Community Celebration on Public Square
Wilkes-Barre will host a free public screening of the United States men's soccer team's opening match at the FIFA World Cup this Friday, turning Public Square into a lively gathering spot for families and fans alike.
The festivities kick off at 7 p.m. with a series of family‑friendly activities surrounding a large video wall that will broadcast the game live from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, beginning at 9 p.m. local time. Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs or blankets to settle in comfortably on the square.
Local eateries along the downtown corridor are joining the celebration by offering World Cup‑themed specials and FIFA‑inspired menus, giving diners a chance to enjoy a meal before or after the match while supporting brick‑and‑mortar businesses.
Behind the Scenes of the Watch Party
The event is being organized by the Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Visit Luzerne County, Diamond City Partnership and the City of Wilkes‑Barre. Chamber director Ahmad Ali highlighted the excitement of merging the World Cup's global energy with the region's 250th anniversary celebrations.
Larry Newman, executive director of Diamond City Partnership, called the outdoor watch party a terrific way to inject excitement into downtown, while Mike Slusser, the city's special events coordinator, secured the FIFA screening rights and arranged for a 7‑by‑14‑foot video wall to display the action.
Organizers have emphasized that food trucks will not be present on Public Square, focusing instead on promoting the city's permanent restaurants. Newman noted that many establishments are offering specials that reflect the countries competing in the tournament, further tying the community to the global event.
FIFA approved the screening only last week, leaving the chamber with a narrow window to promote the gathering. Ali urged participants to respect the shared space, keep the atmosphere family‑oriented and enjoy the communal experience of watching the match together.