Rochester’s Free World Cup Watch Party Brings Community Together
The city of Rochester will host a complimentary World Cup viewing event this Friday, inviting residents to gather and cheer on the global tournament.
Flower City Union and its supporter group Flower City 1872 have opened the Flower City Shop, a pop‑up venue selling official merchandise and refreshments for the occasion. Brennan Shanahan, director of club operations for the Union, has been overseeing the shop’s preparation, which will remain open through July.
Mayor Malik Evans is championing the gathering as part of a broader effort to rekindle the city’s historic love of soccer, a tradition highlighted by the 1999 U.S. Open Cup triumph of the Rochester Rhinos.
Entertainment and Giveaways
The watch party will feature live performances by a Zac Brown tribute band and DJ Napps, while attendees can enter a raffle for two tickets to a World Cup match in Toronto.
The event is presented by a coalition that includes the Gianniny Brothers, the City of Rochester, New York State Empire State Development, Visit Rochester and Michelob Ultra, underscoring a partnership between municipal, state and private entities.