By Sunayana Prabhu
RED BANK – Two River area soccer fans won’t have to travel too far this summer to watch World Cup matches as Red Bank is preparing to host live watch parties June 11, 18 and 19, with related community events. The borough received a $50,000 state grant to celebrate the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
The state is gearing up to host eight World Cup matches at MetLife Stadium (officially New York New Jersey Stadium during the tournament) in East Rutherford, beginning June 13 with Brazil versus Morocco and concluding with the championship match July 19.
Oscar Salinas, the borough’s Parks and Recreation director, said Count Basie Park will host two live broadcasts of the World Cup matches at Count Basie Park – Mexico vs. South Korea, June 18 and USA vs. Australia, June 19. On June 11, the borough will host a kick-off watch party on Broadwalk. The pre-parties start at 1 p.m. and the matches start at 3 p.m.
The focal point will be “a mobile LED trailer,” Salinas said, with a big screen, “like the ones they have at the stadiums,” to broadcast the matches live. The screen will be set up on the football field and spectators may bring their own chairs, sit on the turf, or use the metal bleachers, which Salinas estimates can hold up to 2,000 people. The events will be free.
Salinas noted that the scale of the undertaking is significant, costing “over $50,000,” with $10,000 a day going toward rent for the screen, plus additional security and staffing.
Still, as a self-professed soccer fan, Salinas is excited. “It’ll be quite the experience” for Red Bank, he said.
In total, $5 million will be given out statewide through the state’s World Cup Community Initiative Grant Program, launched by Gov. Mikie Sherrill, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), Choose New Jersey, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee. The grants will support “community activations” and public fan experiences across New Jersey.
Red Bank was selected as one of 34 grant recipients for its proposal to transform public spaces throughout the borough into vibrant gathering places that celebrate soccer, culture, community, and small business vitality during one of the world’s largest sporting events, according to the release. The “Red Bank World Cup Activation Series,” which includes public programming supported by the state grant, is scheduled to run from June 13 through July 19.
The programming includes public watch parties at Count Basie Park, wellness-focused community events through the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign, and immersive experiences across several public spaces, including Riverside Gardens Park and the Broadwalk pedestrian plaza.
Borough officials envision the activation series as a broader strategy to showcase Red Bank’s arts scene, walkable downtown and thriving small business community.
“Our Red Bank community knows how to show up with energy, creativity and heart. This $50,000 grant gives us the opportunity to turn that spirit into something truly special through our World Cup activation series,” said Mayor Billy Portman in the borough’s May 6 press release. “It’s always exciting to see what happens when we collaborate with partners across sectors and throughout the region around a shared goal. I can’t wait to see Count Basie Park buzzing with soccer fans and that Red Bank energy spreading far beyond our town.”
The initiative is being coordinated through a partnership among the borough, District 11 Legislative Office, FC Monmouth – a Monmouth County-based men’s and women’s soccer club, and Red Bank RiverCenter, along with support from regional nonprofits, educational institutions, businesses, and civic organizations throughout Monmouth County and New Jersey, according to the borough’s release.
“The Red Bank World Cup Activation Series represents the kind of forward-thinking, community-centered investment we are proud to champion in District 11 and demonstrates the power of regional collaboration,” said state Sen. Vin Gopal and Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul in the announcement. “We are excited to see this investment create opportunities for our constituents, strengthen local economic activity, and showcase our community spirit.”
FIFA World Cup 2026 is a “once-in-a-generation opportunity to showcase New Jersey on the global stage, and we want to make sure all New Jerseyans can join in on the festivities,” Sherrill said in the May 6 press statement. “These grants will help ensure that the benefits of hosting the World Cup extend beyond the walls of the stadium. Through this initiative, we are supporting small businesses and empowering communities across New Jersey to create exciting experiences that bring residents and visitors together throughout our state ahead of the tournament, and during the World Cup.”
The NYNJ Host Committee selected Choose New Jersey to administer the grant application and distribution process on behalf of the state, with final award determinations approved by the NJEDA, which developed and funded the grants.
Borough officials said Red Bank’s accessibility is a major advantage. Located along the North Jersey Coast Line, Red Bank offers direct rail access for visitors traveling from across the state and metropolitan region.
According to officials, the borough’s grant application reportedly received more than 20 letters of support from organizations across New Jersey, including Monmouth University, Two River Theater, United Way of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.
Officials also confirmed that Red Bank’s activation series will participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York/New Jersey Host Committee’s Welcome World Rewards Program, which encourages visitors to explore host communities and support local businesses throughout the tournament.
The article originally appeared in the May 28 – June 3, 2026 print edition of The Two River Times.
