In order to welcome the upcoming World Cup football tournament, Mayor Mamdani of New York City, in collaboration with the NYC Tourism Bureau, has launched a series of grand city-wide celebration activities. Among the most exciting events for foodies and sports fans is the “Five Borough Winners Special” gastronomic project, which brings together hundreds of restaurants and bars across the city.
This food promotion event will kick off on Thursday, June 11th, and run through to the final match night on Sunday, July 19th. Considering that several key matches of this year’s World Cup will be held at the nearby MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, the aim of this event is to attract global football fans and local residents to explore various neighborhoods of New York, offering world-class cuisine at affordable prices.
“In New York City, you don’t need to buy expensive tickets to be part of the World Cup!” Mayor Mamdani emphasized that the local small businesses scattered throughout the streets of New York are the best seats to watch the World Cup.
Nearly 600 dining establishments have already enthusiastically signed up to participate, including renowned spots like Red Rooster in Harlem, the upscale modern Korean restaurant Naro at Rockefeller Center, Morgan’s BBQ with a view in Brooklyn Heights, Armondo’s traditional Italian restaurant in Jackson Heights, and Kills Boro Brewery in Staten Island.
These normally pricey or uniquely local eateries will be offering creative special meals at a uniform price of $26 during the event. The offers come in various forms, including fixed-price multi-course menus, food-and-drink pairings, and exclusive craft beer discounts.
In addition to indulging in culinary delights, the city government has introduced an enticing “Welcome World Rewards” program. Fans simply need to check in at participating small businesses during the event to earn points, which can be redeemed for exclusive World Cup merchandise, fan-exclusive experiences, and even have a chance to win tickets to the World Cup final on July 19th!
Upon purchasing the designated special meal, patrons will receive a 24-ounce limited edition reusable World Cup souvenir cup from the establishment. This commemorative cup features five exclusive designs inspired by the five administrative districts of New York, encouraging fans to embark on a “cross-borough culinary tour” and collect the full set by checking in on social media.
Whether you are watching the games at a bar in the Bronx, a restaurant in Queens, or a café in Brooklyn, the “Five Borough Winners Special” will allow you to not only enjoy the excitement of the matches but also savor the diverse flavors of New York’s culinary scene.
The complete list of participating businesses will soon be announced on the official website of the New York City government. For more World Cup-related activities and various discounts, you can visit the official event website at nynjfwc26.com/destination.