New Jersey

FIFA, here are some better facts about NJ for fans ahead of the World Cup at MetLife

Published

1 year ago

February 5, 2024

FIFA, here are some better facts about NJ for fans ahead of the World Cup at MetLife

You may have heard the biggest sporting event in the world is coming to New Jersey as MetLife is set to host the FIFA World Cup championship in 2026. People from all over the world will be traveling to the tri-state area to watch some of the best athletes in the world compete for one of the most prestigious prizes in sports.

Those who are coming from all across the globe for this iconic event may be unfamiliar with our home, New Jersey, so here is a little introduction to assist those who may be new to the area. This may be particularly helpful if you’re only going off the facts listed by FIFA. The website still says “New York’s most famous natives include Jay-Z and Bruce Springsteen.”

Here’s more info, from locals:

The final is in New Jersey, not New York

On FIFA’s website, their is a section where people can observe the “host countries and cities.” When you click on the icon a list of cities appear that are hosting World Cup games. One may notice that each city has it’s own square, but one square that stands out is titled “New York New Jersey.”

New York New Jersey is not a place. New York is a place, and New Jersey is a place. MetLife stadium is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, not New York. The stadium is home to the New York Giants and the New York Jets, so it may appear confusing but the World Cup finals will be held in New Jersey and not the neighboring New York. MetLife Stadium is very close to the New York City in case tourists want to venture there before the big game. The stadium is about just under 10 miles from New York City by car.

World Cup tickets How to get World Cup tickets 2026 as final will be played at MetLife Stadium

Famous people and soccer stars from New Jersey

New Jersey is home to some of the most famous celebrities in the world. Iconic singers like Frank Sinatra and Whitney Houston to well-known actors such as James Gandolfini and John Travaolta all were born and raised in northern New Jersey. One of the greatest athletes of all time, professional basketball player Shaquille O’Neal was also born in New Jersey.

New Jersey is also the home to many professional soccer athletes too. A total of 19 New Jerseyans currently play in the the United States soccer league, MLS, in the 2024 season. Those players include Alejandro Bedoya from Englewood who currently plays for Philadelphia Union, Matt Miazga from Clifton who plays for F.C. Cincinnati and Bento Estrela from Bloomfield who plays for the New York Red Bulls.

The legendary 2019 U.S. Woman’s World Cup team that won the championship had two New Jersey natives on their roster, stars Tobin Heath from Basking Ridge and Carli Lloyd from Delran. Heath has also played for Arsenal and Manchester United in her professional career.

Other women’s soccer stars from New Jersey are Heather O’Reilly from East Brunswick who helped aid the United States woman’s national soccer team to a 2015 World Cup victory, and Christie Pearce Rampone from Ocean County, New Jersey who is a three-time Olympic gold medalist and two-time FIFA World Cup champion.

This past year’s United States Woman’s national soccer team that played in the World Cup also had two New Jersey natives competing on the roster, defender Alana Cook of Fair Hills, and goalkeeper Casey Murphyof Bridgewater.

On the men’s U.S. international team, New Jersey was represented by Joe Scally from Lake Grove played in the World Cup in Qatar in 2022. Tim Howard, one of the greatest goalkeepers in American history, also hails from the Garden State.

These 18 celebrities were born in North Jersey

Other major sports events

This is not the first major sporting event to be hosted at MetLife Stadium. The Super Bowl, one of America’s biggest sporting event, was held at MetLife Stadium in 2014. The Copa América Centenario Final was also held at MetLife in 2016.

The New Jersey stadium has hosted numerous international soccer matchups, college football games and concerts of the world’s biggest artists. MetLife has seen some legendary performances, and the World Cup final in the summer of 2026 may be the most historic for the venue.

When it was still known as Giants Stadium, MetLife has even hosted World Cup matches before back in 1994.

World Cup 2026 betting odds: Here are the favorites to win the final at MetLife Stadium

Food in New Jersey

New Jersey is home so some classic eateries. You cannot find a place in the world with better bagels. Almost every deli can serve you an iconic bacon or Taylor ham, egg and cheese sandwich.

Northern New Jersey is proud to be one of the most diverse areas in the country. You can find restaurant of so many different cultures from Italian, Spanish, Mediterranean, Asian and so much more within just minutes of MetLife stadium.

Activities in the area

For all those traveling across the world to see this game, or any of the other World Cup games at MetLife as the stadium is set to host eight total World Cup matches, there so many great ways to keep yourself entertained in the northern New Jersey area.

Right across from MetLife Stadium is the American Dream Mall, the second largest shopping mall in the United States. The enormous complex has plenty of activities such as the Nickelodeon Universe amusement park, the DreamWorks water park and the Big Snow ski resort. The mall of course is home to so many shops and dining experiences.

Despite its urban centric location, North Jersey has some great outdoor activities around MetLife Stadium. New Jersey offers some great hiking locations such as Ramapo Valley County reservation, about 25 miles from MetLife Stadium.

With so much to do in New Jersey, what makes this state even better is that it is so close to one of the most iconic cities in the world, New York City. Those who are visiting will find it convenient how MetLife is just a short trip away from Manhattan. When in the city, World Cup watchers can see a Broadway show, visit some iconic tourist attractions like the Statue of Liberty or just chill in Washington Square Park.

New Jersey cannot wait to welcome so many visitors as the Garden State is set to host one of the most iconic events in the whole world.

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New Jersey

New Jersey community mourning death of Justin Rivera, Hudson County sheriff’s officer who fell from building

Published

9 hours ago

June 1, 2025

Press Room

New Jersey community mourning death of Justin Rivera, Hudson County sheriff’s officer who fell from building

The Bayonne, New Jersey, community is devastated over the loss of one their own – Hudson County sheriff’s officer Justin Rivera, who fell nine stories to his death Friday morning.

The 29-year-old was on duty when he fell from a window at the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. Officials said the building was closed to the public due to an unrelated power outage at the time, and the fatal fall appears to be accidental in nature.

Hudson County Sheriff Frank Schillari, in a statement, described Rivera’s death as “one of the saddest and most horrific days that the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office has ever experienced,” calling Rivera an “excellent officer and outstanding young man.”

The Hudson County prosecutor’s office has no new details on the investigation surrounding his death at this time.

“It doesn’t even feel real”

Rivera ran Bayonne Boxing along with his father. A sign on the door says the gym is closed due to a family emergency.

A memorial was growing outside the front door of the beloved business Saturday as passersby offered prayers and dropped off flowers in Rivera’s memory.

A memorial was growing outside Bayonne Boxing on May 31, 2025, after the death of Justin Rivera, who ran the gym with his father.

CBS News New York

“It’s unbelievable, honestly, like how this could just happen out of nowhere. So it was like, it was honestly like it doesn’t even feel real,” said Jayden Morales, who has been training at the gym for the past year.

Morales said Rivera and his father were both great coaches.

“You could tell they loved each other,” Morales said. “He was funny, too, always cracking jokes.”

A neighbor, who wanted to remain anonymous, lived near Rivera’s childhood home, where he lived with his daughter. The neighbor describes the Riveras as a beautiful, hardworking family she’s come to know for the past 20-plus years.

“He would meet my daughter at the gym and say, ‘I love your mom. I’m here for her if she ever needs anything.’ And I knew that … ’cause that’s the kind of kid he was,” the neighbor said. “They kissed goodbye in the morning, and he got in his car and he went to work and that was it. We never know.”

“He loved to box, police officer, being a family man. That was him as a person,” Morales said.

“We’ll miss that wave, that smile. We’ll miss it,” the neighbor said.

Rivera’s father told CBS News New York his son is now with God and that there’s nothing he can say that will bring him back.

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New Jersey

The oldest ice cream parlor in New Jersey is right here in Monmouth County

Published

1 day ago

May 31, 2025

Press Room

The oldest ice cream parlor in New Jersey is right here in Monmouth County

It’s no secret that New Jersey is known for it’s beautiful boardwalk and beaches, but there are many historical entities nestled in quaint towns of the Garden State.

According to mashed.com, New Jersey is home to a historic ice cream parlor that’s been satisfying customers at the Shore since 1876.

The multi-platform publication dedicated to food, took a look at the oldest known ice cream parlors in every state to find which unique, century-old, family-owned establishments evolved into full-service dessert destinations that’s more than just places that you go to grab a cone but also serves as living history.

“Whether you’re a history buff, an ice cream lover, or a bit of both, these time-honored establishments offer a delicious glimpse into America’s frozen dessert heritage,” said mashed.com.

Nestled in a popular resort town with quaint Victorian houses, known as ‘God’s Square Mile,’ is Day’s Ice Cream in Ocean Grove.

The Monmouth County dessert shop has been serving ice cream one scoop at a time for more than 135 years. Day’s, is currently Ocean Grove’s oldest operating business that is still occupies its original location on Pitman Avenue. According reports, Day’s Ice Cream had three locations; Asbury Park, Morristown, and Newark in the earlier years. In 2017, Day’s launched another shop in Ocean Grove, Just Another Day’s, that closed due to a massive fire in 2019.

Here’s the story behind New Jersey’s oldest sweet institution, Day’s Ice Cream, according to mashed:

“Day’s Ice Cream opened in 1876 in Orange Grove, consistently serving ice cream to its customers ever since. It was opened by two brothers, William and Pennington Day, who were already in the ice cream business. The parlor has since become a local institution, known not only for its longevity but also for its classic homemade flavors and nostalgic atmosphere that reflect its rich history.”

Day’s Ice Cream is located at 48 Pitman Avenue on Auditorium Park in Ocean Grove. Operating hours are daily from noon to 10 p.m. through October.

Popular flavors incclude toasted coconut, black raspberry chocolate chip, peanut butter moose tracks, cinnamon, almond joy, salted caramel pretzel and hazelnut truffle latte. There is also an alternative menu with low fat frozen yogurt, sugar free ice cream, dairy free sorbets, dairy free soy, coconut milk and almond milk options.

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New Jersey

Rite Aid files bankruptcy, to close 300 stores. Which NJ Rite Aid stores are closing?

Published

2 days ago

May 30, 2025

Press Room

Rite Aid files bankruptcy, to close 300 stores. Which NJ Rite Aid stores are closing?

If you frequent drug stores, you could soon be in for a longer ride.

Rite Aid filed for bankruptcy for a second time this month, and will close more than 300 stores during its restructuring.

“As we move forward, our key priorities are ensuring uninterrupted pharmacy services for our customers and preserving jobs for as many associates as possible,” Rite Aid CEO Matt Schroeder said in a news release.