World Cup Fans Find Soccer Joy in a Candy Mall

For fans attending the World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium, the American Dream megamall has become an unlikely but popular gathering spot. This vast, three-million-square-foot complex, connected to the stadium by an elevated footpath, offers a unique alternative to the stadium's surroundings. Unlike traditional soccer venues embedded in urban landscapes, MetLife Stadium is situated in a more isolated area.

The American Dream mall, opened in 2021, provides a climate-controlled environment with hundreds of stores, numerous eateries, and diverse attractions including an indoor water park, ski slope, and roller coasters. It serves as the primary public gathering space accessible by foot for the 82,500-capacity stadium.

Fans have embraced this unusual setting, transforming parts of the mall into lively fan zones. Activities observed include juggling soccer balls, drumming performances, and gatherings in a converted ice rink area that simulates a beer garden. This spirit of enjoyment mirrors that of traditional soccer matches, albeit in a distinctly different locale.

Some fans, like Carlos Orbe and Julia Szenberg from Tampa, Florida, were drawn to the mall specifically because traditional tailgating was prohibited at MetLife Stadium. They found a communal atmosphere in the mall's parking garage, enjoying drinks and kicking a soccer ball, highlighting the adaptability and camaraderie among World Cup attendees.