NYC Opens Five Soccer Fields For Overnight Pickup Games

New York City soccer players will be able to play overnight pickup games at five fields across the city through mid-July, including at Calvert Vaux Park in Gravesend. 

Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Friday launched NYC Open Play, a citywide partnership with New York City FC, NYC Footy, NYC Parks and the Hudson River Park Trust to provide free, staffed overnight pickup soccer at one field in every borough throughout the FIFA World Cup 2026. Through the night of July 18, New Yorkers ages 18 years and up will be able to play pickup soccer all night at no cost.

Each field will feature up to three 7v7 pickup pitches, fully equipped with cones, goals and soccer balls. NYC Footy will be present throughout the night to rotate and mix teams, organize skill-level games and ensure a welcoming environment.

“New Yorkers know: our public parks are where the real matches are at,” Mamdani said in a statement. “The best way to celebrate the World Cup is by pulling on a pinnie, getting onto the field and rooting for your fellow New Yorkers. Each of these fields will be free, well-lit and well-staffed — making it easier than ever for our neighbors to enjoy a game of pickup no matter the hour.”

New York City FC will support operations and enhance the programming of one field each weekend with free clinics, brand partner giveaways and community soccer programming led by coaches from City in the Community, the nonprofit foundation supported by the club.

NYC Open Play pickup games can begin at 10:30pm and continue to 8:00am. Players 18 years and older can check field-specific hours and sign up individually or as a team by visiting nycopenplay.com. Play will continue in light rain and pause for severe weather. Each field will be equipped with security guards and Parks Enforcement Patrol officers.

“World Cup fever has taken over NYC, and we're making sure our parks are part of the excitement,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Tricia Shimamura. “Our city's passion for soccer knows no bounds, and with NYC Open Play, New Yorkers can get outside, stay active with their friends and celebrate the beautiful game all night long with fun pickup games, all for free.”

Additional fields with overnight play include Hudson River Park’s Chelsea Waterside in Manhattan, Astoria Park in Queens, Soundview Park in the Bronx and Fairview Park on Staten Island.