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Bethlehem, PA, February 6, 2024 – ArtsQuest along with its SoccerFest organizing committee is thrilled to announce the return of SoccerFest 2024: Copa América Watch Parties. The multi-day festival will also host a youth clinic and tournaments along with additional soccer-related activities and fun.
During Copa América, which runs from June 20 to July 14, 2024, ArtsQuest will show each of the United States Men’s National Team Group Stage games on a jumbo screen on the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks campus. We’ve also partnered with Lehigh Valley United to host a youth clinic and 3-on-3 tournaments as part of the festivities. Information on how to register for both clinics and tournaments will be released in early spring.
In other soccer-related news, ArtsQuest is once again applying to be an official viewing party of FIFA World Cup 2026™. The schedule of matches officially announced this past weekend, FIFA World Cup 2026™ will include participation from three countries, 16 cities and 48 teams.
“We are excited to return to the ArtsQuest campus for Copa América this summer,” said Greg Ramos, executive Director Lehigh Valley United. “And we look forward to giving the youth of Eastern PA this fun opportunity to participate in our soccer clinics and tournaments. Last year, during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup™, our girls tournaments sold out, and we are expecting a big turnout again this summer.”
The lineup for SoccerFest’s viewing and event schedule is below:
- Sunday, June 23 at 4 p.m. – Lehigh Valley United Youth Clinics
- Sunday, June 23 at 6 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will take on Bolivia.
- Thursday, June 27 at 6 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will compete against Panama.
- Monday, July 1 at 5 p.m. – Lehigh Valley United 3-on-3 Youth Tournaments
- Monday, July 1 at 9 p.m. – Watch Party – U.S. Men’s National Team will take on Uruguay.
*Should the USMNT advance beyond pool play, ArtsQuest will continue to show remaining games up through the finals.
“ArtsQuest has been hosting viewing parties at SteelStacks since 2014 and we’re thrilled to once again be offering the same for Copa América, bringing soccer fans from diverse backgrounds along with youth who are developing a passion for the sport together on our campus,” said Curt Mosel, Chief Operating Officer. “We have already begun conversations seeking approval to once again host an official FIFA World Cup viewing party. 2026 will include more activations, youth soccer tournaments and clinics, visual arts experiences and activities, DJs and live music, cuisine from a variety of cultures, along with the largest viewing screen to date on this campus.”
Come out and support the United States Men’s National Team as they compete in the 48th Copa América!
Interested partners, vendors or youth soccer clubs can reach out to Senior Director of Programming Ryan Hill at rhill@artsquest.org. If you are interested in volunteering for this event or additional ArtsQuest events, you may visit this website www.artsquest.org/support/
About SoccerFest
ArtsQuest has been hosting official FIFA World Cup™ viewing parties since the 2014 when it was named as one of the ‘Best New Events’ by the International Festivals & Events Association. The goal of these events is to bring people from diverse communities and cultures together through their passion for the sport and to enjoy the variety of programming that ArtsQuest has to offer. Hosting SoccerFest on the ArtsQuest at SteelStacks campus where Bethlehem Steel once represented the most successful professional soccer team in the United States history is testimony to our celebratory past while looking ahead toward the future. The iconic team played in 11 championship games over 14 years, tying the history of soccer in this region to the current passion found in youth sports through adult fandom.
About ArtsQuest
ArtsQuest’s mission is to provide access to exceptional artistic, cultural and educational experiences using arts and culture as key elements of economic development for our urban communities. ArtsQuest™ supports this mission via the presentation of performing and visual arts, film, arts education classes and outreach, youth programming and cultural events. Through festivals such as its flagship event, Musikfest; the Banana Factory Arts Center; and the ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks arts and cultural campus, ArtsQuest’s programming reaches more than 1.9 million people annually. The organization’s programs and events, of which over 50% are free to attend, have a combined economic impact of more than $136 million annually in the region.
Information provided to TVL by:
Jennifer LoConte
Director of Communications
ArtsQuest
http://www.artsquest.org/
