SoccerFest 2022 wraps with final FIFA World Cup™ match Sunday, Dec. 18

BETHLEHEM, Pa.— One last wave of soccer fever surged across the SteelStacks Campus Sunday, Dec. 18, as an excited crowd gathered to watch France face Argentina in the final match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup™, broadcast live from Qatar and shown free inside the ArtsQuest Center at Palette & Pour and the Frank Banko Alehouse Cinemas.

Soccer fever swept into the region this year with free viewing opportunities that began Friday, Nov. 18, and concluded with France’s fall to Argentina in the final.

“We were proud to welcome our community to the ArtsQuest Center for the entirety of SoccerFest 2022,” said Curt Mosel, ArtsQuest chief operating officer. “And we’re extremely thankful to our partners, sponsors and volunteers for making it possible.”

Throughout November and December, ArtsQuest and presenting partner Wind Creek Bethlehem, in partnership with Lehigh Valley United (LVU), Lehigh Valley Health Network, Baby J Productions/Sabroso Video, La Mega Radio, Coca-Cola of the Lehigh Valley, KLYR Rum, Discover Lehigh Valley and WFMZ (Edición En Español) TV69 hosted free viewing parties in the Musikfest Café presented by Yuengling, Palette and Pour, Frank Banko Alehouse Red Cinema and the Air Products Town Square. The event was also supported by a committee of volunteers from LVU, Klunk & Milan, Gregory FCA and Discover Lehigh Valley. Free children’s soccer clinics were also presented by Greg Ramos of Lehigh Valley United and DOMINATE the 18 Goalkeeper and Soccer Training.

More than 5,000 fútbol fans spent time cheering and celebrating victories during SoccerFest 2022 at Bethlehem-based ArtsQuest, the Lehigh Valley’s only FIFA approved World Cup viewing location.

“Seeing so many people come together, culminating in such great crowds for the USMNT games and the final game are a testament to this sport’s important place in our community,” Mosel said. “It was amazing to learn that more than 22 million people watched the World Cup final in the U.S.- that’s more than the World Series!”

Australia and New Zealand will co-host the ninth Women’s FIFA World Cup from July 20 to Aug. 20 in 2023, as 32 nations are slated to compete for the first time since originally starting in 1991 as a 12-team tournament.

“We can’t wait to welcome fans back to SteelStacks in July 2023,” said Mosel. “As it looks now, there’s going to be a lot of opportunity for Lehigh Valley soccer fans to rally

around their favorites during the women’s cup as the USWNT defends their back-to-back titles.”