Connecticut isn’t hosting any World Cup matches, but it sits in the middle of the action — wedged between host cities Boston and New York.
Hartford is leaning into that position with a marketing campaign launched by the city and promoted by Cheshire-based Rebellion Group.
Hartford’s “Summer of Soccer” runs from Thursday, June 11 — the day the tournament kicks off — to July 19, with a slate of free watch parties and cultural events meant to make the Capital City the region’s viewing destination.
The Hartford Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Pratt Street Watch Party series with free outdoor screenings on a large street-level screen. The series launches with the U.S. men’s team’s opener against Paraguay Friday at 9 p.m.
“Hartford is the place to be this summer for all World Cup fans,” Mayor Arunan Arulampalam said. “We are welcoming fans from near and far to celebrate in the City of Hartford… Sports should be accessible to everyone, and we are working hard here in Hartford to make sure that every fan has access to a high-quality World Cup viewing experience.”
Hartford is a central hub for some 3.6 million Connecticut residents and ranks among the top 10 U.S. television markets for soccer — a built-in audience campaign organizers say they aim to amplify while celebrating the city’s large Hispanic, West Indian and European communities.
The action centers on three downtown anchors:
- Parkville Market (1400 Park St.) — The food hall can show up to eight matches at once. Owner Carlos Mouta is working with vendors to feature food reflecting the competing nations.
- Pratt Street — The downtown corridor is hosting free outdoor watch parties for all U.S. matches.
- Trinity Health Stadium (250 Huyshope Ave.) — Home of the Hartford Athletic, the venue is staging match-watch events throughout the tournament.
A full schedule of watch parties is at hartfordsummerofsoccer.com.
