Flower City Union and Flower City 1872 Launch “Summer of Soccer” campaign in Rochester to Celebrate the Return of the World Cup
JUNE 1, 2026 ROCHESTER, NY — In celebration of the historic return of the FIFA World Cup to the United States, Flower City Union and Flower City 1872 Rochester’s men’s and women’s premier soccer clubs, are thrilled to announce the “Summer of Soccer,” campaign, a multi-month series of special events, watch parties, and community promotions kicking off on June 1.
Rochester soccer fans will have numerous ways to immerse themselves in the global game right here at home, starting with an exclusive downtown footprint and massive community viewing events.
The Flower City Union “Summer of Soccer”Pop-Up Shop Arrives on East Avenue
Beginning June 1, Flower City Union will open a dedicated "Summer of Soccer Pop-Up Shop" located at 349 East Avenue. Running throughout June and July, the shop will feature official FIFA-branded items, discounted Flower City Union merchandise, discounted tickets and a selection of rare MLS gear. Beyond retail, the pop-up will serve as a fan hub hosting special player appearances, networking events, exclusive watch parties, and corporate partner events all summer long during the World Cup.
Massive Downtown Soccer Block Party: East & Alexander Streets to Shut Down
The crown jewel of the World Cup kickoff takes place on Thursday, June 12, as Flower City Union partners with Murphy’s Law for the East and Alexander Soccer Block Party! To celebrate the USA’s opening match of the tournament, the streets will come alive starting at 5:00 PM with outdoor festivities, food, drinks, and fan activations. The celebration builds up to the main event when the USMNT takes the pitch at 9:00 PM, projected live on the big screen for the city to cheer on the red, white, and blue together.
$5 Community Ticket Promotion with City Hall
To make professional local soccer accessible and affordable to everyone during this historic tournament, Flower City Union has partnered with Rochester City Hall and the City Parks and Recreation Department to offer an exclusive $5 ticket promotion for the month of June.
Fans can use the promo code SUMMEROFSOCCER at checkout at Flowercityunion.com to unlock $5 tickets for the following upcoming home matches during the June World Cup window. Or fans can visit the pop up shop to purchase the discounted tickets.
• Flower City 1872 (Women's): Saturday, June 13
• Flower City Union (Men's): Wednesday, June 17
• Flower City Union (Men's): Saturday, June 27
"The World Cup returning to US soil is a monumental moment for soccer in our country, and we want Rochester to feel that energy every single day this summer," said Mark Washo club partner. "From our downtown pop-up shop and massive street soccer block party to affordable $5 tickets for families in partnership with the City, this is our way of uniting Rochester around the beautiful game."
For more details on the pop-up hours, match tickets, or event schedules, visit www.flowercityunion.com and follow the clubs on social media.
About Flower City Union & Flower City 1872: Flower City Union and Flower City 1872 are Rochester, New York’s premier professional and pre-professional soccer clubs. Driven by a commitment to community, inclusivity, and competitive excellence, the clubs provide high-level pathways for local athletes while delivering a vibrant, family-friendly matchday experience for the Greater Rochester region.
For more information or for general soccer commentary, contact Brennan Shanahan Director of Operations at bshanahan@flowercityunion.com OR Mark Washo Co-Founding Partner, mwasho@flowercityunion.com (30 year professional soccer executive with 17 as an executive with 3 Major League Soccer clubs dating back to the 1994 World Cup, including former Chief Business Officer of the Rochester Rhinos)
Flowercityunion.com