World Cup Events in Lower Manhattan: Watch Parties, Squad Reveals, and More
Downtown NYC isn't waiting for the June 11 kickoff. Lower Manhattan already has a growing World Cup calendar — squad reveals, al fresco watch parties, and free outdoor screenings running from late May through the July 19 Final. Here's what's confirmed, with more to come as the tournament approaches.
May 26: USA Squad Reveal at Pier 17
Before a single ball is kicked, New York gets one of the tournament's most anticipated pre-match moments. The US Soccer Federation is announcing its final 26-man World Cup roster right here in the city, at Pier 17 on the East River waterfront. Doors open at 1 p.m. with a full US Soccer festival, and the squad reveal itself begins at 3 p.m. — each player introduced individually over the following hour. Admission is free, but registration is required through the US Soccer website. This kind of public roster reveal is rare; for fans of the USMNT, it's worth making the trip downtown.
June 11 Onwards: Watch Parties at PAC NYC
The Perelman Performing Arts Center at the World Trade Center is getting into the tournament spirit with open-air match screenings on its terrace throughout the summer, weather permitting. Food and drinks from Marcus Samuelsson's Metropolis will be on hand, making this a notch above the typical bar setup. Screenings begin with the tournament opener — Mexico vs. South Africa — at 3 p.m. on June 11. Admission requires a single drink purchase. The full match schedule is on PAC NYC's website.
June 12 Onwards: Free Watch Parties at Battery Park
Battery Park is hosting a series of free World Cup watch parties as part of its summer programming, and the first one sets a high bar. On June 12, the USA vs. Paraguay group stage match gets a family-friendly tailgate treatment, with a live performance by the Queer Big Apple Corps Marching Band. Additional free screenings are planned from July 5 through July 19, covering the Round of 16 all the way through the Final — with accompanying activities at each event. Free, outdoors, with the harbor behind you. It's hard to beat the setting.
This page will be updated as more downtown events are announced. If you're planning to be in the city for the tournament, Lower Manhattan is shaping up to be one of the best places to experience it without spending a dollar — or setting foot in New Jersey.
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