NJ residents can now score free World Cup tickets, undercutting $50 NYC lottery
Gothamist • • sports
Key Points:
- New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill and the New York New Jersey World Cup committee announced the distribution of 770 free tickets to matches at MetLife Stadium during the World Cup, targeting local communities, nurses, pediatric patients, and small business customers.
- Of these, 500 tickets will go to underserved youth soccer players, families of deployed National Guard members, Make-A-Wish patients, and Bergen County first responders supporting World Cup operations.
- Despite past tensions with FIFA over costs and ticket prices, New Jersey aims to make the World Cup accessible, with free tickets complementing other affordable initiatives like New York City's $50 ticket lottery.
- MetLife Stadium will host eight matches, including the opening game between Brazil and Morocco, but free and low-cost tickets represent less than 0.3% of total seating capacity, highlighting limited local access.
- Additionally, limited round-trip New Jersey Transit tickets to matches will be available for $98, providing transportation options for attendees.