Wednesday update

The US Men’s National Team did it! They topped Iran 1-0 yesterday, advancing to the knockout round of 16 in the World Cup. Their next opponent will be the Netherlands this Saturday at 9;00 AM.

At least two Downtown bars and a brewery taproom are responding to the date and time of the next match by announcing early opening times for Saturday. Blind Bear will be open at 8:30 with the World Cup match on and they’ll have water and food for the St. Jude runners. I think I heard them say Jessica will be the bartender (blonde Jessica who calls me Paulie-Waulie, not to be confused with brunette Jessica from Local who I burp at).

Down on the south side of Downtown, Max’s Sports Bar will also open at 8:30. Come grab a beer and cheer on the runners for half an hour, then come inside to watch the match. Bartender has not been announced but I tend to believe it will be Bjarni.

Max’s early opening time changes something else: The old coot who usually sits in front of his condo on S. Front St. handing out Miller Lite to runners likely won’t be there this year. He’ll be sitting at the corner table at Max’s with other old coots, drinking a Miller Lite bucket of his own.

Wiseacre Downtown will open at 7 AM Saturday. Your runner’s bib gets you 20% off your tab. They’ll be serving breakfast burritos and Brass Monkeys (that funky monkey! Memphis Sands + orange juice). Nearest convenient parking will be Danny Thomas and G.E. Patterson.

Keep in mind that Bardog had already announced an 8 AM opening time for Saturday for the runners even before the USMNT advanced. Melissa and Allie Cat will be your bartenders. 20% off food with a bib or medal.

From Food & Wine: McDonald’s is giving out a dozen Gold Cards that will get you free food for life

The Gia Welch Trio (JD Westmoreland, Graham Winchester) and Raneem Imam will perform at South Main Sounds Friday 7 to 9.

New Wing Order has announced its December special, beginning a day early, today: Hot honey garlic wings. They start with a combo of Buffalo and Cajun hot sauces, then fresh garlic and spices are added, along with a finishing touch of honey. Get ’em at the Ghost River taproom on Beale or from the food truck.

Let’s have a look at college football games of interest this weekend: (Saturday unless noted otherwise)

  • 11 Utah vs. 4 USC, Pac-10 championship, 7:00 PM Friday in Las Vegas, FOX. If USC wins, it’s likely in the College Football Playoff.
  • 10 Kansas State vs. 3 TCU, Big 12 championship, 11:00 AM in Arlington, Texas, ABC. If TCU wins, it’s likely in the CFP.
  • 14 LSU vs. 1 Georgia, SEC championship, 3:00 PM in Atlanta, CBS. Georgia can afford a loss and still be in the CFP, provided it’s not a blowout loss.
  • 22 UCF at 18 Tulane, AAC championship, 3:00 PM, ABC. Winner likely represents the Group of Five in the Cotton Bowl.
  • Purdue vs. 2 Michigan, Big Ten championship, 7:00 PM in Indianapolis, FOX. Michigan can probably survive a close loss and still get into the CFP.
  • 9 Clemson vs. 23 North Carolina, ACC championship, 7:00 PM in Charlotte, ABC

If TCU and/or USC lose, or if Georgia or Michigan gets blown out, 5 Ohio State and 6 Alabama are waiting to move into the playoff.

This Thursday’s food truck rodeo in Court Square (11 AM to 2 PM) will feature performances sponsored by ArtsMemphis. SubRoy Movement, Opera Memphis, Young Actors Guild, and WYXR.

Memphis Tigers men’s basketball hosts North Alabama tonight at FedExForum at 7. TV: ESPN+

The Grizzlies are on the road tonight at Minnesota at 7. TV: Bally Sports Southeast

That’s it. Back tomorrow with more news.