The US Open Tennis Stadium hosts free World Cup fans

New York Mayor Zahran Mamdani announced that the US Open tennis stadium in Queens will turn its attention to football, as it will become one of the five largest free areas distributed throughout the city’s neighborhoods designated for World Cup fans.

Officials said the USTA’s National Center is expected to attract up to 10,000 fans at a time from June 11 to 27, with additional sites being prepared in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

Mamdani said: “It was not in mind that these events would be free, but the most famous game in the world should be owned by everyone. We made this decision together so that fans can watch the matches without having to spend any money.”

The Manhattan Fan Zone will be held at Rockefeller Center from July 6-19, with shorter events planned for the Bronx Market and Staten Island University Hospital Park.

Brooklyn Bridge Park will host one of the longest-running fan zones, starting on June 13 and running until July 19.

Mamdani described this initiative as part of broader efforts to ensure that local fans are not excluded from participating in tournament events due to high prices, amid growing criticism from some fans and officials who warn that high ticket costs may alienate the general public.

He said: “Football is a game that was born from the working class, and the ticket prices we see today may not be able to be afforded by many working people.”

Officials said the fan zones will include live match screenings, food vendors, cultural and entertainment programs, with more community activities to be announced in the coming weeks.

New York State Governor Kathy Hokul highlighted the expected broad economic impact, noting that the region could receive more than a million visitors with an economic return of approximately $3.3 billion.

It also announced complementary initiatives that include extending bar hours, permits to hold watch parties in open spaces, and watch events statewide.

The state is also proposing a New York Kicks program to invest in youth soccer facilities, along with a community grant program to support local World Cup-related events.

Organizers also highlighted long-term investments tied to the tournament, including upgrades at sites such as Staten Island University Hospital Park.

When asked about security, Mamdani said that preparations are coordinating with the police and other parties, while acknowledging the increasing fears in the wake of recent incidents of political violence.

“These are events that New Yorkers can celebrate without fear, and we are confident in our ability to keep everyone safe,” he said.

The New York-New Jersey region will host eight matches, including the final on July 19.

The tournament begins on June 11 across the United States, America, Mexico and Canada.