NEWS: Zohran Mamdani Holds Press Briefing Before Trump's NYC Visit For Knicks Game

[0:00] the 57th governor of the great state of New York, Kathy Hochul. [0:04] Good morning, New York. [0:09] Excuse me, this is New York. Are you fired up to be here? [0:13] That's a little more like it. Wake up, everyone. We have soccer on the brain. [0:17] First of all, I want to welcome New York City's number one soccer fan, our Mayor Mondami, [0:22] who's out there showing his skills on the pitch, showing up the kids. [0:28] Did you feel good about that? [0:29] We decide this is how we're going to spend more of our time, but he has done an amazing, [0:35] he's been an amazing partner as we begin to welcome the world to New York's World Cup. [0:41] I also want to thank our FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, who first came to us and started the [0:47] preparations and started bringing the energy, the vitality, the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime [0:52] opportunity. So we are so excited that it's just around the corner. Let's give him another round of [0:57] applause. George Weah, the soccer legend and former president of Liberia, has joined us to show off his [1:03] talents as well. Hugh Evans, global citizen co-founder and CEO. Alex Lazzari, CEO of the New York, [1:10] New Jersey FIFA Host Committee, doing a great job. Parks Commissioner Betsy Smith, the Central Park [1:16] Conservancy president, and Justin Brander, the senior director of major operations. But can you just feel [1:22] it in the air, everybody? There's something different. Okay, it's not just the Knicks, I get it. [1:28] It's not just the Knicks, but it is the Knicks. But everybody's so alive and so excited. I was just [1:34] on the subway the other day, and you know what? People are talking to each other. Okay, this is, [1:40] this is, this is like, this is earth shaking. And they're sharing stories and talking about somebody's [1:45] socks that say FIFA and somebody else's hat that says the Knicks. And so I can just feel the [1:51] electricity. I love to harness this as well. So we are literally counting the minutes until the World [1:56] Cup comes to New York. And we literally expect over a million people, a million plus, to descend from [2:03] all over the world to come to our great region. And we want every single one to have a world-class [2:09] experience. And every single New Yorker can be part of the World Cup magic. Even if you can't get a [2:15] ticket to the stadium. Okay, most New Yorkers are probably not getting tickets to the stadium. [2:20] We want them to share in the sheer joy of this. So especially July 19th with the FIFA World Cup final. [2:27] So we together are here to announce that we are having the largest watch party, the biggest match in [2:34] the world, largest watch party, biggest match right here in Central Park. You heard it. First tier. [2:44] And guess what the price tag is? It's free. Yeah. So right here on the Great Lawn, there's no better [2:51] place. The quintessential New York experience to bring everybody to this location from Shakespeare in [2:58] the Park to the Global Citizen Festival, the Philharmonic, or just sunbathing. This is the summertime [3:04] go-to spot for New Yorkers. And now it'll be the city's front row seat to that beautiful game. [3:10] And again, we partnered with superfan Mondami and sponsors like Global Citizen. We've invested [3:16] six million dollars from the state of New York to make this experience happen. And on July 19th, [3:22] over 50,000 people from across New York City and the world will be able to participate and watch the [3:27] final together right here. So we're so excited. We're going to have huge LED LCD screens, immersive [3:36] sound, New York City DJs to add a little special vibe to it, food vendors, and an incredible halftime [3:43] show. May, are you performing? Is that the secret here? No. Okay. Just checking. Please check. [3:48] Once in a generation lifetime, you part of something that is magical. Lottery tickets. Get this, [3:53] everyone. Are we going to be open on Thursday, June 11th at Global Citizen's website, [3:58] globalcitizen.org. Again, thank you, Global Citizen. Let's give them another round of applause. [4:05] Tickets are free, but we're setting aside 20 percent, 10,000 tickets for youth soccer groups and for [4:12] community organizations and not-for-profits so everybody can make sure they have a seat here on [4:17] the Great Lawn. And there'll be watch parties throughout the five boroughs. The mayor and I announced [4:22] statewide as well as the boroughs. So we're going to be looking forward to seeing fans cheer all the [4:26] way from Syracuse to Staten Island. And I cannot wait for that moment when Team USA, Team USA in the [4:33] finals. You heard it here. Okay. Who's laughing? Who's laughing? Give me a break. Well, for a soccer [4:44] mom like me, soccer mom, this is a dream come true. But we also are not just going to be filled with cheers, [4:52] we're also going to be filled with kicks because we just cut the ribbon on FIFA Arena, Central Park's [4:58] new mini soccer pitch. So players of all ages can practice their soccer skills or actually learn them [5:04] for the first time. Whether you're in a soccer clinic or kicking the ball with friends. And you [5:08] think about it, it could be a child's very first experience with a soccer ball. Someone here on this [5:15] pitch of dreams. I'm sorry, Field of Dreams, but this is the pitch of dreams for a young person who [5:20] maybe had never had that experience, but become as electrified about how exciting it is to be united [5:25] in a sport that is known around the world. This is a sport that brings people together like no other, [5:31] a global experience for everyone. It is the world's most played and most watched sports. So let's let [5:37] it happen for young children right here as well, perhaps for the first time. So I want to say this, [5:43] New York is not just hosting the World Cup. New York is the World Cup. And I want to thank everybody [5:49] here who's making this exciting moment happen because New York, this is our moment. This is [5:55] our moment from the Knicks to the Kicks. We are the envy of the world, the envy of the world. So let's [6:01] just own it. Let's celebrate everybody. Congratulations. Let me bring up the mayor of New York City's [6:08] super soccer fan, Mayor Mondami. Good morning. It is a pleasure to be together here in Central Park in [6:23] the heart of Manhattan. And I am glad that we are joined today by Governor Kathy Hochul, [6:29] who has been such a partner in preparing for this moment. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, [6:33] who has a big month coming up. And I also want to acknowledge we have leaders from across our city [6:38] and state. We have our borough president here, Brad Hoylman Siegel of the president of Manhattan. [6:43] We have Alex Lazarie, as the governor said, the president of the New York, New Jersey host committee. [6:50] JT Batson, the CEO of U.S. Soccer Federation. Hugh Evans from Global Citizens. We also have our parks [6:56] commissioner, Trisha Shimomura. We have our World Cup team, Maya Honda and Ellen Canfield. [7:04] And we also want to say thank you to Betsy Smith, the president of the Central Park Conservancy, [7:10] who Betsy has been an extraordinary steward of Central Park and has made this project possible. [7:16] And I want to thank all of the FIFA legends that we have here with us as well. [7:20] You know, when I was a child growing up in East Africa, there were towering figures. And then [7:28] there was George Weah, the first African player to ever win the Ballon d'Or. [7:33] If you had told seven year old me that I would one day go into the same line of work as this man, [7:37] I would be extremely disappointed to understand that you meant politics. [7:43] But while I will not pretend to possess President Weah's speed or his calm comfort in front of goal, [7:48] nor would I have ever been able to stomach wearing a Chelsea kit, we do share something in common, [7:54] a desire for this World Cup to be enjoyed and celebrated by every New Yorker. That is what [8:00] brings us together today as we make an enormously exciting announcement that when the World Cup final [8:05] kicks off on July 19th, just a few miles from here, New York City will host a free watch party for 50,000 [8:12] New Yorkers on the Great Lawn. The most iconic match of the most iconic tournament in the world [8:19] deserves to be watched in the most iconic park in the world with the most iconic skyline as its [8:23] backdrop. And in a moment where sports experiences and memories they create have grown increasingly [8:29] unattainable for working people, we will make this viewing party 100% free. And you will need not spend [8:36] thousands of dollars to watch the final alongside your fellow New Yorkers. That is what it looks like [8:42] when the state and the city works together on behalf of the New Yorkers that we are so proud to serve. [8:47] And it is proof that government can not only deliver services that measure measurably improve [8:51] New Yorkers lives, but also can do its part to deliver joy as well. And just in the language of [8:58] delivering joy, I do also want to say thank you to the child who let my shot go into the goal when we [9:02] were taking our kicks. I know that it was actually straight down the middle. After all, the best World Cups [9:08] are those that reflect the energy of where they're being held, that serve as both a celebration of [9:13] the best football players in the world and the cities where the games are being played. I will [9:17] always remember being 18 years old and watching the 2010 World Cup with friends in Durban, South Africa. [9:23] The sound of endless vuvuzelas, the freedom of playing beach soccer on the sand, the smell of meat [9:28] cooking on the braai. Those memories are some that I will never forget. And with this watch party, [9:34] we will create those same memories for the next generation of New Yorkers. And we will do so by [9:38] bringing out the best that our city has to offer. We will have food, musicians and entertainers [9:44] reflecting the full breadth of talent and creativity of the five boroughs. Tickets will be available, [9:49] as the governor said, beginning this Thursday at 10 a.m. And we have set 20 percent of those tickets [9:54] for New Yorkers who help make our city what it is, nonprofits and New York City service volunteers. [9:59] This is but one of a larger effort to make the World Cup belong to every New Yorker. [10:05] We have delivered 1000 affordable tickets to the World Cup itself at $50 a piece, [10:10] free fan fests in all five boroughs, $26 food and drink options at more than 488 [10:16] small businesses and restaurants across our city. And today, right here in Central Park, [10:20] we are cutting the ribbon, or we already have rather, on a mini soccer pitch where New Yorkers can hone [10:25] their skills for the next few weeks. The only place in the world where I could ever stand [10:30] alongside such incredible FIFA legends and be playing at the same time. Throughout the World [10:35] Cup, New Yorkers will come here. They will attempt their best trivelas. Some flagrant side tackles [10:40] will be attempted. Please, no two-footing here. And someone will try to imitate Bukayo Saka and then [10:45] realize that no one can in fact imitate Bukayo Saka. My sincere hope is that in the run-up to the 2038 [10:51] World Cup, when the U.S. men's national team's next great prospect is asked where his journey began, [10:57] he will be able to say right here on this pitch in Central Park. I will close with this. One of the [11:03] great injustices in football history is that President Weah never got to compete in a World Cup. [11:08] And while we cannot go back in time and provide Liberia with the one point they needed in 2002, [11:13] we will do the next best thing. We will make this World Cup one that as many people as possible can [11:19] participate in. I want to say thank you to everyone who shares that same mission, [11:24] all those who have done so much to make the world's game belong to the world. Now, [11:28] please welcome FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Good morning. Good morning, New York. Good morning, [11:42] everyone. Dear Mayor, Governor, the great George Weah, our legends here. And can I just name [11:56] those who are sitting here in front of me. Roberto Baggio, great Italian legend. Marco Materazzi, [12:05] world champion in 2006. Bob Ovieri, fantastic Italian legend as well. Yuri Giorcaev, world champion 1998 [12:18] with France. Incredible legends, Hugh Evans, global citizen. Alex Lasry from the CEO of the host committee, [12:31] the commissioner, the commissioner, the commissioner, everyone present here today for this fantastic [12:36] occasion in New York. And today is definitely the day, dear mayor, to say thank you. Thank you to you. [12:47] Thank you to every citizen of New York for making New York what it is, for welcoming the world. And we all [12:59] know that the world needs an occasion to come together to unite. That's what the World Cup does. [13:06] We want to unite the world. We want to bring the world together and we want to bring the world together [13:12] in joy, in happiness, in unity. And New York is exactly a symbol for all of that. It is not by [13:23] coincidence that the final of the World Cup will be played here on the 19th of July. And as of today, [13:31] with the inauguration of this beautiful FIFA arena in the most iconic park in the world, in Central Park, [13:40] as of today, as of today, we start, mayor taking over the city, taking over New York. It's soccer [13:48] territory as of now, or football territory, as we call it. Okay, we allow basketball for the next few [13:54] days as well. We share a little bit with them. And after we definitely take over and we will invade [14:03] this beautiful city with hordes, millions of barbarians coming in, but happy barbarians, [14:14] who have their faces painted with the colors of their countries, of their teams, who are wearing [14:20] the colors proudly of who is playing, as we see already in the whole city. Show your flag. New York is [14:29] such an international city. We have more than 200 nationalities here like FIFA, more than the UN, [14:38] and everyone should be proud of where he or she comes from, and everyone should show it exactly [14:46] because we have the World Cup. So in this coming 42-43 days, in three days we start the World Cup, [14:57] New York, which is already, of course, one of the capitals of the world, will definitely become [15:07] the world capital. The capital of soccer, but because we know that soccer is the most important thing in [15:16] the world, it is the capital of the world as well. And more than the capital, dear friends, I wish, [15:25] and I know because I can see it, I can feel it already, it has to become the heart of the world, [15:35] where the heart is beating, where emotions and love is being shared, where children can play in a safe [15:45] and secure environment like this FIFA arena, which will stay here in Central Park as the legacy of the World Cup. [15:52] And we will build 24, 25, sorry, more to have 26 arenas, FIFA arenas for 2026 in New York. [16:02] And all of this gives to these children who are playing there in the background, and we probably would wish [16:08] all of us to be there rather than standing here in a suit, be there in shorts and playing. We'll give [16:15] to these kids a moment to play in a safe environment, in a secure environment, to share emotions and [16:23] feelings with their teammates from New York and from all over the world, and to be happy. We will [16:31] celebrate here in New York with the biggest fan party ever at the World Cup final, with many other fan [16:40] parties around the city with an incredible halftime show that we put together for the first time in [16:48] almost 100 years of FIFA World Cups, produced by Global Citizen as well, curated by Chris Martin [16:55] from Coldplay with Shakira, Madonna, BTS, performing. I mean, everything is done and will be done [17:04] to make everyone enjoy and be happy. And everything that we do as well, we do it, of course, from here, [17:14] but for the entire world. We are investing in soccer everywhere, in football, in every one of the 211 [17:21] countries, which are part of FIFA, in order to give to these children the right and the opportunity [17:29] to dream, to dream to become a football legend, a soccer legend. And I'm very honored and proud to pass [17:40] now the floor to one of the greatest legends ever of our game, who as a child had a dream to play [17:54] football and to become what he became. He did not play in a World Cup, but it is as if he won [18:07] many World Cups because he won in his performances the hearts of millions and millions of people, [18:15] not just in Liberia, but all over the world. Thank you very much for listening to me. And now I pass [18:22] the floor to the great George Weah. Madam Cathy Hoshin, Governor of the State of New York, Mr. Zoran [18:57] McDonnelly, Mayor of New York City, Mr. Gianni Infantino, a FIFA President, Mr. Hughes, even CEO of Global [19:13] Citizens, members of the FIFA Player Partners, other dignitaries here, distinguished ladies and gentlemen. [19:22] I would like to express thanks to Mayor Mandani and the people of New York for hosting the FIFA [19:33] Arena here at the historic Central Park in New York City. The FIFA Arena is a global project [19:46] being executed under the leadership of President Infantino and the FIFA family that is providing a [19:56] safe and durable platform for young people around all worlds of life, develop skills and play the [20:05] beautiful game. Let me commend President Infantino for such a project that continues to make impact [20:17] throughout the world. It is my belief, Mayor McDonnelly, that given its diversity, the City of New York will be [20:28] great hosts for the Central Park FIFA Arena and will allow young people from all backgrounds to play and [20:39] enjoy football or soccer as you call it here. Football or soccer is more than just a game. It is a way of life [20:53] for billions of players, officials and fans all around the world. Our game is the best and most beautiful [21:03] game in the world. However, for us to make it even more beautiful, we all must work very hard to kick [21:14] racism out of football. We have an obligation to do this, not just for ourselves, but for the sake of [21:29] humanity. May I extend thanks to all of you here today and may we all have a great FIFA World Cup in [21:39] the next few weeks. I want to say to my colleagues, the FIFA player partner for their work to make sure [21:49] that racism is out of this game. I heard my good friends say from the level I play, I did not play a [22:00] World Cup. What is good, sometimes you don't have it all, but you must do what you can do to encourage [22:12] other people to also lead. So those that play World Cup, they are my friends. I decided not to play for [22:21] any country but to play for my country. Today my son is playing for the United States because he made a [22:28] decision and we must respect people's decisions because it's good for them. So that I'm glad, but [22:37] I got a lot of friends that play World Cup and I just want you to know that everyone have a chance [22:44] and I've made use of my chance to play for Liberia. I'm happy and I want you to allow me to bring Mr. [22:52] Hughes on the podium so he expresses his view. Thank you very much. Good to see you. Good morning, [23:07] everyone. My name is Hugh Evans from Global Citizen. I want to start by acknowledging Governor Kathy [23:13] Hochul. I want to acknowledge Mayor Zoran Mandani. I want to acknowledge FIFA President Gianni Infantino [23:21] and Gianni, we all wish you the best over the coming weeks as you're about to embark upon. I think he [23:26] deserves a huge round of applause for everybody. I'd like to acknowledge New York, New Jersey Host [23:33] Committee CEO Alex Lazzari, Parks Commissioner Tricia Shumara, and I'd also like to acknowledge [23:40] Betsy Smith. Thank you for your leadership and FIFA legend George Weir. For the past 14 years, [23:48] Global Citizen has been honoured to call the Great Lawn of Central Park our home and we are thrilled to be [23:55] presenting the World Cup Watch Party in partnership with the city, in partnership with the state, in [24:01] partnership with FIFA as we seek to create the world's biggest watch party for the world's biggest [24:07] match. On July 19, 50,000 New Yorkers will be here, well more precisely on the Great Lawn of Central [24:14] Park. And as Governor Hochul said, we are going to have the greatest LED screens you've ever seen, [24:20] three of the largest ever to be in Central Park, with immersive sound so that everyone can experience [24:26] this all together united for this historic occasion. But what is so important, and Mayor Mondami referenced [24:33] this, is that most importantly, this is entirely free. Free for New Yorkers, free for people to embark [24:41] upon and enjoy this celebration together. So starting from Thursday this week, the way you can earn tickets [24:48] is you go to globalcitizen.org forward slash watch party, you take a simple action and you enter the lottery [24:55] to be part of the 50,000 people on the Great Lawn of Central Park. The World Cup and especially the [25:01] final is an opportunity for all of us to celebrate together. And along with the halftime show that [25:09] Gianni Infantino referenced, which will feature Shakira, Madonna, BTS and all of it together with the [25:17] watch party is in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This is a fund that President Infantino [25:26] and I established about a year ago with the goal of raising $100 million for kids education around [25:32] the world by the time of the World Cup final. And I'm so proud to tell you that the street soccer kids [25:39] behind you were some of the first to receive a grant of $250,000 from the FIFA Global Citizen [25:46] Education Fund to support their work. But I'm also really excited to announce that as of today, [25:55] we've raised $50 million for the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. This will enable us to support [26:02] grassroots organizations all over the world, thanks to the leadership of President Infantino and FIFA. [26:10] So I hope you'll all join us on July 19 on the Great Lawn of Central Park. This is going to be a truly [26:16] historic occasion free for all New Yorkers. And with that, it is my great honor to welcome the CEO of the [26:23] New York-New Jersey Host Committee, Alex Lasry. Thank you. Thank you so much, Hugh. Thank you, [26:33] Governor Hochul, Mayor Mamdani, President Infantino, President Weah, Betsy Smith, [26:42] Parks Commissioner Tricia. And I also want to acknowledge Julie Coker from New York City Tourism, [26:47] who has been an incredible partner throughout all of this. [26:50] And also, you know, JT, he's got a big couple months ahead of him at U.S. Soccer, but we are [27:01] looking forward to watching U.S. men's national team in the final while we're all on the great long [27:08] celebrating. So no pressure, JT, but looking forward to this. There's not a lot that I can say that hasn't [27:14] already been said, so I'll try to make it quick, as I know everyone is here baking in the beautiful, [27:18] sunny weather. But in just a few short days, we will be welcoming the world to our shores and to [27:25] this incredible region. We are expecting over a million people and over $3 billion of economic [27:31] impact. And that starts with events like this. The fact that we are going to be able to provide [27:38] an experience, whether you're inside the stadium or outside. One is to play the world's game, [27:44] you want to do it right here. For just a little perspective on what we're expecting for the World [27:49] Cup final. The last World Cup final was viewed by the same amount of people as the last 13 Super [27:55] Bowls combined. So if football is America's sport, football is the world's sport. And we are very [28:00] excited to welcome the world to our shores and to our region. And in particular, right here to Central [28:06] Park for the World Cup final. You know, as the mayor said, I think our hope, especially also with [28:12] a FIFA arena being here in Central Park is that hopefully the next great men's or women's national [28:20] team player will be standing here in 30, 40, 50 years talking about their experience and how [28:26] their road to a World Cup championship started right here at this FIFA arena in Central Park. [28:33] That is why we do this. It's why we're trying to make sure that this is such an incredible experience [28:39] and why we're all working so hard for the people of New York and the world who are going to be coming [28:44] here and experiencing all that New York and New Jersey have to offer. So I want to thank everyone [28:49] for all of their work and putting this on. I also want to thank our friends on the other side of the [28:53] river, Governor Cheryl and her team for all that they're doing in partnering with all of us to make [29:00] sure that this is an experience unlike any other. And so thank you guys. We cannot wait for the World Cup to [29:06] kick off in just a few short days and for us to welcome the world to the greatest region in the [29:12] world. And with that, I'm excited to welcome up the Parks Commissioner, Tricia. Good morning, everyone. [29:21] My name is Tricia Shimomura and I am so proud to be the New York City Parks Commissioner. Thank you, [29:27] Mayor Mamdani, Governor Hochul, President Infantino, Julie Coker from New York City Tourism, [29:34] and our friends, of course, Betsy Smith and her team at Central Park Conservancy and to all of our [29:40] speakers for being here to celebrate this mini pitch. Central Park has always been the heart of [29:45] New York City and today it becomes the premier destination for the beautiful game. But this [29:50] gorgeous new mini pitch is just the beginning of how New York City Parks is celebrating the World Cup [29:55] across all five boroughs. Just last week, we announced that starting June 11th, New York City Parks is [30:01] extending field lighting by an extra hour until 11 p.m. at 50 locations this summer. Fueled by the [30:08] excitement of the next playoff run and the countdown to the World Cup, this pilot program will deliver [30:13] more than 4,000 additional hours of evening play on our soccer fields, basketball courts, [30:19] and multi-use athletic fields across the city. This gives New Yorkers a safe, [30:27] lit space to come together and stay active long after sunset. And it doesn't stop there. We are bringing [30:33] communities together this World Cup period with free soccer clinics, giving new young New Yorkers [30:38] a safe place to play, learn, and grow. Our Popular Movies Under the Stars series is hosting special [30:44] soccer-themed screenings, bringing popular soccer movies to our neighborhood parks. And later this month, [30:50] we are taking this action to the sand with our annual Ocean Beach soccer tournament on Staten Island. [30:56] It's a two-day, fast-paced festival with music, food, and high-energy beach soccer for players of all [31:04] ages. From the sand in Staten Island to this exciting new pitch right here in Central Park, the city is [31:10] ready to host the World Cup, and New York City is proud to be working alongside our so many partners to [31:15] deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thank you to everyone who made this pitch reality. It's time to play [31:20] some soccer. Thank you. Thank you so much to all of our speakers. Another round of applause. And we now [31:35] have time for some questions. We're going to start with questions about today's announcement and the [31:39] World Cup. And if you could just please wait for the microphone. We're going to start here in the [31:45] middle with Josie from the New York Daily News. Thank you. Thank goodness. Sorry, just one more [32:16] minute. Hi, Mayor. Is this on? How's everybody doing? Staying cool? If you need water, just put your hand [32:42] up. We'll pass you some. Hey, how are you? Doing well. How are you? Good. So FIFA President Infantino has been [32:53] very, very, very widely criticized for his handling of the World Cup with these sky-high ticket prices [32:59] that leave them pretty much, the World Cup pretty much unaccessible to 99% of New Yorkers. He's also [33:07] been criticized for his deference to Trump in this planning. And he's being investigated by [33:14] two attorney generals of New York and New Jersey for the handling of these ticket prices. So I guess, [33:19] why stand next to him in this rollout? You've even criticized him, although close to a year ago now. [33:30] So yeah, why associate yourself with him? And do you agree with those criticisms of him? [33:35] You know, I've made clear that my focus in this World Cup is ensuring that we make this the most [33:43] affordable and accessible experience for as many New Yorkers as possible. And I'm willing to work with [33:48] everyone to that end. And I'm appreciative of the fact that we were able to secure the only host [33:54] city that was able to secure a thousand tickets at $50 apiece at a time when so many New Yorkers [33:59] couldn't even conceive of the possibility of getting to the games themselves. And I had the opportunity of [34:05] calling a number of those New Yorkers who won that chance. And these are New Yorkers who have dreamed [34:10] of this moment for their entire life. And being able to get that price point of $50 with a free round [34:15] trip ticket meant that working class New Yorkers could actually be at this game. [34:19] Today's announcement is one that reflects the fact that for all of the focus on the games, [34:24] what many fans will tell you is the experience of being a fan around the host city is just as [34:29] important, if not more. And so today is a celebration of yet another place that New Yorkers can play [34:34] soccer. But also 50,000 people having a chance to watch the final of the World Cup together for free [34:42] in the most iconic park in the world, I think is something that deserves to be celebrated. And we're [34:46] excited to share that opportunity with New Yorkers across the five boroughs as we encourage all of [34:50] them to sign up for the raffle. Other World Cup related questions? We're going to go to Laura, [34:55] right here from Bloomberg. Sorry, Laura, just one second for the microphone. Hi, how are you? [35:01] Thank you. We spoke last week with Vijay Dandapani from the Hotel Association. He said World Cup [35:09] bookings have been lower than expected for months and remain so just over a week before the event [35:14] starts. Do you have any updated sense of how many visitors were actually going to stay in New York, [35:21] come to New York from out of the country, stay in New York? Are hotel bookings picking up at the last [35:26] minute and any sort of sense of why they've remained so low at this point? It is a day-to-day [35:36] assessment. What I will say is that we found that the closer we get to the tournament itself, [35:41] the more that bookings increase, that there are a large number of fans who will be making their bookings [35:46] into the first days even of the World Cup itself. And as you heard from the CEO of the New York, New [35:52] Jersey host committee, we are still incredibly excited about the economic opportunity that this [35:56] presents. And I think it goes back to the fact that sports are not only an integral thing for the [36:02] spirit of a city, but even for the economy of a city. We're seeing with the Knicks, as they're [36:07] embarking on this historic run, every single home playoff game generates $90 million in economic [36:12] activity. And our focus here is to ensure that with the World Cup, the economic activity is spread [36:18] across the five boroughs. We want this to be an experience that reaches more than 488 restaurants [36:24] that range not just all across Midtown, but frankly all across the entirety of our city. [36:29] And we're hopeful, as we see us get just a few days away from the kickoff of this tournament, [36:33] that we will see that excitement also in those who come to visit our city. [36:37] Thanks. And now we'll go to Rai from Politico. [36:40] Mr. Mayor, last week you and the governor projected confidence about planning around World Cup, [36:45] but the events around Madison Square Garden suggested that the president's visit kind of caught everybody [36:50] off guard or prompted some last-minute changes. Can you talk about that and sort of how we're going to [36:54] avoid other audibles at the last minute? So when it comes to the president's attendance [37:00] of game three tonight of the finals, the Secret Service and the NYPD determined that the additional [37:06] security requirements that need to be in place are ones that change our approach for what the finals [37:11] would be. The good news, however, is that New Yorkers will still have an incredible number of [37:16] opportunities to watch the Knicks together at watch parties, as has been announced that the Knicks [37:21] organization has put together watch parties here in Central Park, as well as at Brooklyn Bowl. [37:27] We've also announced this morning that there will be an additional watch party at Bryant Park for [37:31] about 5,000 New Yorkers where they can sign up for free starting in about one hour. And what this all [37:38] speaks to is that we are incredibly prepared for a summer that will be memorable for so many reasons. [37:44] We have the Knicks in our first finals since 1999, a chance to win our first championship since 1973. [37:51] We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity with the World Cup and all of that happening alongside [37:55] America 250, July 4th, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, Pride, all of the summer events that so many of us [38:01] look forward to on an annual basis. And we're excited, we're prepared for this to be a summer not [38:06] only that is safe and secure but also a summer of fun. Questions about today's announcement before we move [38:11] to off-topic. We'll go to Heather from News 12. Hi, Mayor. How are you? Doing well. How are you? [38:18] Good. A question about the 50,000 tickets. Is there going to be a cap on Thursday when people can start [38:24] entering? Is there like a certain amount of number of people who can actually apply for these tickets? [38:29] Will there be a cutoff like there was previously? When will people be notified? How will they be notified? [38:34] What are the logistics around this? So I will have our partners at Global Citizens share some of the [38:39] additional details. What I will say is that the capacity of this watch party is about 52,600. As I've [38:46] mentioned earlier, 20% of these free tickets will be set aside specifically for partners in community [38:52] service and nonprofits. And now we'll just have Global Citizens share any of the additional details. [38:58] Thank you, Mayor. So in answer to your question, New Yorkers have become familiar with the lottery system [39:04] that Global Citizens has adopted for the last 14 years on the Great Lawn of Central Park. We're going to be [39:09] doing the same lottery system that we have for the last 14 years, where any New Yorker, anyone from [39:15] New Jersey can enter for free. And all they have to do is read a simple article about the FIFA Global [39:22] Citizen Education Fund, and they're automatically entered. That's the fairest way to make sure all [39:27] New Yorkers can be part of it for free. Does that answer your question? When people will be notified? [39:33] Yes. So we will notify people on a rolling basis the same way that we do. So if you go to [39:39] globalcitizen.org forward slash watch party, all of the drawers will be announced on the website [39:44] later today. Thank you. Thank you. All right, we've got time for some off-topics too. We'll start with [39:48] Emma Goldberg from The Times. Hi, Mr. Mayor. Two quick questions. Good. For your own Knicks tickets, [39:57] can you tell us who you got them from and how much you paid for them? Number two, I saw the Bloomberg [40:03] reporting about the borders are talking about a surge coming to New York City. And I was wondering how much you were [40:10] made aware of that, and if you have any comments on how the city is going to respond. On the first [40:15] question, I bought my tickets for nearly $1,000 from Madison Square Garden. I'll be going to tonight's [40:21] game three, and I'll be standing for the duration of the game. On the second question, we have heard [40:29] time and again threats of increases in immigration enforcement across our city. I want to be very clear [40:35] about the fact that I believe that ICE raids are cruel. They are inhumane. They do nothing to [40:39] serve in the interests of public safety. I've shared that directly with the president. I've shared that [40:44] in public. It is a feeling that many New Yorkers share. And I also do believe that ICE as an entity [40:51] is one that should be abolished and that we should return to an immigration system that has more humanity [40:56] at the heart of it. And, you know, as much as this is an off-topic question, we're also discussing the [41:01] World Cup. The World Cup is supposed to be a celebration of the world as a whole. And some of the decisions [41:08] that we've seen been taken by the federal administration, be it the denial of visas for journalists from [41:13] certain countries or the rejection of a visa for a coach of a team as well as single-day visas for specific [41:21] foreign national teams, this is anathema to what this tournament is supposed to be about. If we cannot even [41:27] allow the players, the teams, and the journalists covering those teams to come into this city and [41:32] this country, then it begs a larger question about our commitment to the spirit of this tournament. [41:38] And we want this to be a tournament that reflects our commitment to us being part of something larger [41:43] than ourselves. And that's the world's game, which everyone should be able to be a part of. [41:46] Thank you. We've got time for two more. We're going to go to Morgan McKay from Fox and then Liz Kim from Gothamist. [41:52] Hi, Mr. Mayor. Hi, Morgan. How are you? Good. Thank you. Um, [41:56] are you going to the, uh, be meeting with the president while he's here, uh, in New York city? [42:01] And then, um, also for, uh, you were saying that you purchased a standing room only ticket. I'm just [42:07] not familiar. Did you get like a, a, a discount from the garden through that? Or was that just [42:11] something you bought online on like Ticketmaster? So that's something that I purchased directly from [42:17] the Madison square garden. You know, close to a thousand dollars was the price of it. Um, and standing [42:23] room only is just the section that I'll be standing in. Um, when it comes to the president, [42:28] I don't have any scheduled meeting with the president. However, uh, I'm sure that our [42:32] conversations will continue about how to serve this city. Thank you. Liz, go ahead. Last question. [42:37] Just to follow up. When were those standing room only tickets released? Sorry? When were the standing [42:45] room tickets released? When were you able to purchase them? We purchased them directly from the [42:49] organization itself. Okay. Um, my question is, um, commissioner Tish has announced a very massive [42:57] security zone outside Madison square garden for the president's, um, uh, arrival today. I'm wondering [43:06] whether you're worried that that infringes on the right to protest. You, you know, you've, you've often [43:14] taught, talked a lot about how this is a very important right that people have. And are you [43:19] worried that somehow it will suppress the ability of New Yorkers to do what they have traditionally [43:25] done, which is express their displeasure with the president? I think as you've said, the right to [43:31] protest is one that is innate, not only to the spirit of our city, but also the laws of our country. [43:37] And the procedures that are being taken today are ones that honor that right. And they also look to [43:43] ensure that we are providing safety and security, um, for this evening, as we know what comes with a [43:48] presidential visit and secret services protocols necessitate a different set of preparation than [43:55] we would otherwise be taking for the finals. And we have seen what our preparation has been thus far [44:01] game four, uh, and hopefully that'll be the end of the finals. Um, we will see. Thank you. Um, we, [44:08] we will see a very different set of preparation in the absence of the president's attendance. Thank you. [44:12] That's all the time we have. Thank you all so much.