US Open Home to Host One of New York's Free World Cup Fan Zones
Officials said the free sites will include live screenings, food and cultural events as New York City seeks to reach fans priced out of stadium tickets.
- On Monday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul announced five free FIFA World Cup 2026 fan sites across the city's boroughs, supported by $20 million in state funding.
- Mamdani warned the tournament is "out of reach for many" working-class fans, with transit to the New Jersey stadium costing upwards of $150, prompting officials to create free alternatives.
- The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Queens and Rockefeller Center in Manhattan are among the host sites, with the Queens venue expected to accommodate roughly 10,000 people at a time.
- Governor Hochul announced the $5 million "New York Kicks" program for youth soccer facilities, while projecting the region will generate about $3.3 billion in economic activity from the tournament.
- While Mamdani expressed confidence in safety, stating "These are events where New Yorkers can celebrate without fear," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill have slammed FIFA over high transit costs.
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30 Articles
New York will feature five official free amateur spaces during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held between June 11 and July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
New York City will host a series of free events for football fans who hope to experience the excitement of the World Cup but cannot afford high ticket prices for the matches, authorities announced on Monday.
Kat and Zo’s affordability goooooaaaals
DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 27 FREE KICKS: After days of headlines about exorbitant costs to get to the World Cup, Gov. Kathy Hochul and Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Monday unveiled a series of free watch parties in each borough. The public events are a sign that the Democrats, who appeared together at Staten Island University Hospital Community Park, are trying to make the tournament affordable for fans who can’t afford to watch in person. “Every fan s…
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