Particle.news
Download on the App Store

New York City Turns 50 School Blocks Into Car-Free ‘Soccer Streets’ Through June 26

City Hall says the pop-ups bring the World Cup to neighborhoods so kids who cannot get to MetLife matches can join free, local celebrations.

Overview

  • The program, announced Monday, has been running since May 1 and will continue at school-adjacent blocks through the last day of public school on June 26.
  • Street Lab is producing the events with sponsor Chobani under DOT’s Open Streets for Schools, with pickup games, drills, and flag-painting for students.
  • Schools are not enrolled by default, and those with existing Open Streets are invited to contact Street Lab as detailed schedules and participating sites roll out.
  • Officials frame the effort as a no-cost alternative to pricey stadium plans, with tickets scarce and NJ Transit setting a $105 roundtrip World Cup fare to MetLife.
  • DOT counts about 68 school streets citywide, and the city is using Soccer Streets to grow year-round participation, with 2026–27 Open Streets for Schools applications now open.