More Than 1,500 Pack Downtown Westfield For World Cup Watch Party

WESTFIELD, NJ — More than 1,500 people filled downtown Westfield during the community's first World Cup watch party earlier this month, turning Quimby Street into a sea of soccer fans as residents gathered to watch Team USA's opening match.

Now, with the United States advancing to the Round of 32, downtown organizers are expecting another strong turnout when Match Night on Quimby returns Wednesday night for Team USA's 8 p.m. matchup against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

While businesses haven't been formally surveyed, there has been a noticeable buzz throughout downtown as the tournament has progressed, according to Daniel Taugher, executive director of the Downtown Westfield Corporation.

"There's definitely been a buzz in downtown surrounding the World Cup," Taugher said. "Events like Match Night on Quimby help generate excitement, increase foot traffic, and create opportunities for residents and visitors to dine, shop and experience Downtown Westfield."

For the June 12 event, organizers encouraged attendees to arrive early and visit local restaurants and shops before kickoff.

"With more than 1,500 people attending throughout the evening, the event created a vibrant atmosphere that benefited the entire downtown," Taugher said.

The response from residents has also been overwhelmingly positive, he said.

"We saw tremendous engagement on social media, received many positive comments from attendees, and heard from residents about what a great community event it was," Taugher said. "People really enjoyed gathering together to watch the match in the heart of downtown and appreciated the atmosphere it created."

That enthusiasm helped bring the event back for another round, this time with even higher stakes as Team USA enters the knockout stage of the tournament.

Based on the turnout from the first watch party and the excitement surrounding the national team's run, the Downtown Westfield Corporation expects another large crowd when fans gather again Wednesday night to watch Team USA's Round of 32 match beginning at 8 p.m.