READING, Pa – The countdown continues for the World Cup, and now Reading is set to play a big part for fans that can’t be at the games in person but still want to be a part of this historic experience.
“Hey mayor, where’s everybody else in Reading, because I think they’re all here. What a day. This is an exciting day. It’s opening day for the Phils, optimism in the area, and of course we get to celebrate FIFA,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro during a Thursday morning news conference at Reading’s DoubleTree Hotel.
Reading is getting ready to be a part of a global party.
“To think, two years ago, right in this restaurant, this hotel, having breakfast. What if, what if… and here we are today, announcing this amazing endeavor,” said Reading Mayor Eddie Moran.
State, county, and local leaders along with lots of soccer fans gathered in downtown Reading for the official announcement. 69 News asked the Governor directly what it means to make the announcement right here in Reading.
“To have Reading as a fan zone, to have Reading as a place where people can gather together, with Scranton and Pittsburgh, just means that the heart and soul of the World Cup will not just be in Philly, but all across Pennsylvania,” Governor Shapiro said.
So, what’s the World Cup game plan?
“We are gonna create, right outside the arena on Penn Street, a block party atmosphere. Live entertainment, games, activities, kids’ fun,” Mayor Moran said.
The city and state are anticipating big goals for the economy.
“These $700 million dollars in economic impact is positive activity there, so we expect to see a significant amount in these various fan zones,” added Shapiro. “These fan zones are free. We’re not charging anybody to show up. We think the economic impact on our restaurants, our bars, hotels, is gonna lift up the entire Commonwealth.”