FIFA World Cup Fan Zone Coming to Queens

The Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing will temporarily become a FIFA World Cup Fan Zone for select matches next summer.

Louis Armstrong Stadium will accommodate 10,000 fans from June 17 to 28, offering a “immersive” atmosphere with family-friendly entertainment and interactive events.

Unveiled recently by the New York-New Jersey Host Committee, the official fan zone will be managed by Live Nation for specific group games. This marks the third official fan zone announcement, joining a Fan Fest in Liberty State Park and a fan village at Rockefeller Center for the knockout rounds from July 4 to 19.

According to reports, tickets will cost $10 for both the Liberty State Park and Louis Armstrong Stadium fan experiences, while entry to the Rockefeller Center fan village will be free. This ticketed approach is a departure from FIFA’s tradition of free access to fan zones for non-attending fans.

While ticketed access allows for controlled attendance and some revenue generation, other host cities like Philadelphia and Kansas City have committed to offering free fan zone entry, unlike New York.

The host committee plans to announce more fan experiences as the tournament approaches, especially since MetLife Stadium will host only eight of the 104 World Cup games, prompting the need for fan festivals to accommodate visitors to the region.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized that the Queens fan zone aims to create an “unforgettable celebration” for soccer enthusiasts, highlighting community unity and diversity.

Alex Lasry, CEO of the NYNJ Host Committee, stated that the fan zone will provide an authentic experience for visitors while showcasing Queens’ rich cultural diversity through food options and other cultural displays. More details regarding broadcasting games and ticket sales will be released soon.