Pub owner pitches big tent for World Cup

By MARTIN WILBUR

The world’s most widely watched sporting event looks like it will spark a party in Mount Kisco.

Drew Hodgson, proprietor of Ambleside Pub and The Hamlet, is planning to hold watch parties with food and drinks for this summer’s World Cup matches that involve the teams from the U.S., England and Scotland. Hodgson said he would erect a 20-by-40-foot tent in a location approved by village officials for the first-round games played by those three countries from June 12 through June 27, and continue to hold the parties for any World Cup playoff games involving those teams. He also hopes to have a party for the final regardless of the matchup on Sunday, July 19.

Locations under consideration by the village are a grassy area on Kirby Plaza near the train station, space between the back of Village Hall and Branch Brook or a designated portion of the North Moger parking lot.

Hodgson said that two years ago, when the UEFA European Football Championship was held, demand was so great at his pub to watch the games that he got the idea of a Mount Kisco watch party for the World Cup. Coupled with the fact that the U.S. is hosting many of the games, including the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it made sense to schedule something special.

“We were having a line out the door two hours before kickoff. People couldn’t get in,” said Hodgson of the 2024 championship. “Back home in England, every town does watch parties. It’s huge. It’s almost like a carnival atmosphere. We just figured with summer here in New York, New York is hosting it, the World Cup final is here, it’ll be great for the town.”

Last week, Hodgson brought his proposal to the Village Board, which approved the concept. However, it wasn’t decided where the watch parties will be held. Originally, Hodgson asked for the South Moger parking lot, where the farmers market had been located for the past several years.

“I think it’s something that would be spectacular for the village, but let’s see if it works,” said Mayor J. Michael Cindrich.

Village Manager Ed Brancati said the South Moger lot idea was rejected because of concern that the tent would be located too close to the entrance of the lot. It was then suggested to hold it at Kirby Plaza, Brancati said, but some board members were wary that there are some midweek afternoon games scheduled for the first round, which could pose a problem for commuters.

“I have serious reservations about having that grassy area,” Deputy Mayor Karen Schleimer said. “I think it’s the wrong spot.”

The board then suggested looking at the North Moger parking lot, but there is the challenge of getting internet service in order to show the games on what will be two large screens, a problem that may also occur at Kirby Plaza. Then there is commuter traffic on weekdays in late afternoon and early evening, complicating matters at that site.

The board suggested considering the area near Branch Brook, which has been used for previous events, such as during last year’s sesquicentennial weekend.

Hodgson said this week Branch Brook and then Kirby Plaza would be his preferences. He was hoping officials could decide on the location this week.

“We’re actually leaning more toward the spot by Town Hall, to be honest with you,” he said. “There’s more room back there and it won’t be so cramped.”

The tent would fit about 96 people, Hodgson estimated, and if the area between Village Hall and the brook is used, there would be room outside the tent for more people and even other vendors. He intends to speak to several Mount Kisco food proprietors to see if they were interested in participating. The tent would be dismantled after each day. There would be security hired to make sure no one under 21 can enter and drink alcohol.

The dates and times for the first round of games for the viewing parties in Mount Kisco is Friday, June 12, at 9 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at 6 and 9 p.m., Wednesday, June 17, at 4 p.m., Friday, June 19, at 3 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, at 4 p.m. and Wednesday, June 24, at 6 p.m. The ensuing rounds will be scheduled after the first round is complete.

Schleimer said she would support either the North Moger lot or near the brook, and also advocated for the village to charge Hodgson for the use of its grounds. 

“This is clearly a for-profit business using public space, and so there should be some rent involved or payback to the village,” Schleimer said. “We need to get our act together on what that looks like.”

Hodgson said he is prepared to pay the village for using its land.

Board members said they would work with Hodgson and hope to make it happen, which would attract more visitors to the village.

“I think this is a great idea with something that is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, probably,” Cindrich said.