World Cup fans pack Hoboken bar as New Jersey extends celebration options
Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed a proclamation allowing municipalities to extend bar and restaurant hours during the tournament as soccer fans gather to watch the World Cup
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The FIFA World Cup is officially underway, and soccer fans are already filling bars across New Jersey to take in the excitement.
At Mulligan’s in Hoboken, fans packed the bar hours before kickoff, wearing jerseys and gathering with fellow supporters to watch what is just the first of many matches for Team USA in this year’s tournament.
“I have been a USA fan for 33 years,” said Dave Trachtenberg, of Hoboken. “I played all growing up through high school for years and it’s the biggest tournament in the world, so Mulligan’s is the place to be for that.”
For many fans, the World Cup is about more than the final score.
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was a kid and watching the World Cup as a kid,” said Kevin Moncada, of Elizabeth. “Now I have it right here in our backyard and being able to have a great time with all the people around, it’s pretty incredible.”
This year, some celebrations could last a little longer.
Gov. Mikie Sherrill recently signed a proclamation allowing municipalities to temporarily extend local bar and restaurant operating hours during the World Cup.
For business owners, the move is welcome news as crowds continue to grow throughout the tournament.
“The neighbors, they all know now that we could stay open later for the game, earlier for the game,” said Mulligan’s owner, Paul Dawson.
Moncada says the World Cup atmosphere has already transformed the bar.
“It’s just nonstop busy,” he said. “We have people flooding in the bar from everywhere around the world.”
Regardless of which team fans support, many say they are hoping the tournament leaves a lasting impact on the sport in North America.
“Soccer in New Jersey is really strong, but I hope it’s going to be another big surge all the way across the U.S. and across Canada,” said Keith Rogers, of Toronto. “It’s a huge sport, and I don’t think North America has taken it on quite all the way.”
With weeks of matches still ahead, fans say the excitement surrounding the World Cup is only beginning.
