World Cup fever has officially hit Midtown. The Empire State Building's observation deck has turned into a towering tribute to the beautiful game, with more than 100 rare and match-worn jerseys from icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham now hanging high above Manhattan. The collection runs across multiple levels of the building's observation experience and is set to stay up through July 19. Add in photo ops, tournament-themed merch and special evening lightings, and the landmark is doubling as a vertical fan zone for the city’s World Cup celebrations.
What's On Display
The full lineup is open to visitors from June 9 through July 19, according to Business Wire. "As the world descends upon New York City for this anticipated global soccer event, fans can visit the Empire State Building Observation Deck for Manhattan’s best skyline views and a one-of-a-kind soccer exhibit," said Dan Rogoski, the observatory's general manager. The installation is framed as part of a bigger slate of World Cup programming inside the building.
The jersey roster was curated by U.K.-based Classic Football Shirts and is spread across four floors of the Observation Deck experience, giving visitors a close-up look at decades of kit design, according to Time Out. Pieces on view range from modern match-worn shirts to older team kits, all accompanied by museum-style captions and panels that walk fans through the sport’s style evolution. For collectors and casual onlookers, it is a rare chance to see shirts that usually live in private collections.
Extras, Merch and Lights
To sweeten the deal, the ESB teamed up with Classic Football Shirts on an exclusive Empire State Building x CFS jersey that is only available on the 86th-Floor Observation Deck through June 23. On the same level, an oversized golden trophy installation is set up for skyline-backed photos. The attraction is also handing out a limited-edition commemorative tournament cup to the last 50 reservations each day from June 11 through July 19, and will light up its tower to celebrate winners of matches played at MetLife Stadium, according to Empire State Building. The extras are meant to give both visitors and locals something to chase in between match times.
How To See It
The exhibit is included with standard observation-deck admission, and timed-entry reservations are in place to keep crowds moving. Tickets and additional details are available through the attraction’s press release and ticket pages, according to Business Wire. If you are eyeing the exclusive jersey or that golden-trophy photo moment, you will want to hit the 86th floor between June 9 and June 23. Expect heavier traffic on match nights and around official fan events, so booking ahead or arriving early is a smart play on those evenings.
New York and New Jersey are set to host several FIFA World Cup matches, which helps explain why the ESB is turning its galleries and tower lights into a kind of fan outpost, Time Out notes. For fans staying in the city, the jersey exhibit and match-night light shows offer a downtown way to follow the action and pick up a keepsake tied to this summer's biggest sporting event. Anyone planning a visit can keep an eye on the Empire State Building’s official site for the latest event updates and any announced player appearances while the tournament is underway.
