The Walking Mall on Last Chance Gulch is turning into a soccer pitch Friday when Helena hosts a World Cup Fan Fest and watch party for the opening match of the U.S. Men's National Team — an event organizers are calling the Gulch Cup.

The free, family-friendly event at Performance Square kicks off June 12 and is being billed as a community-wide celebration tied to this summer's World Cup. Soccer fans from across Montana are invited, and organizers say the event is designed to be accessible to casual fans and die-hards alike.

Helena's downtown has hosted outdoor events at Performance Square before, but a World Cup watch party of this scale is a first for the Walking Mall. The U.S. is hosting the tournament this summer, making the opening match a particular draw for American fans.

Admission is free. Attendees should expect crowds on Last Chance Gulch Friday evening.