You don’t need a ticket to a World Cup match to get in on the action this summer.
A free FIFA Arena soccer field has quietly opened inside Central Park, giving New Yorkers a chance to play on a dedicated World Cup-themed pitch through July 18. Installed in the parking lot near Tavern on the Green, the temporary small-sided field is open to players of all ages and skill levels, and best of all, it won’t cost you a dime.
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The FIFA Arena is part of the city’s broader World Cup celebration and arrives just as soccer fever sweeps New York ahead of the tournament’s biggest matches at MetLife Stadium. Unlike many World Cup events that require reservations or tickets, the Central Park pitch is completely free and generally operates on a drop-in basis.
The field is open daily through July 18, with two sessions each day: 10am to 2pm and 4pm to 8pm. Most days are dedicated to open play, allowing visitors to jump into pickup games or kick a ball around with friends.
Several special events are also scheduled throughout the activation, including a Youth Skills Academy for kids ages 6 to 14 on June 20 from 10am to 2pm, a Neighborhood Cup community tournament on June 27 from 4pm to 8pm, a Soccer in Schools educator event on July 8 from 6pm to 8pm and the U.S. Soccer Girls Summit on July 11 from 10am to 2pm. The installation wraps up with a closing celebration on July 18 from 4pm to 8pm.
Finding it is easy if you know where to look. The pitch sits in the parking lot directly behind Tavern on the Green near Central Park West and West 67th Street. The closest subway options are the 1 train to 66th Street–Lincoln Center or the B and C trains to 72nd Street. From either station, it’s just a short walk into the park.
If you miss the field, don’t worry: Central Park still has one more major World Cup moment ahead. The Great Lawn will host a massive free watch party for the FIFA World Cup Final on July 19, with tens of thousands of fans expected to attend.
For a full schedule, including several days when the field is reserved for summer camps, click here.
