The Valley Forge Tourism & Convention Board is giving soccer fans a chance to gather for a series of watch parties for upcoming World Cup matches. The free, large-scale event will take place June 30 through July 4 at the King of Prussia Mall and is being held in collaboration with the mall and event production partner Rising Sun Presents.
To accommodate the event, 68,000 square-feet of mall parking lot space outside of Eataly, near True Food, will be transformed.
The space will feature two large, outdoor video screens; 10 live match broadcasts; food and beverage trucks; and a dedicated family and kids’ activity zone. The Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer Association will have inflatable soccer activities and games along with other fun for kids and families, the tourism board said.
Admission to the match watch parties is free — though advance registration is required to manage capacity, the agency announced. Up to 1,000 attendees per match will be admitted for each viewing, with two games per day, pending final match schedules.
Attendees must be 21 or older unless accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, with a maximum of six minors permitted per parent or legal guardian.
To order free tickets visit www.montcowatchparty.com. As of Wednesday afternoon more than 4,000 tickets had been claimed, according to the tourism board.
“We can’t wait to bring fans together for an unforgettable soccer experience right here in Montgomery County,” tourism board President and CEO Mike Bowman said in a statement. “The energy, passion and excitement that surround international soccer are unlike anything else, and we’re thrilled to create a place where residents and visitors can come together, cheer for their teams and celebrate the game.”
Match Schedule
Two match showings are planned for each day, and gates will open 30 minutes prior to kickoff.
— Tuesday, June 30:
• Early Match: Doors open at 12:30 p.m., kickoff at 1.• Late Match: Doors open at 4:30 p.m., kickoff at 5.
— Wednesday, July 1:
• Early Match: Doors open at 11:30 a.m., kickoff at noon.• Late Match: Doors open at 3:30 p.m., kickoff at 4.
— Thursday, July 2:
• Early Match: Doors open at 2:30 p.m., kickoff at 3.• Late Match: Doors open at 6:30 p.m., kickoff at 7.
— Friday, July 3:
• Early Match: Doors open at 1:30 p.m., kickoff at 2.• Late Match: Doors open at 5:30 p.m., kickoff at 6.
— Saturday, July 4:
• Early Match: Doors open at 12:30 p.m., kickoff at 1.• Late Match: Doors open at 4:30 p.m., kickoff at 5.
Following the 7 p.m. match on Thursday, July 2, there will be a Montgomery County and America 250 themed drone show.
The Watch Party site is easily accessible via public transportation, and the tourism board encourages attendees to use nearby SEPTA bus routes and rideshare drop-off zones.
In addition, complimentary shuttle service will be offered from June 30 through July 4. The shuttle service will run continuously between the Conshohocken Train Station, the King of Prussia Mall, and Valley Forge National Historical Park from 10 am to 11 pm. Shuttle live tracking will be available starting June 30, and can be accessed via the event website. Hours will vary based on day.
Participating King of Prussia retailers and restaurants will have exclusive match day offers for Watch Party attendees, including: Nike, Sloomoo MiniMoo, PacSun, Auntie Anne’s, and more, according to the release.
“We’re always looking for new ways to give our guests an incredible experience, and this watch party takes that to a whole new level,” mall General Manager Bob Hart said in a statement. “By bringing in giant screens, food trucks, and family activities, we’re turning our outdoor space into an electric environment for the fans.
“We’re thrilled to team up with the tourism board to host up to 1,000 fans a match and make King of Prussia the absolute best place to catch the global tournament.”
The mall is offering a gift to those who reserve tickets for the watch parties. Just visit the mall concierge on level two of the mall, present the event RSVP/ticket to receive the gift while supplies last.
For complete event details, including ticket reservations, match details, what to expect, transportation and parking and a list of frequently asked questions, visit www.montcowatchparty.com.
