The fan zone is one of the official free FIFA fan festivals in New York and New Jersey, created to make the tournament more accessible amid soaring ticket prices. The sold-out event kicked off with remarks from Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee, and David Coulibaly, director of community affairs for the Office of the Bronx Borough President, who delivered a statement on behalf of Borough President Vanessa Gibson, who was unable to attend.