DUMBO — Brooklyn’s official Fan Zone for the World Cup will be up and running in Brooklyn Bridge Park starting Saturday, through Sunday, July 19.
Organizers recently released details about what’s happening in the free Fan Zone (adidas, the sponsor, is calling it the Home of Soccer), including the schedule of live screenings and performances.
Free tickets to the adidas Home of Soccer in New York will be released starting Friday, ahead of opening day on Saturday. Tickets are free to reserve, but do not guarantee entry, with admission granted on a first come, first served basis. Reservations will open on a rolling basis, allowing you to book 24 hours in advance.
More than 100 soccer games will be played in 16 cities around the world during the World Cup. (It actually kicks off this Thursday, but the Brooklyn Fan Zone starts Saturday.) There won’t be a watch party in Brooklyn Bridge Park for every single match, but there will be more than 70. (USA’s first Group Stage game against Paraguay on Friday will not be shown in the park, since the Fan Zone doesn’t open until the next day.)
This diagram shows the layout of the adidas “Home of Soccer” Fan Zone in Brooklyn Bridge Park. Map: BBP
Big screens, merch and food
Brooklyn’s Fan Zone will spread out across Emily Warren Roebling Plaza and an adjacent lawn area, which Brooklyn Bridge Park President Eric Landau called an accessible space “where fans, neighbors and visitors can come together to celebrate the game and connect.”
The 25,000-square-foot site has room for up to 3,500 visitors a day. Besides live game screenings, performances include PinkPantheress and rapper Larry June on June 26; DJ Whutever on June 19; and an as-yet-unnamed performer on July 18.
Lots of activities will be happening in the Fan Zone: a soccer pitch (i.e., field) for a 3v3 tournament and free play; a beer garden and food trucks; adidas merch and a Stripes Exchange with product drops, vintage collectibles and items from local vendors. Other events will include the activation of the multiplayer mobile game Brawl Stars, cultural programming, and a screening of the rousing soccer documentary “Summer of ’94.”
More details about performances and activities will be posted on the adidas website.
The complete schedule of more than 70 watch parties and performances in Brooklyn Bridge Park during the FIFA 2026 World Cup. Chart: adidas
Managing the crowds
Brooklyn Bridge Park and the event organizers have been taking steps to manage crowds and traffic, according to Landau. “We’re focused on balancing the needs of local residents, park visitors and soccer fans alike to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and positive experience for all,” he said.
In addition to New York Police Department and Park Enforcement Patrol deployments, adidas will be providing extra security and on-site Emergency Medical Service personnel (including an ambulance) during operating hours.
The park will be using the revenue it receives from the event to expand their free public and education programming. This includes increased Movies With a View screenings, additional recreation and fitness classes, and education programs.
The Fan Zone will be open daily from noon to 10 p.m., and later during five nights when the games have been scheduled to end after that time.
There are no matches being screened on July 8, July 12 and July 13, but the Fan Zone will be open to the public. However, the entire zone will be fully closed on July 3–5 for the Fourth of July celebrations, expected to attract huge crowds.
A portion of Water Street between Old Fulton and Dock streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the World Cup games and events. Map: BBP
Getting there
Emily Warren Roebling Plaza is located at 1 Water St., directly beneath the Brooklyn Bridge.
Best bet: Take public transportation, bike or walk to the park. The closest subway stops are York Street Station via the F train; High Street – Brooklyn Bridge Station via the A and C trains; and Clark Street Station via the 2 and 3 trains. By East River ferry, get off at the DUMBO Fulton Ferry NYC stop; by bus, take the B25 and get off at the Old Fulton Street/Hicks Street stop.
A portion of Water Street between Old Fulton and Dock streets will be closed to vehicular traffic during the games and events.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced in April that one official World Cup Fan Zone in each borough would be free. Photo: Michael Appleton, Mayoral Photography Office
For the ‘love of the game’
MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, will be hosting eight of the matches, including the final, for those lucky enough to snag tickets.
For the rest of us, Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced in April that one official Fan Zone in each borough would be free, reversing a decision by former Mayor Eric Adams to charge for admission.
“When I think back on my first World Cup, some of my most meaningful memories weren’t in the stadium, they were in the fan zones, surrounded by thousands of people brought together by a pure love of the game,” he said at that time.
SUNSET PARK — “As a resident of Marine Park, one of the great surprises I found biking around Industry City and visiting Japan Village was to discover Bush Terminal Park. I continue to be amazed at the serene hideaways that the city offers in some of the busiest places — and, still, with an iconic view.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — ‘A miracle that no one was killed …’ That’s what neighbors are saying about the collapse of the Hotel St. George marquee. Shown in this photograph are workmen beginning the removal and repair of the historic, old neon sign at the corner, referencing a relic of Brooklyn Heights’ past: the St. George Hotel.
ATLANTIC AVENUE — Exhausted shopper with cluster of bags and goods from mall at Boerum Place stops to look at huge construction site across the street. “Is that REALLY going to be a jail??” Her male companion is reassuring, “Nothing like Rikers … this is 21st Century.”
BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Overheard in line at one of most popular pastry outlets on Montague Street: “Hope I can get them into a camp …” A mother with two pre-schoolers in tow was showing a friend the Dodge Y flyer for Healthy Kids Day on Saturday, April 18.
