Free watch party at Melt Yard brings Marietta Football's England game home

MARIETTA, Ga. — Marietta football plays in England next Thursday — and here at home, you've got a front-row seat. 

Mayor Steve "Thunder" Tumlin, Marietta Melt Yard and Marietta City Schools are throwing the Special. Different. British. Watch Party on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Marietta Melt Yard, and everyone is invited. It's a drop-in event — come when you can, stay as long as you like — with finger foods, giveaways, photo opportunities and more. Along with the game, guests will see behind-the-scenes footage from the team's week in England that you won't find anywhere else. 

The game will be shown on tape delay — no spoilers — as Marietta cheers on its students and staff from 4,200 miles away. 

"Our kids are getting an experience they'll remember for the rest of their lives, and I think it's pretty special that our community gets to experience a piece of it with them," Superintendent Grant Rivera said. "They may be playing 4,200 miles from home, but they're still our Blue Devils. I hope Marietta shows up, has some fun and cheers them on as only our community can." 

The team will leave Marietta on August 14 for a week of training at Loughborough University, time in London, Nottingham and Coventry, and a service project assembling relief kits for children and communities facing hardship around the world. Thursday's matchup with the NFL Academy counts on the Blue Devils' record — a regular-season game played an ocean from home.

• WHO: Everyone — families, students, staff, alumni, neighbors. 
• WHAT: The Special. Different. British. Watch Party — a free, drop-in community watch party for Marietta High School's game in England, with finger foods, giveaways, photo opportunities and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the trip. 
• WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 20, 7–9 p.m. Drop in anytime. 
• WHERE: Marietta Melt Yard, 800 Whitlock Ave. NW, Marietta.