The FIFA 2026 World Cup begins in 75 days. And if you can’t get any of the hottest
tickets around: How would you like to watch the action on a 350-square-foot screen?
You can do that in New Brunswick.
On Friday, officials at The Yard at College Avenue in New Brunswick announced they
will serve as the city’s World Cup watch party headquarters, broadcasting every match
from their outdoor setting.
The Yard is a 25,000-square-foot public green space that is surrounded by mixed‑use residential and retail, located at the heart of Rutgers University’s historic College Avenue Campus in New Brunswick.
Often described as the “front porch” of the Rutgers campus, The Yard serves as a shared gathering place for students, faculty, residents and visitors from across the city.
New Brunswick Mayor Jim Cahill said it’s the perfect place to see the matches.
“Few events bring the world together quite like the FIFA World Cup, and New Brunswick
is proud to be part of that global celebration,” he said. “Hosting World Cup watch parties at The Yard gives our residents, students, and visitors an opportunity to experience the
excitement of the tournament in a fun and welcoming environment.”
The Yard, which managed by the New Brunswick Development Corporation (DEVCO),
offers outdoor seating (and WiFi) throughout the courtyard, but fans are encouraged to
bring their own lawn chairs or blankets, too.
“We are grateful to The Yard and the New Brunswick Development Corporation for
creating a space where our community can come together, celebrate the game and
enjoy the energy and diversity that make New Brunswick such a special place,” Cahill
said.
DEVCO President Chris Paladino said the watch parties are expected to bring together
students, residents and visitors from across the region – fulfilling the mission of the
area.
“The Yard has always been a place where people come together,” he said. “There is no
event in the world that generates more passion and enthusiasm than the World Cup,
and The Yard is the perfect place for the diverse culture of New Brunswick to come
together to celebrate.”
