Thanks to a $5M investment, dozens of World Cup fan events coming to New Jersey

New Jersey officials are planning a series of World Cup-themed events across the state as they look to capitalize on tourism tied to matches at the Lincoln Financial Field and at MetLife Stadium.

Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined local leaders at Cooper River Park in Camden County on Wednesday, where a large watch party is planned for the FIFA World Cup final. The event is one of 34 activations statewide supported by a $5 million investment.

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Leaders said the effort is designed to ensure South Jersey benefits from the influx of visitors expected for matches nearby.

Soccer fans, including members of the Rutgers-Camden men’s soccer team, said they’re eager to take part in the fun.

“I have family in Maryland coming up here for a couple games so I’m definitely excited for that,” Isaiah Hamilton of the Rutgers men’s soccer team said.

The first event is planned in Camden, where officials will host a fan fest along the waterfront. Another major gathering, a World Cup final watch party, is set for Cooper River Park.

Camden County officials said they’re already seeing signs of increased demand and expect local businesses to benefit.

“We’re optimistic. About a month ago, I spoke to some of the local hotels and they seem to have a slight increase than what they were expecting, but at the same time we have Major League Baseball All-Star Game, Fourth of July, so we’re seeing uptick from all the events, not just FIFA,” Camden County Commissioner Louis Capelli Jr. said.

Still, there are concerns about transportation costs.

NJ Transit has announced plans to charge around $150 for train tickets to matches at MetLife Stadium. State officials are also asking FIFA to cover the estimated $48 million cost of transporting people safely.

“At the same time, FIFA anticipate they will make around $11 billion from this event, so I suggested to them — and we’ve been in talks with them — that they should differ some of this cost, and we’re also talking to local sponsors who are interested in differing some of the cost. We’re in some of those talks now,” Sherrill said.

In South Jersey, PATCO officials said fares will remain the same, though service into and out of Philadelphia could increase on match days depending on demand.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC Philadelphia. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC Philadelphia journalist edited the article for publication.