This summer, the US Open’s usual tennis courts will transform into a bustling hub for soccer, as New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced on Monday that the Queens venue will feature the largest of five complimentary World Cup fan zones across the city’s boroughs.
According to officials, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is predicted to accommodate up to 10,000 supporters at once from June 11 to 27, with additional fan zones planned for Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Staten Island.
“Initially, these events were not intended to be free, but football belongs to everyone,” stated Mamdani. “We’ve collectively decided to allow fans the opportunity to watch together without spending a cent.”
The fan village in Manhattan will be based at Rockefeller Center from July 6 to 19, while shorter events are planned for the Bronx Terminal Market and Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
Brooklyn Bridge Park is set to feature one of the longest-running fan zones, operating from June 13 to July 19.
Mamdani highlighted this initiative as part of a larger commitment to ensure local fans are not priced out of the tournament, amid rising concerns from supporters and lawmakers as ticket prices soar, potentially alienating ordinary football enthusiasts.
“Football is a sport that emerged from the working class,” he remarked. “The ticket prices we are witnessing are far beyond what many working individuals could ever dream of affording.”
Officials indicated that the fan zones will boast live match screenings, food vendors, and cultural programs, with additional community activities and events to be revealed in the weeks ahead.
Expected Wider Regional Impact
New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that the broader region anticipates welcoming over one million visitors, generating an estimated economic boost of around $3.3 billion.
She also announced various supportive initiatives, including extended hours for bars, permits for outdoor viewing parties, and state-wide watch events.
The state is proposing a $5 million “New York Kicks” initiative to enhance youth soccer facilities, in addition to a $500,000 community grant program aimed at supporting local World Cup celebrations.
Organisers have also pointed out long-term investments related to the tournament, such as improvements to venues like Staten Island University Hospital Community Park.
When asked about security measures, Mamdani stated that plans are being coordinated with police and other agencies, acknowledging increased concerns following instances of political violence across the nation.
“These events are designed for New Yorkers to celebrate without fear,” he asserted. “We are confident in our capacity to ensure the safety of all attendees.”
The New York-New Jersey region will host eight matches, culminating in the final on July 19. The tournament gets underway on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Compiled by SportArena.au
Fanpage: SportArena.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
