More than 52,000 people attended the FIFA World Cup SoccerFest and Viewing Party at SteelStacks, helping to make it one of the most well-attended events since the arts and cultural campus opened in spring 2011.

Nearly 60 FIFA World Cup Brazil games were televised on outdoor television screens at SteelStacks.

More than 29,000 people attended the United States' four matches in the tournament, with a capacity crowd of 10,000 packing the campus for the match against Portugal June 22.

"The exposure the region received as a result of ESPN's live look-ins during the U.S.A. match versus Ghana was priceless," said Discover Lehigh Valley President Michael Stershic.

The viewing party, June 12 - July 13, included soccer-related programs and clinics, art and cultural activities.

"The response from the community really exceeded our expectations. This event has had a tremendously positive impact on the Lehigh Valley, energizing our local youth soccer community, providing a boost to area businesses and helping to support tourism throughout the region," said Nick Swartz of Spark, one of the members of the SoccerFest and Viewing Party Planning Committee.

The Planning Committee is exploring the possibility of a SoccerFest and Viewing Party for the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, June 6 -July 5, 2015.

"The overwhelming success of the SoccerFest and Viewing Party at SteelStacks was not only validation of the Lehigh Valley's passion and support of soccer, but also a conduit for igniting the love and passion for soccer in future generations," said Greg Ramos, Executive Director of Lehigh Valley United.

The SoccerFest Planning Committee has established a scholarship fund for children in-need to attend soccer camps, clinics and educational experiences at the Lehigh Valley United, one of only 100 soccer clubs in the nation that's part of the U.S. Soccer Development Academy.

The FIFA World Cup SoccerFest and Viewing Party was developed by community partners Discover Lehigh Valley, Lehigh Valley United, Spark and ArtsQuest.

Sponsors included Air Products, Bethlehem Sausage Works, Christmas City Printing, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of the Lehigh Valley, Discover Lehigh Valley, Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, Lehigh Valley Health Network, Lehigh Valley Hyundai, Men's Health, National Soccer Coaches Association of America, The Outlets at the Sands Bethlehem and Phillipsburg Easton Hyundai, as well as media partners Adams Outdoor, B104, La Ola Radio, PBS39, Service Electric Cable TV & Communications and WLEV.