'll debut a new shot menu this Tuesday.

"Dave and I are also working on a new happy hour that we will launch during the World Cup," says Heaton. "And we are adding a $3 schooner available on all draft beers June 1 for those people who want another beer, but not a big one."

What? Not a big one? This is the World Cup, Russ!

The tent will remain up through July 11. As you know from your childhood, tents are fun. Doyle's knows this, too - which is while they'll be utilizing the tent for their regular live music nights while it's standing.

The Doyle's World Cup Music Fest opens with the Brian Redman Memorial Foundation concert "Rock In Peace 2 "Tuesday, June 8 at 3 p.m. Redman was a bartender at Doyle's before he tragically died in September 2009.

Other tent shows include Robin Moxey June 11, The Missionary Position June 12, World Cup Jazz-Thing featuring Cliff Colon's Motherfuckers, Kareem Kandi Trio and All Night Yard Sale June 18, Goldwing and Colonies June 19, Coldnote June 25, T-Town Hempfest Follow-Up with High Ceiling and Mighty High June 26, Ben Union Band July 3 and The Excellent Gentlemen July 10.

Of special note: The big-screen television will be available to the bands to enhance their shows if they wish. No joke.

Doyle's Public House

208 St. Helens Ave., Tacoma
253.272.7468