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New York is about to become the center of the soccer universe and the Empire State Building is getting in on the action by bringing some of the sport's most famous jerseys 1,000-plus feet above the city.
A new exhibit at the Empire State Building Observation Deck is now showcasing more than 100 rare and match-worn soccer jerseys from some of the biggest names in the game, including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham and dozens of other international stars. Curated from Classic Football Shirts, a U.K. retailer, the collection is spread across four floors of the building's Observation Deck Experience and will remain on view through July 19.
The timing, of course, is no coincidence. With New York and New Jersey hosting several matches during the FIFA World Cup, MetLife Stadium will soon welcome teams and fans from around the globe. The Empire State Building's new installation gives soccer devotees another reason to make the pilgrimage, whether they're visiting from overseas or simply looking for another way to celebrate the sport.
The exhibit features a mix of match-worn shirts and rare collectibles that trace decades of soccer history through the careers of some of its most recognizable players. If you’re a diehard, it's a chance to get up close to memorabilia typically locked away in private collections—but even if you’re new to the beautiful game, the exhibition is a colorful crash course in the evolution of the world's most popular sport.
On the 86th-floor observation deck, visitors can pose with an oversized golden soccer trophy set against the Manhattan skyline and the building has even released a limited-edition Empire State Building x Classic Football Shirts jersey inspired by the observatory's host uniforms. (That exclusive shirt is only available for purchase at the attraction through June 23.)
There are also a few extra perks for fans: from June 11 through July 19, the last 50 visitors each day with reservations will receive a commemorative tournament cup while supplies last. And throughout the competition, the Empire State Building plans to illuminate its famous tower lights to celebrate the winners of matches played at MetLife Stadium.