New York State transformed Kensico Dam Plaza into one of the region’s largest free World Cup celebrations, bringing together thousands of New Yorkers for live entertainment, family-friendly activities and a live broadcast of the FIFA World
Cup Final Empire State Development welcomed more than 5,500 New Yorkers at the free New York State United — 2026 World Cup Watch Experience at Kensico Dam Plaza, where New Yorkers watched Spain’s victory over Argentina in the FIFA World Cup Final.

The event began at 12 p.m. and included live entertainment and a performance by the Ice Cold Experience drum line, featuring students ages 7–19 from Mount Vernon. Over 25 partners, including New York State Agencies, local law enforcement, local soccer teams, and more hosted family-friendly activities before the match began. Additionally,
18 local food and drink vendors attended, reinforcing New York’s ability to extend the World Cup beyond host cities and drive local economies across the State.

“Today, Westchester County became the place where New Yorkers came together to experience the biggest sporting moment in the world,” said Governor Kathy Hochul. “Families, friends and fans celebrated side by side, showing exactly what
the World Cup is all about. From Buffalo to Long Island and here in Westchester, we’ve worked to ensure communities across New York could be part of this historic tournament and today was a fitting finale to that effort.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Today’s World Cup Final Watch Experience showed how a global event can create opportunities for communities across New York State. Thousands of fans came
together in Westchester County to support local businesses, celebrate this historic tournament and experience firsthand the
economic and tourism benefits these major events can deliver. That’s the kind of lasting impact we’re working to create in communities across the State.”

The New York State United —2026 World Cup Final Watch Experience in Westchester County followed the successful World
Cup Watch Experience held on June 12th at Stony Brook University on Long Island. For a recap of that event, please visit the
event website. Building on Governor Hochul’s broader strategy to leverage major global events for lasting statewide benefit, these viewing events complement the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program and the proposed NY Kicks: A World Cup Legacy Investment Fund, which will expand access to youth soccer infrastructure and programming in communities across the state. These efforts also advance Governor Hochul’s Get Offline, Get Outside initiative, which encourages New Yorkers to unplug from devices and spend time outdoors in their communities by activating public
spaces and creating shared, active experiences for families.