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WINNIPEG — American fans are settling in to Winnipeg as the FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off across Canada.

Morgan Tyson drove more than 25 hours with her three friends from New Jersey to see Team USA up close on Monday.

“We decided to buy tickets and then from there, booked our hotel,” she said. “We kind of researched Winnipeg a little bit and figured out what we wanted to do and just went for it.”

The fans arrived a few days early to explore the host city. Now they’re preparing to support Team USA and tailgate.

“American socks, a flag wrapped around my neck, a shirt, a visor just jumping up and down… we like cheering on our country,” said Dave Wallace who has never been to Winnipeg before.

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Restaurants close to Investors Group Field like Barley Brothers are experiencing similar excitement from hundreds American fans who reserved their spots months in advance.

“The American Outlaws… they’re sending down somewhere between 500 and 700 people between the course of the two games,” said Barley Brothers general manager Gord Lovell.

Lovell said bands will be playing before the games during the tailgate parties and DJs will spin later with life-sized board games available until the early hours of the morning.

The Liquor and Gaming Authority of Manitoba is allowing bars and restaurants to serve alcohol for an extra hour, until 3:00 a.m., during the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

The tournament kicked off in Edmonton Saturday with Team Canada taking on China. A fan zone is setup at Winnipeg Stadium Plaza where live games around the country will be shown.

Team Nigeria and Sweden play the opening match in Winnipeg on Monday followed by the Team USA and Australia.

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