Celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson was among those who participated in the eventNYCFC
When Brad Sims joined NYCFC as its new CEO in January, he heard about the success of the 24-hour game the club hosted in Rockefeller Center last year. After attending this year’s event last Friday, he saw why. “It’s amazing to see how passionate New Yorkers are about soccer, even at 3:00 in the morning,” he said. The activation, born out of the club’s desire to increase the access to free soccer across N.Y.'s five boroughs, brought together more than 700 player participants of all skill levels, NYCFC coaches and players and local celebrities like chef Marcus Samuelsson. The event itself was held in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, in the same space where the iconic Christmas tree is featured. The game is played in a pop-up soccer pitch. Degree Deodorant served as the presenting partner of the event. NYCFC last year estimated more than 500,000 people “attended” the game, walking through one of N.Y.'s most-heavily trafficked plaza. “It is a really unique event that has clearly captured people’s imaginations. It was great to see our first team players, fans, partners, media, and staff come together on the Plaza for 24 consecutive hours of soccer,” Sims said. “We know what a privilege it is to get to represent New York City.”
