Miami Brewery Hosts Summer Soccer Tournament

MIAMI, FL — Soccer has always been a large part of the culture at Veza Sur Brewing Co.

“Having so many ties to Latin America, we’re all so obsessed with soccer,” Marshall Hendrickson, co-founder, told Patch. “It’s always been part of our culture. It’s always been part of our DNA.”

The Miami brewery opened its taproom in August 2017 and quickly earned a reputation as a spot where soccer lovers could grab a cold beer and watch a game – whether on the international or national scene.

Its rep as a soccer hotspot only grew during the 2018 World Cup, which took place in Russia, as the brewery hosted “massive watch parties at the brewery and taproom,” Hendrickson said.

From then on, the brewery hosted viewing parties for all the major tournaments, such as Copa América de Futsal and the Euro Cup. Many of its regulars are amateur soccer players, as well, whether they played in local leagues or pick-up games.

This all changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, Hendrickson said. “During the last 12 months, most folks have not had the opportunity to play. The fields were shut down a long time. There were no sports or pick-up games happening because of the pandemic.”

As life normalizes a bit and people get vaccinated against COVID-19, the brewery will celebrate with its first-ever Copa Veza Sur, a five-sided soccer tournament, this summer, June 6 through August 8, at Champions Florida Complex & Sports Bar.

“I thought it would be a great idea as things, the pandemic, the whole situation improves,” Hendrickson said. “I thought it would be fun to create an amazing space to get (people) back into soccer, playing with friends and family.”

Initially, Veza Sur planned to register just 16 teams, but interest in the tournament exceeded expectations and they filled all the open spots within days. They’ve expanded the tournament to 24 teams of seven to 10 players. Registration is open to May 30.

The winning team will take home the $2,000 cash grand prize as well as a pair of season tickets to Inter Miami CF’s upcoming season.

Those who aren’t interested in taking the field this summer can still celebrate the sport with Veza Sur. With major tournaments like Copa America and Euro Cup planned, the brewery is planning massive watch parties.

They’ll also debut Golazo Lime Lager this summer for Copa America and the Euro Cup. It will only be available at the Veza Sur taproom.

“We’ve missed it,” Hendrickson said. “A lot of folks play weekly pick-up (games.) A lot of us were deprived. There weren’t even any soccer matches on TV.”

He added, “It’s a passion of ours at Veza Sur and we wanted to do an all-encompassing event that allows people to start playing again. And (provide) an amazing space where they can watch games and enjoy some brews.”