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Bernards Township wins World Cup community grant and will host 'Battle of Basking Ridge' on June 13
Summary
Bernards Township was one of 34 New Jersey recipients of a $5 million World Cup community initiative and will host a "Battle of Basking Ridge" soccer village and viewing party June 13, 2026, with county shuttles and an economic impact study to measure benefits to local businesses.
Bernards Township will bring a FIFA World Cup fan experience to downtown Basking Ridge this summer after the township's grant application was selected as part of a $5 million New Jersey initiative, township officials announced May 12.
Mr. Ballardo, who presented the award to the committee, said Bernards Township was chosen by Choose New Jersey and the New Jersey Economic Development Authority as one of 34 recipients and one of two in Somerset County. "We are very pleased that Bernards Township is among 34 municipalities and organizations in New Jersey and only one of two in Somerset County that were selected to receive an allocation," he said.
Committeewoman Jen AC outlined plans built around Charter Day and a signature June 13 event called the Battle of Basking Ridge. The township will host a FIFA "soccer zone" and the Skyline‑to‑Shoreline double‑decker bus as part of a statewide fan engagement tour, followed by a community viewing party at Oak Street School. "We expect approximately 10,000 attendees to experience this Battle of Basking Ridge," Committeewoman Jen AC said.
Organizers described a full afternoon of activities: a main stage with music and cultural performances, international and local food vendors, soccer skill challenges and trickster demonstrations, youth soccer tournaments from FC Burna, and professional soccer appearances. Somerset County will provide shuttles from multiple parking areas, and City Data, a local analytics firm contracted by the county, will help capture the event's economic impact.
The committee said the selection was competitive and was intended to boost local businesses by creating public viewing parties, sponsorship opportunities and increased foot traffic in the downtown. Sponsorships range from a $250 "friend" level to higher platinum and presenting tiers; commitment forms will be available through the municipal clerk's office.
Town staff and county partners will publish event updates and a schedule on the township website and social channels as details are finalized. The June 13 signature event is timed to coincide with the Brazil‑Morocco match at MetLife Stadium and will include youth and community soccer programming aimed at drawing regional visitors.
Next steps: organizers will finalize vendor and shuttle plans, publish a schedule on burners.org, and work with Somerset County on logistical and safety coordination.
