Mayor joins Revere leaders to announce, “Field of Play,” a series of World Cup watch parties

Special to The Advocate

  Amidst lively youth pickup soccer games, the City of Revere and Mayor Patrick M. Keefe Jr. joined with local business and civic leaders at Rumney Marsh Academy at a press conference to announce Revere’s “Field of Play” 2026 summer tourism initiative, inviting residents and visitors to share in the excitement of the World Cup across every corner of the city. “As a city that has more than a quarter of our residents hailing from countries across Latin America, North Africa, and Europe, the number of international soccer fans in Revere is unmatched,” said Mayor Keefe.

“As a community that is rich with diversity, we are going to have a series of free events that puts our culture and our business in the spotlight. This is about collaboration in excitement for FIFA, and strong partnerships between our public and private entities,” added Mayor Keefe.

Field of Play is a tourism-driven events series built around free FIFA World Cup watch parties and events — highlighting Revere’s diverse community and culture; providing no-cost, safe places for families from across the region (and world) to enjoy the fun of the World Cup; and driving foot traffic to small business districts in Revere.

Revere Community Development Planner Joe Gravellese, who is a co-chair of the Field of Play Planning Committee, commented, “Revere Beach has long been a hub for fans celebrating the World Cup and this year will be no different. We are thrilled to plan a summer of events for fans of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate this tournament, and to promote Revere’s vibrant small business community.”

Revere’s programming will include the following: some free public watch parties, partnerships with businesses hosting tournament celebrations, family/recreational events and placemaking and public art. At the recent press conference, the mayor was joined by community partners: Revere Chamber of Commerce President Don Martelli, HYM Investment Group Partner/Chief Investment Officer Doug Manz; Shirley Ave Neighborhood Association member Josué Vides Erazo, Revere FC Bolts Director Cesar Salazar and representatives from Revere’s small businesses, including Murray’s Tavern and Twisted Fate Brewing.

Chamber of Commerce President Martelli noted, “This partnership puts Revere’s small businesses at the center of a global moment. When fans come to our districts for these events, they’re not just watching the World Cup — they’re discovering the restaurants, shops, and neighborhoods that make Revere unlike anywhere else. That’s the kind of exposure you can’t buy, and our members are ready to welcome the world.”

“The HYM Investment Group is proud to partner with Mayor Keefe and the City of Revere to make this an unforgettable summer at Suffolk Downs and Beachmont Square. With FIFA World Cup watch parties at The Yard, alongside incredible local businesses like Twisted Fate Brewery and The Point Barre and Yoga, we are excited to welcome residents and visitors from across the region to experience everything this community has to offer. Revere has always been a place that welcomes the world, and this summer we get to prove it,” said HYM’s Doug Manz.

“Murray’s Tavern is very excited to be partners of Revere’s Field of Play Initiative. This collaborative teamwork along with Revere’s leaders and the Chamber of Commerce will create once in a lifetime memories for all ages! The excitement is at an all time high, and we will proudly showcase a taste of Murray’s diverse team, culinary flavor, and libations to both our neighbors and the world,” added Murray’s Tavern owner John Murray.

Field of Play 2026 Schedule of Events

USA World Cup Kickoff Party

• Friday, June 12 | 3:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.
• Waterfront Square (Dryft)
• Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, USA vs. Paraguay

World Cup Kickoff Festival at Suffolk Downs

• Saturday, June 13 | 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• The Yard at Suffolk Downs
• Qatar vs. Switzerland, Brazil vs. Morocco, Haiti vs. Scotland

World Cup Festival and Ciclovia at Shirley Avenue

• Friday, June 19 | 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
• Shirley Avenue
• USA vs. Australia, Scotland vs. Morocco, Brazil vs. Haiti

Field of Play Youth Soccer Bonanza

• Wednesday, June 24 | 3:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. (final day of Revere Public Schools)
• Harry Della Russo Stadium
• Matchups to be confirmed

World Cup Festival and Colombia Rally at Suffolk Downs

Revere has second largest Colombian population in the state

• Saturday, June 27 | 3:00 p.m.–10:30 p.m.
• Suffolk Downs
• Panama vs. England, Croatia vs. Ghana, Colombia vs. Portugal

World Cup Quarterfinal Festival at Suffolk Downs

Matchups to be confirmed: Thursday, July 9–Saturday, July 11

World Cup Semifinal and Ciclovia at Shirley Avenue

• Tuesday, July 14 | 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Shirley Avenue Municipal Lot
• Wednesday, July 15 | 3:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.
• Shirley Avenue Municipal Lot

FINAL FESTIVAL

• Sunday, July 19
• Location TBD