New York officials say the first five FIFA World Cup matches hosted at MetLife Stadium generated more than $2 billion in economic activity, with final figures still pending for the tournament's last three games.
Gov. Kathy Hochul released the preliminary review July 20, reporting eight consecutive sellouts, more than 560,000 spectators and $228 million in state and local tax revenue generated in June.
An analysis by Tourism Economics estimated $1.2 billion in direct visitor spending and a total economic impact of $2.1 billion from the first five group-stage matches. The report does not include the final three games or operational spending.
More than 1 million people attended official fan events in New York and New Jersey, according to the state. A rewards program launched in May generated about 10,000 visits to more than 1,000 participating businesses, restaurants, cultural institutions and community events in the two states.
New York subsidized official stadium shuttle buses, reducing round-trip fares from $80 to $20. Nearly 120,000 tickets were sold, and officials said an average of 97% of shuttle passengers entered the stadium before kickoff.
New York City hotels generated about $1.07 billion in room revenue from June 8 through July 4, a 20.6% increase from the same period a year earlier. Mid-Hudson hotel revenue rose 18.3% to about $86 million, while Long Island revenue increased 24% to roughly $117 million.
The state also distributed $500,000 for World Cup viewing events, supporting 13 projects across seven upstate regions. The release did not provide attendance or economic figures for individual Finger Lakes events.
New York's enacted budget includes a $5 million NY Kicks fund for soccer facilities in disadvantaged communities across the state and another $1 million for equipment, training and operating costs.
The state said it will issue an updated economic report after incorporating the final three matches and operational spending.
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