Published by New Jersey Stage
originally published: 06/22/2026
(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners announce that Bergen County will distribute 25 pairs of tickets to three upcoming FIFA World Cup matches at New Jersey New York Stadium through a randomized lottery open. The ticket lottery is open exclusively to Bergen County first responders who live in Bergen County.
Ticket lottery winners will receive tickets to attend one of the following three matches:
- Group Stage match between Panama and England on June 27
- Round of 32 match on June 30
- Round of 16 match on July 5.
These tickets are being made available through a partnership involving Governor Mikie Sherrill, the FIFA World Cup 2026 New York New Jersey Host Committee, Choose New Jersey, and their corporate and community partners as part of a broader initiative to expand access to the tournament for New Jersey residents.
"Our first responders show up for New Jersey every day, and this ticket lottery is just one way we're saying thank you," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "As New Jersey hosts the biggest sporting event in the world, I'm glad that Bergen County first responders will have the chance to experience the World Cup. Their dedication keeps us safe during this historic event, and they deserve to share in the excitement."
"As the host county for eight FIFA World Cup matches, including the Final, Bergen County's first responders will play a critical role in helping ensure the success of this historic event," said County Executive Jim Tedesco. "These tickets are a meaningful way to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of the men and women who serve our communities every day and who are helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the tournament. I want to thank Governor Sherrill, the Host Committee, Choose New Jersey and their partners for recognizing the important role our first responders will play and for helping make this opportunity possible."
"Bergen County's first responders will be asked to do a great deal throughout the FIFA World Cup, and they will meet that challenge as they always do—with professionalism and dedication," said Bergen County Commissioner Chairman Steven Tanelli. "We are pleased to help provide this opportunity and look forward to recognizing some of the men and women who will help make this event a success."
Interested applicants may enter the lottery by completing an online application at BergenWorldCupTickets.com.
To be eligible, applicants must be active police officers, firefighters, or EMS personnel who reside in Bergen County and are employed by, assigned to, or volunteer with a Bergen County municipal or public safety agency.
All submissions will undergo an eligibility review. Only applicants whose residency and first responder status can be verified will be entered into the randomized drawing. Any incomplete, inaccurate, or unverifiable submissions will be removed from consideration.
Submission of an application does not guarantee tickets. Verified eligible applicants will be entered into a random drawing for the available ticket pairs, and selected recipients will be notified directly using the contact information provided in their application.
Those entering the Official Bergen County First Responders 2026 FIFA World Cup Ticket Lottery must enter by 4:00pm on Wednesday, June 24. The lottery drawing will take place on Thursday, June 25. Winners will be notified directly using the contact information they provide in the lottery submission form.
EVENT PREVIEWS
37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival to Take Place June 27-28, 2026
(PHILADELPHIA, PA) -- Manayunk Development Corporation is excited to celebrate the 37th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 11:00am to 7:00pm and Sunday, June 28, 2026 from 11:00am to 5:00pm. The tradition of being the tri-state area's largest outdoor juried art festival - and the largest in Pennsylvania - will continue as Main Street hosts approximately 300 different local and nationally known artists and crafters.
Carteret's Independence Day Festival to feature country star Walker Hayes
(CARTERET, NJ) -- One of New Jersey's most popular Independence Day Festivals will take place in Carteret's Civic Center Park (100 Cooke Avenue) from 6:00pm to midnight on Friday, July 3, 2026 in celebration of America's 250th birthday.
Bergen County presents 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular
(RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ) -- County Executive Jim Tedesco, the County Board of Commissioners, and the Bergen 250 Initiative are excited to announce that Bergen County's 3rd Annual Star-Spangled Spectacular will return July 4, 2026 at Overpeck County Park. All are invited to attend this patriotic afternoon of family fun which will include live music, children's activities, over 20 food trucks, a beer and wine garden, carnival attractions, and stunning fireworks to conclude the evening over Overpeck Creek.
Washington Crossing Historic Park Launches Community-Wide Call to Support Expanded Independence Day Celebration in America's 250th Anniversary Year
(WASHINGTON CROSSING, PA) -- Washington Crossing Historic Park (WCHP) in Pennsylvania plans to host an expanded Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4, 2026 from 4:00pm to 9:30pm featuring immersive living history experiences, family-friendly activities, live music, and the return of fireworks over the Delaware River. Designed as a community-wide celebration of America250, the event is intended to create a meaningful space for residents and visitors to commemorate this historic milestone year. Please note: Admission is required; registration is recommended only for the 4:00pm ‐ 8:00pm Living History Program. The evening concert and fireworks are free and open to the public; no registration is required to attend those portions of the event.
Passage Theatre Company presents 3rd Annual Word on Front festival
(TRENTON, NJ) -- Passage Theatre Company's third annual Word on Front event is set to be its biggest yet. In celebration of the United States of America's 250th Anniversary, the company is presenting Word on Front 250, three consecutive weekends of a variety of live arts from June 26 to July 12, 2026. This festival of spoken word, music, and solo performance will celebrate the untold and underrepresented stories of America.
Centenary Stage Company Announces Lineup for SUMMERFEST 2026
(HACKETTSTOWN, NJ) -- Centenary Stage Company's SUMMERFEST 2026 is set to take center stage in the Lackland Performing Arts Center with four productions running through the summer months. SUMMERFEST will feature, A Taste of Ireland presented by Pace Live, The Wedding Singer, Four Sticks: The Music of Led Zeppelin, and Maltby & Shire's Closer Than Ever.
Hallmark Stars Take the Stage at The Carteret PAC on July 22nd during First-Time Multi-City Tour Experience Hallmark Stars Live
(CARTERET, NJ) -- Hallmark and Gershwin Entertainment are proud to announce Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, a new live tour kicking off at URSB Carteret Performing Arts and Events Center on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 7:30pm where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling.
Hallmark Stars Live comes to MPAC on July 26th
(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Hallmark Stars Live presented by Michaels, is a new live tour kicking off this summer where some of the network's most beloved stars step off screen and onto the stage. Hosted by fan-favorite Nikki DeLoach (A Grand Ole Opry Christmas), the tour will feature Hallmark mainstays for a night where the cameras are off – and the stories keep rolling. The tour comes to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) on Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 7:00pm.
FEATURED EVENTS
