the staff of the Ridgewood blog
East Rutherford NJ, Black Friday just got an upgrade! Forget just doorbusters—this year, the American Dream megamall in East Rutherford is turning the shopping holiday into an unforgettable experience, highlighted by a chance to win two free tickets to the 2026 FIFA World Cup at MetLife Stadium!
To attract the biggest crowds on Friday, November 28th, the entertainment mecca is going “beyond transactional retail” by stuffing the day with free rides, free skating, and massive prize giveaways.
Black Friday Giveaway: How to Win World Cup Tickets
If you want a shot at the World Cup tickets or other grand prizes, you need to be an early bird:
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When to Arrive: Doors for the amusement park open at 6:00 AM sharp.
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The Eligibility: The first 250 guests to show up at the indoor amusement park will qualify to win prizes.
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How to Play: The first 250 guests can either spin a prize wheel at the Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park or strap into the Double Dare Human Crane, a life-size version of the classic arcade claw machine!
The Ultimate Prize Haul
The giveaways go far beyond the highly coveted 2026 World Cup tickets. Other prizes include:
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Two free tickets to a 2026 FIFA World Cup Match at MetLife Stadium!
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Field-level tickets to a New York Yankees game.
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Tickets to the New York Red Bulls home opener.
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Tickets to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular.
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TV sets and gift cards for luxury stores like Canada Goose and Saks Fifth Avenue.
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A 25-person ticket for both Nickelodeon Universe Theme Park and DreamWorks Waterpark.
Free Rides & Free Skating: The Early Bird Perks
The Black Friday fun starts before the shopping even begins! Between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, guests can enjoy:
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Free Rides on the exhilarating Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle-themed Shellraiser roller coaster.
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Free Admission to the Paw Patrol Hero Academy.
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Free Ice Skating on the rink.
General holiday shopping officially opens at 7:00 AM that morning.
More Than a Mall: The Future of Retail
American Dream’s Chief Marketing Director, Adam Petrick, notes that in the age of online shopping, major venues must focus on “lighting up the center with events” to get shoppers off their couches.
As JLL Managing Director Charles Cristella explains, unique, celebratory events like seeing Santa, ice skating, and major giveaways are essential to draw the winter shopping crowd—and keep them staying and spending longer. Don’t miss this opportunity to kick off the holiday season with a chance at a prize that money can’t buy!
PAID: Photo and video shoot , soccer enthusiasts
