Listen to this article

Fresh off revealing the world’s first-ever sports residency with the Harlem Globetrotters, American Dream plans to welcome another major sporting event this summer.

The Meadowlands megamall is scheduled to host Arena Football League’s championship game, ArenaBowl XXXIII, July 19. Part of a three-day series of events, festivities include various activations, player meet-and-greets and several celebrity appearances.

Billed as a fast-paced, indoor version of American football, the sport features high-scoring games played on a smaller field surrounded by padded walls.

At American Dream, the mall will transform its NHL-sized ice rink into a setting suitable for arena football.

The league’s playoffs start July 5 with first-round games. Click here for more information and tickets for ArenaBowl XXXIII. 

The ArenaBowl marks the latest sporting event at American Dream. The USA Curling National Championships took place from Jan. 29 to Feb. 4. Then, in March, the National Basketball Players Association and GLSE Sports produced The Throne – High School Basketball National Championships.

Other events and activations have included:

• Pinstripe Pride – a February autograph event featuring 60 former and current New York Yankees;
• NHL Stadium Series – with 19 NHL trophies (all but the Stanley Cup) on display, complimented by NHL Esports and street hockey events; and
• COPA America activations.

Later this summer, American Dream will also host the Harlem Globetrotters’ residency.

Set to run Aug. 16-25, the series will include:

• 16 live games
• Premium fan engagements
• Youth skill clinics; and
• Unique programs designed to celebrate the world-famous basketball franchise.

‘The ideal backdrop’

Arena Football League Chairman Chris Chetty said American Dream’s ability to host multiple events, as well as the unique setting of the ice rink, are among the factors that attracted the AFL.

“American Dream embodies the vibrancy and energy that the new AFL stands for. It’s the ideal backdrop for showcasing our revived league to the community and sports enthusiasts worldwide. American Dream not only offers a fantastic setting for our ArenaBowl championship game but also aligns perfectly with our vision of integrating high-energy sports entertainment with family-friendly and community-focused activities,” Chetty said in a statement.

Bryan Gaus, senior vice president and general manager of American Dream, said the shopping center is “ecstatic” to host AFL’s championship weekend.

“We eagerly anticipate the hard-hitting action that will be felt throughout the center, as a new AFL champion is crowned, and American Dream turns more dreams into reality. This event further demonstrates that American Dream is a sought-after venue for major sporting events, complementing its premier retail, dining and attractions,” he said.

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 8:56 a.m. ET July 19, 2024, to show a first look at American Dream’s football arena.