World Cup: Gov. Hochul unveils plan to help bars, restaurants host events with 'One-Day Permit'
Michele Genuard of Valley Stream and Gabriel Gomis of Hempstead celebrate a French goal as they watch the French and Croatian World cup final at Plattduetsche Park on July 15, 2018, in Franklin Square. Credit: Howard Schnapp
As the countdown to the start of the FIFA World Cup on June 11 dwindles, New York State is taking measures to ensure soccer fans can maximize the experience without spending exorbitant prices to attend any of the eight games at MetLife Stadium.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Monday announced a plan for bars, restaurants and event organizers to host offsite activations, such as public watch parties and outdoor fan experiences, by applying for a World Cup One-Day Permit through the New York State Liquor Authority. With the permit, bars and restaurants also will be able to use adjacent outdoor spaces to host World Cup events.
Hochul also is working with the state legislature to authorize the temporary expansion of operating hours to 4 a.m. throughout the duration of the World Cup. Some matches will begin as late as midnight Eastern time, and the legislation would ensure fans can stay out to watch any World Cup game.
“We want to make sure all New Yorkers can watch the World Cup in community spaces, and all businesses that want to show matches can be open to the public while they're broadcast live,” Hochul said in a statement. “With the new World Cup One-Day Permit, businesses across the state can host off-site activities throughout the duration of the World Cup tournament instead of just a few days.”
Lily M. Fan, the New York State Liquor Authority Chair, added: “Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State Liquor Authority is cutting unnecessary red tape and making it easier for event organizers and local businesses to safely serve alcohol and create exciting opportunities for people to come together. The SLA is proud to advance our mission of fostering abundance and creating jobs, and we are excited to be part of this year’s World Cup.”
The World Cup tickets at MetLife were expensive to begin with. The get-in price for the first game on June 13 between Brazil and Morocco at $1,473 and the get-in price for the final on July 19 at $8,833, according to TickPick.
General parking for the first six games is listed at $225, though it won’t be at MetLife. Parking instead will be at the American Dream mall, which is connected to MetLife by two pedestrian bridges and is a 0.89-mile, 17-minute walk from the stadium. Other transportation options for Long Islanders include a $150 NJ Transit train ride from Penn Station (not factoring in Long Island Rail Road tickets) and $80 shuttle rides from Manhattan.
Hochul previously announced in February that Stony Brook University will host a free watch party for the World Cup games on June 12, when the U.S. faces Paraguay at 9 p.m. at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
Ben Dickson is Newsday Sports' general assignment reporter. He joined Newsday’s high school sports staff in 2023 after graduating from Maryland, where he covered several of the Terrapins' teams.
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