In June and July, MetLife Stadium is poised to host the largest international soccer tournament in the world. The World’s Game1 is estimated to bring $3 billion in economic impact to New York and New Jersey and is expected to bring 1.2 million visitors to the area. This presents New Jersey communities with the unique opportunity to engage in placemaking activities, transform their streets, and highlight their vitality.
To prepare municipalities for this landmark event, the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA) has published a new online guidebook, From Streets to Stadiums: Transforming Public Spaces to Celebrate the World’s Game. This guide helps municipalities create soccer-themed events, complementary street activations, and other placemaking activities to benefit the local economy and bring their streets to life.
Economic Vitality: A Key Component of Complete Streets and Placemaking
From Streets to Stadiums draws from Complete Streets principles, which aim to provide safe and accessible mobility for all road users. A crucial component of Complete Streets is economic vitality, as Complete Streets principles often lead to conditions that favor economic development. According to NJDOT’s Complete & Green Streets for All: Model Complete Streets Policy & Guide, complete streets stimulate local economies by making existing downtown businesses more accessible and by attracting new businesses. Walkable and bikeable streets increase foot traffic and encourage new investment.
Source: the NJTPA
Complete Streets also have a placemaking effect, helping communities unite under a shared history and a common goal to enhance a town’s character. Placemaking is a type of community planning that integrates art, culture, infrastructure, street enhancements, and more to attract new investment and strengthen the local economy. By engaging in placemaking efforts related to the international soccer tournament hosted by North America this year, New Jersey communities can boost their economies and make their streets safer.
Demonstration Projects and Complete Streets Strategies for the World’s Game
There are several Complete Streets strategies that municipalities can implement as they prepare for the World’s Game. Demonstration projects are a form of placemaking that utilizes quick-build materials to draw attention to shortcomings in street design, engage the public, and test interventions. Demos may involve traffic calming elements like curb extensions, painted intersections, and pedestrian plazas. Some soccer-themed placemaking projects that promote Complete Streets and economic vitality are described below.
Source: the NJTPA
Source: the NJTPA
Curb Extensions
Curb extensions (or bump-outs) are prime locations for soccer-themed murals. These have a traffic calming effect by reducing the turning radii at intersections, narrowing the roadway, and decreasing crossing distances for pedestrians. In addition to soccer-related themes painted on the asphalt, community members can also use planters or plastic delineators to create bump-outs2.
Source: the NJTPA
Parklets
Parklets convert on-street parking into vibrant public spaces where people can eat, play, and relax. Communities may use physical barriers to separate the area from motor vehicle traffic. Common amenities within parklets include chairs, benches, tables, planters, and public art. These spaces can be used for soccer-themed art, activities, and watch parties, all of which can increase economic activity for nearby businesses.
Street Closures
Communities may choose to close parts of streets for pre-kickoff festivals and tailgates, soccer tournaments, and watch parties. Street closures have the dual effect of prioritizing pedestrian safety and increasing foot traffic to local businesses.
Placemaking Materials
Communities have a range of materials they can choose from to unite residents around the World’s Game. These include astroturf for physical activities, soccer seating, mini soccer balls, picnic tables, string lights, and world flags. From Streets to Stadiums offers several recommendations. Municipalities may also borrow some materials free of charge from NJTPA’s Complete Streets Demonstration Library.
Source: the NJTPA
Making the Most of the World’s Game
The 2026 tournament presents a unique opportunity for towns to improve community engagement, roadway safety, and economic vitality. The Complete Streets movement offers guiding principles for creating pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly placemaking events that enliven downtowns and bolster local economies. By using these principles, communities can implement demonstration projects that celebrate the World’s Game and leave a lasting impact on road safety.
Check out From Streets to Stadiums: Transforming Public Spaces to Celebrate the World’s Game to learn more about how your community can prepare for the World’s Game this summer!