FIFA World Cup 2026(TM) Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World ...
MWN-AI** Summary
On March 3, 2026, a celebratory ceremony was held at the iconic Empire State Building to mark the 100 days countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026™. The building illuminated with the colors of the flags from the three host countries—Canada, Mexico, and the United States—as a symbol of unity and excitement for the upcoming tournament. Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation, and Canada Soccer were in attendance, including key figures like Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York New Jersey Host Committee, and JT Batson, CEO of the U.S. Soccer Federation.
The celebration featured the tournament's mascots—Maple™, Zayu™, and Clutch™—who added a festive touch to the event. Following the lighting ceremony, the attendees toured the Empire State Building Observatory, which has consistently been ranked as the top attraction in New York City.
Tony Malkin, the Chairman and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, remarked on the building’s role as a global gathering space, emphasizing the World Cup's unique ability to bring people together. The 2026 tournament will be historic, as it will be the first World Cup hosted by three countries and will expand to include 48 teams competing across 16 cities.
Alex Lasry expressed pride in hosting multiple matches, including the Final at MetLife Stadium, and highlighted the burgeoning energy in the New York New Jersey region as preparations ramp up for what is anticipated to be the largest sporting event in history. This ceremony not only served as a reminder of the excitement brewing for the World Cup but also showcased a collaboration across nations and communities.
MWN-AI** Analysis
As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ countdown reaches the 100-day mark, excitement is surging across the host nations of the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, bringing with it significant market implications for businesses and investors alike. The recent illumination of the Empire State Building in the colors of the three nations symbolizes the unity and festive spirit driving this global event.
For businesses, particularly in hospitality, travel, and retail, the impending World Cup presents opportunities for growth. The influx of soccer fans will heighten demand for accommodations, dining, and entertainment, particularly in major cities like New York and New Jersey, where pivotal matches will occur, including the grand final at MetLife Stadium. Investors should consider stocks of companies within these sectors—hotel chains, airlines, and food and beverage providers—potentially reaping benefits from heightened consumer spending.
Additionally, the broader infrastructure improvements tied to the World Cup can enhance local business landscapes. Anticipated upgrades in transportation and urban development offer longer-term growth prospects for real estate and associated industries. The Empire State Building itself has embraced sustainability and innovation, attracting millions each year—an indication that properties and businesses aligned with environmental efficiency and visitor experience improvement may yield favorable returns.
Moreover, the promotional activities surrounding the World Cup serve as potent marketing avenues. Companies leveraging the event through sponsorship or tailored marketing campaigns could see enhanced brand visibility as global attention shifts to North America.
In summary, as the celebration of the World Cup ramps up, stakeholders—from investors to local businesses—should actively engage with the burgeoning opportunities, planning strategically around the projected surge in tourism and global interest. Monitoring market trends and adapting accordingly will be key to capitalizing on this historic event.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303105064/en/
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World Cup 2026™
FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots and Representatives from the New York New Jersey Host Committee, U.S. Soccer Federation, Mexico Football Federation and Canada Soccer Light the Empire State Building to Celebrate 100 Days to Go Until the FIFA World Cup 2026™
On Tuesday, March 3, the Empire State Building will rotate in the colors of the flags of the three host countries – the United States, Canada, and Mexico – to mark 100 days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Earlier today, the Empire State Building hosted a special tower lighting ceremony with Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee; JT Batson, CEO and Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation; Peter Augruso, President of Canada Soccer; Iñigo Riestra López, Secretary General of the Mexican Football Federation; and The FIFA World Cup 2026™ Mascots – Maple™, Zayu™, and Clutch™. After the ceremony, the special guests toured the Observatory Experience – which was named the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do – and posed for photos on the building’s 86th and 102nd Floor observation decks.
“The Empire State Building has long served as a global gathering place and an iconic New York landmark, and there is no event that brings people together quite like the World Cup,” said Tony Malkin, Empire State Realty Trust chairman and CEO. “As we prepare for 2026, we are proud to shine our tower lights in honor of the three host nations and look forward to the arrival of fans from around the world at our iconic observation decks.”
The FIFA World Cup 2026™ will mark the first time the tournament is hosted by three countries – Canada, Mexico, and the United States – and will expand to 48 teams that compete across 16 host cities throughout North America. The tournament will kick off on Thursday, June 11, 2026. The New York New Jersey region will host multiple matches, which will include the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final at MetLife Stadium.
“Today marks 100 days to go until the FIFA World Cup 2026, and there’s no more iconic place to celebrate than the Empire State Building, illuminated tonight in the colors of the three host nations,” said Alex Lasry, CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26™ New York New Jersey Host Committee. “We're proud to host eight matches in New Jersey, culminating with the Final. From skyline to shoreline, the energy is building across our region as we prepare to welcome the world for the largest sporting event in history.”
More information about the tower lights and Empire State Building tickets can be found online , or text CONNECT to 274-16 for real time updates. Hi-res imagery and b-roll of the lighting ceremony and tower lights can be downloaded here .
About the Empire State Building
The Empire State Building , the “World's Most Famous Building,” owned by Empire State Realty Trust , Inc. (ESRT: NYSE), soars 1,454 feet above Midtown Manhattan from base to antenna. The $165 million reimagination of the Empire State Building Observatory Experience created an all-new experience with a dedicated guest entrance, an interactive museum with nine galleries, and a redesigned 102 nd Floor Observatory with floor-to-ceiling windows. The journey to the world-famous 86 th Floor Observatory, the only 360-degree, open-air observatory with views of New York and beyond, orients visitors for their entire New York City experience and covers everything from the building's iconic history to its current place in pop culture. The Empire State Building Observatory Experience welcomes millions of visitors each year and is ranked the #1 Top Attraction in New York City for the fourth consecutive year in Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do, "America's Favorite Building" by the American Institute of Architects, the world's most popular travel destination by Uber, and the #1 New York City attraction in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List.
Since 2011, the building has been fully powered by renewable wind electricity, and its many floors house a diverse array of office tenants such as LinkedIn and Shutterstock, as well as retail options like STATE Grill and Bar, Tacombi, and Starbucks. For more information and Observatory Experience tickets visit esbnyc.com or follow the building's Facebook , X (formerly Twitter) , Instagram , Weibo , YouTube , or TikTok .
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260303105064/en/
MEDIA:
Empire State Realty Trust
Jamie Heitner
212-400-3339
jheitner@esrtreit.com
FAQ**
How does the participation of Empire State Realty Trust Inc. Class A ESRT in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ celebrations enhance its brand visibility and marketing strategy?
What are the anticipated economic impacts on Empire State Realty Trust Inc. Class A ESRT from increased tourism during the FIFA World Cup 2026™?
In what ways could the partnership with FIFA and the involvement in high-profile events like the World Cup benefit Empire State Realty Trust Inc. Class A ESRT in attracting new tenants?
How might the innovative changes made to the Empire State Building Observatory Experience influence visitor engagement for Empire State Realty Trust Inc. Class A ESRT during the World Cup period?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Empire State Realty Trust Inc. Class A (NYSE: ESRT).
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