Photo courtesy of NorthJersey.com.
From local to national sporting events, here’s what’s happening in Hudson County.
Find These World Cup ‘Flag City’ Events In Hudson County
World Cup soccer-related fan events will take place in Jersey City and Secaucus this summer! There will be live music, food and more.
The “Goya Presents Flag Cities” events will replace the originally planned “Fan Festival”that was initially scheduled just for Liberty State Park in Jersey City.
Events will take place on Christopher Columbus Drive in Jersey City and Secaucus’ Laurel Hill Park.
“A lot of people in Jersey City were feeling left out by that [original] plan,” noted Jersey City Mayor James Solomon.
“Don’t just go to Jersey City; go to Newark, go to Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus, go to Bergenline. No matter what New York says, we are the hosts of the World Cup, and we couldn’t be more excited to showcase values to the world.”
Following the cancellation of the Fan Festival, which required a ticket to get in, Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s office announced that they would budget $5 million for fan events in neighborhoods around the state and be more accessible, instead of in one place.
The “Goya Presents Flag Cities” events will have:
- Live broadcast of World Cup games on large scale LED screens
- Food trucks, international cuisine, and beverage vendors
- Beer garden and VIP lounge
- Live headline entertainment, DJs, and community performances
- Kids’ zones with family-friendly activities
- Shopping vendors, soccer gear and local crafts
- Soccer-themed games and immersive fan experiences
- Embassy and cultural activations
- Flag installations, town-wide decorations and pep rallies.
Slice of Culture has been covering the World Cup’s impact on Hudson County regarding traffic and transportation; economic impact; and how the locals feel. You can also check out this exclusive interview with Alex Lasry, the CEO of the FIFA World Cup 26™ NYNJ Host Committee.
NJCU’s Women’s Wrestling Team Announces Closure Amid Merger With Kean University
NJCU has announced that its Women’s Wrestling program is officially ending amid the university’s upcoming merger with Kean University.
The program was active for just six years, however, the impact will remain forever.
In its short run the program achieved:
- 6 Trips to the National Tournament
- 1 National Champion
- 6 All-Americans
- 2 Region Champions
- 21 Region Placers
- 11 Academic All-Americans
The team also earned a Top 25 national ranking in four of their six seasons and reached as high as No. 9 in the country.
The teams alumni have gone on to represent National and World Teams, as well as coach and mentor in their communities while pursuing postgraduate degrees.
“As our student-athletes and coaches begin searching for new homes, we do so with pride in what we built together. To every supporter, donor, administrator, parent, alum, and fan – thank you. Your belief, energy, and commitment made this journey possible,” the team said in an official statement on Instagram.
In 2024, Slice of Culture did an exclusive interview with Sandy Guerrero, the first NCWWC national champion in New Jersey.
Harrison High School Student Named To Moroccan Flag Football Team
Harrison High School junior Nada Bana has been selected to represent the Moroccan National Flag Football Team!
“Nada is truly a great kid, and so fierce on the field,” wrote the Harrison Team, a page on Facebook.
The women’s flag football team has connected with professional American football league teams like the Green Bay Packers.
Mellennial Sports Crowns Elite Basketball League Champions
The winter Mellennial Sports SZN 27 Elite Men’s Basketball League came to an end and Beast Mentality came out on top!
Beast Mentality, a local basketball program, was founded by Ryan Villa, who’s from Bayonne. Villa attended All Saints Catholic Academy in Bayonne and carried his passion for basketball into and throughout high school while attending Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington and Marist High School previously in Bayonne.
Beast Mentality initially started as 1-on-1 giving by Villa. However, the business quickly grew and became a way for Villa to create and train his own teams of players from all around New Jersey.
The purpose behind Beast Mentality is to give their players a platform to be able to gain recognition to play basketball at the next level, whether it be in college or professionally.
Know any local sports news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at [email protected]!
