Two free World Cup watch parties will take place this summer in Long Island, courtesy of sponsorships from Governor Kathy Hochul and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. The events aim to provide local fans a chance to gather and celebrate the international soccer tournament.

The state-sponsored watch event will be held on June 12 at Stony Brook University’s LaValle Stadium. The gathering will begin with the day’s opening match and culminate with the United States facing Paraguay at 9 p.m. Attendees can expect giveaways, soccer-themed games, and family-friendly activities throughout the day. Tickets for this event are available while supplies last through NewYorkState-United.com.

Separately, Nassau County will host its own watch party on June 19 at the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre in Eisenhower Park. The event, scheduled from 3 to 6 p.m., will feature the USA’s match against Australia. Like the state event, it will include giveaways and family-oriented entertainment. Registration for the Nassau County watch party can be completed at TheIslandFC.com.

The watch parties represent a unique local opportunity for fans to engage with the World Cup, fostering community involvement around the international sporting event. The two gatherings are notable for being organized by political figures on opposite sides of the gubernatorial race in New York, underscoring the broad appeal of the tournament.