The upcoming World Cup final at the New York New Jersey Stadium, also known as MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, is facing several challenges, including thick smoke, travel complexities, and the anticipated presence of Donald Trump. The stadium was selected for the final in February 2024, chosen for New York’s global appeal and its favourable timezone for European television audiences, despite Dallas and Los Angeles offering venues without similar climatic risks.
Concerns about the final’s staging at MetLife initially focused on the extreme summer heat often experienced in New York. Last year, Chelsea‘s Enzo Fernández described playing conditions during the Club World Cup semi-final as “very dangerous” due to the heat. Now, poor air quality has emerged as an unexpected issue for Fifa.
Air Quality Concerns and Impact
Thick smoke, originating from wildfires in Canada, has spread across many eastern US cities, including New York. This smoke has led to air quality alerts, with conditions in western New York regions on July 16 deemed “very unhealthy.” In the New York City metro area, air quality was described as “unhealthy.” Many residents in the city, which is the most populous in the US, have been seen wearing masks to protect themselves.
New York City Hall’s emergency management officials issued a citywide code red from Tuesday to Thursday, advising residents to remain indoors unless necessary and to avoid strenuous physical activity. These conditions are far from ideal for a major global sporting event expected to draw a worldwide television audience of 1.6 billion. The smoke was so dense that it obscured views in downtown Manhattan, temporarily hiding the Statue of Liberty across the Hudson River, and led to the cancellation of numerous flights from New Jersey’s Newark Airport.
Conditions began to improve on Friday, and Fifa officials are optimistic that the situation will clear up by Sunday, especially with rain forecast for Saturday. However, sports events have already been affected. A National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) match between Gotham and Washington Spirit in Queens on Wednesday was played in an orange-brown haze, requiring players to take two additional breaks during each half, in line with the NWSL‘s poor air policy. Given past controversies surrounding Fifa‘s hydration breaks, the prospect of further stoppages could cause additional concern.
Travel and VIP Presence
Beyond the weather, a significant challenge for the final involves transportation to the stadium. MetLife Stadium is known among NFL fans for its limited accessibility, due to restricted public transport options and the difficulties of navigating the Lincoln Tunnel, which connects Manhattan to New Jersey. On Sunday, parking will be available exclusively for guests and VIPs.
The cost of bus and rail travel has been substantially increased for the tournament. However, a joint intervention and subsidy from the governments of New York and New Jersey have reduced the initial matchday return price for New Jersey Transit trains from $150 to $98, though this remains a high cost for a 20-minute journey. Shuttle buses from Manhattan will offer an alternative for $20.
Donald Trump is expected to make a notable entrance, with his helicopter Marine One scheduled to fly over the stadium before landing at the nearby Teterboro Airport. While Fifa has not publicly stated it, managing the former president’s presence is another concern. Following a past incident where Trump appeared to gatecrash Chelsea‘s Club World Cup celebrations, which reportedly left captain Reece James bemused, Fifa has confirmed that Trump will present the trophy alongside Infantino.
This arrangement follows a precedent set four years ago when the emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, placed a traditional Arab cloak on Lionel Messi‘s shoulders before the Argentina captain received the trophy from Infantino. Fifa held discussions with Trump at Trump Tower on Friday afternoon to address potential plans, a meeting that necessitated road closures and caused disruption on Fifth Avenue.
Despite the challenges, New York has embraced the World Cup. All seven previous games at MetLife have been sold out, and reservations at restaurants and bars to watch England‘s semi-final defeat by Argentina this week were difficult to secure.
Read Also
Source: theguardian.com
