As storm clouds gathered overhead, bands of US fans milled about Everson Plaza. They had been promised a watch party; a place to gather to will on their champions.
Just as rain threatened to dash their hopes, word trickled through that the watch party had been moved indoors to The Oncenter. Then, the clouds aloft burst open as stragglers darted into the convention center.
Indoors children squealed and kicked soccer balls while their parents watched and chatted amongst themselves.
“It’s nice to have an event that kind of brings everybody together,” said Emily Kloss, a mom who met others for the party. “We can have the kids run around and play at the same time [it’s] awesome.”
The event is part of a wider series put on by Visit Syracuse, the city’s tourism organization, and partially funded by the New York State Community World Cup Grant Program. The $500,000 fund established by Governor Kathy Hochul, supports events around the state, that will build on the community spirit amid the once in a generation event.
“Our ask was $25,000…” said Danny Liedka, CEO of Visit Syracuse, "So, we'll invest 25 [thousand] of our own money, and the state will match that. So, it's a $50,000 investment for us.”
The grant stipulates that state funding cannot exceed $70,000 or more than 50% of the event's cost.
“I think there's ROI. I mean, there's people here that are going to spend money. You can bring families together,” Liedka said.
While most of the attendees were star spangled and striped in red, white and blue, there was a notable exception.
“I’ve been in Syracuse for three years,” said Nathan Wassom, who came in search of brethren from down under. “Haven't met many Aussies, and I figured if there are any, they'd come out for something like this.”
With one eye on the jumbotron, Wassom stood out in his gold and green, “I got my Australia shirt on. Hopefully I can say ‘g’day’ to someone.”
Father and son, Glenn and Corey Manning, both local PE teachers, are self-proclaimed US super fans who admittedly cannot get enough of the series.
“You should ask my wife.” Glenn said with a grin, "She's sick of it already and it's only been a week.”
As a “Soccer Family” Glenn says he was offered tickets to many World Cup games by FIFA in 1994, the last time the tournament was held in the US. This time around, the Mannings can only afford going to three games, no thanks to a massive hike in prices.
The chance to go at all is not lost on Corey, “I've been waiting my whole life for it to be in America again. So, I mean, I'm pretty excited that it's here and it is a big deal.”
Peeking from under another fan’s U.S. jersey was an unmistakable collar of the faith. Father Christopher Celentano thought for a moment when asked what brought him to the party.
“I think the human spirit desires universality,” he said wistfully, looking at the broader scope of the human condition. “We desire to be accepted, to be a part of something. We desire to truly be engaged with one another. We're really made for community.”
Whether its Aussies searching for their own, mothers watching their three children play, or a father and son finding a moment to bond, no one can deny that the World Cup has an extraordinary power to bring people together.
“If you ever go to a mass at St. Peter's in Rome, you will see people from all walks of life, from all countries represented there,” Father Celentano said, "it's a beautiful thing in the world to see in some way, shape, or form at these soccer games.”
Visit Syracuse, plans to hold three more watch parties at Everson Plaza on June 24th, 26th, and July 19th for the final.
