Having been to nine previous World Cups — everyone since 1986 that England has qualified for — David (no last name given) thought he had seen it all.
He quickly rattled off challenges in Brazil, the smoothness of Qatar and you don’t want to hear about Russia.
The atmosphere and events at American Dream was an unexpected surprise.
It wasn’t just the pizza (high marks), the beer (always good) or the atmosphere (a salute to air conditioning), it was the idea that so much could be so close to the main venue.
It was unlike anything he’s ever experienced.
“It’s perfect,” he said. “Bloody perfect.”
Now, to be sure, he wasn’t as fond of the price of the tickets and transport (which is why he — and everyone else in the group — declined to give their last names), but the value of American Dream was worth the walk across the pedestrian bridge.
“This was a great experience for us,” he said of his traveling party of ten.
His group wasn’t the only ones to feel that way on Saturday, as thousands of English fans took over the food court area.
Down the way at the arena, fans of Panama had the same reaction.
It was just as American Dream officials had hoped.
The 300,000-square foot mega mall/entertainment center is more than just a place to get something to eat or drink before or after a match at MetLife Stadium, it’s become an unofficial FanFest location.
Gregg Schwartz, the Director of Public Relations and the Head of Sports Marketing, said the venue couldn’t be happier.
“It’s been packed all day,” he told BINJE on Saturday.
That should continue to be the case all this week.
Starting at noon on Tuesday, there will be a Knockout Round Watch Party hosted by celebrities Lulu and Lala (you either know them or you don’t).
There also will be followed by an event in the Arena sponsored by French Federation.
The pregame celebration – which requires a ticket – will serve as a kickoff for the match between France and Sweden at MetLife Stadium.
Schwartz said more than 1,000 tickets already have been sold.
Expect fans of Sweden to take over other parts of the venue.
And expect the party atmosphere to continue after those fans head over for the game.
At 7 p.m., there will be a Mexico Watch Party, where fans can watch Mexico’s Round-of-32 match with Ecuador (taking place in Mexico City.
Guests can enter via gates B and C an hour after France game starts; tickets are $6.
Schwartz points out the American Dream parties aren’t just when matches are played at MetLife. Other upcoming events include:
Wednesday: USA Watch Party
Starting at 6 p.m. (the U.S. plays Bosnia-Herzegovina at 8). Fans will receive an official Team USA mini scarf.
American Dream will be giving away a number of jerseys thanks to adidas and JD Sports. It also will present the winner of a signed Leo Messi jersey.
Thursday: New York Liberty Day
Starting at 2 p.m., the WNBA’s Liberty will have alumni appearance and giveaways, folllowing in the format of other local teams, including the Giants, Jets, Mets, Red Bulls, Gotham FC and the Cosmos.
Friday: Argentina Watch Party
Starting at 4 p.m., IHeart and Dj Pro Style will lead a party that will give away numerous Messi and Argentina jerseys, courtesy of adidas.
World Cup events at American Dream have been picking up throughout the group stage. And it’s proving to be more than just a one-day boost.
Lauren Hall, an English fan traveling to the event with her teenage son Luca, told BINJE that American Dream was a pleasant surprise – a venue she did not know existed until she arrived for England’s game with Panama.
Her only complaint: She didn’t arrive at the stadium sooner.
“I definitely will come back to America just to go to the American Dream Mall and make the most of everything,” she told BINJE.
