Embedded KUOW Reporter Describes The World Cup Atmosphere In Germany

While visiting Germany for a journalism fellowship, KUOW’s Ross Reynolds shares some firsthand observations of the World Cup fever he’s witnessed during his stay in Berlin, where every game — whether Germany is playing or not — is big.

Reynolds said public viewing areas are all over the city, from the giant public viewing space near the Brandenburg Gate created for some 50,000 people, to the small, neighborhood convenience stores that set out chairs and TVs for customers. Wherever you are watching, he said, the beer and Curryvurst probably isn’t too far away.

“Fun fact about the World Cup here,” Reynolds told fellow Record host Marcie Sillman in a phone interview. “It’s being broadcast by the public television network! Imagine if PBS had the franchise on running the World Series; that’s what it’s like here in Germany.”