With FIFA quarterfinals on the horizon, a ton of fan villages have popped up around the United States, and there’s one right here in New York at Rockefeller Center.
Running from July 6 to July 19, the pop-up features a giant screen to enjoy the games on, plus tons of stalls from official FIFA sponsors. But be warned: the coveted Bank of America stall, where you can get your very own custom FIFA wristband, has a major line — even on rainy days — starting at 8:30 a.m.
Bank of America says it made just about 2 million bracelets for the entire World Cup, and more than 700,000 have already been given out. With some FIFA bracelets reselling for over $100 on eBay, this is your last chance to snag one for free while enjoying the novelty of visiting the stall.
Now, if you can’t make it — I get it. I have a full-time job too, which means I can’t stand in line with my fellow sports fans. My solution? Building your own custom FIFA bracelet, one that’s unique enough to last for years to come.
If you’re not crafty, don’t worry. I’ve broken down my secret formula to making your own. As it turns out, it’s not that complicated and a tad more agreeable than dealing with New York’s currently unpredictable weather.
Start with the band
FIFA’s official bracelet looks like it features a leather-style band in three colors: red, blue and black. The band is eerily similar to Pandora’s leather band, but that will set you back about $56. I prefer this Amazon alternative.
This 3 millimeter braided leather cord can be used to make both bracelets and bolo ties, and you’ll get yards worth to make as many bracelets as you please. You can shop it in various colors, though the black and red-hued one is my personal favorite.
Next, add your beads
I’m going to give you tons of bead options, and you can mix and match from there.
These soccer beads have a 3 millimeter hole, so they should fit your band really snug, similar to the way the FIFA charms fit their bracelet. You’ll get 100 beads in one order, which is enough to create at least 20 wristbands of your choosing.
This massive bead collection might just last you for multiple FIFAs to come. There are so many bead options, you can spell out your favorite country, FIFA or anything else you want. The hole is 3.5 millimeters, making it easy to add to your already-bustling band.
Finally, add a clasp
You’ll have enough to create 20 bracelets with this. The end clasp is made for 3 millimeter leather bands, so if you’re buying the strap above, you’re covered. You do need pliers to help fasten the end clasps. Otherwise, these are really easy to install and will take you no time at all.
If you’re lazy, just grab this
Yes, it doesn’t look anything like the free bracelets from BofA, and you’ll miss out on the novelty of buying your own, but these game-day bracelets come in a pack of six and even include a generic soccer option if your team was already eliminated from the World Cup.
Final note
Yes, you could just buy a resale bracelet from eBay if you really want a BofA bracelet, but I think part of the fun of these free bracelets is building them with charms of your choosing. The above how-to guide will let you build your own FIFA bracelet and leave you with plenty of time to enjoy the finals with your new bling on.
Where can you get the FIFA fan bracelet?
You can get free customizable BofA fan bracelets at all 11 U.S. stadiums on match days or customize your own bracelet at the Bank of America fan experiences across FIFA Fan Festivals, the U.S. Soccer House and local BofA Fan Band Mobile Tours. If you’re not attending the World Cup, a fan experience is your best bet to get one, but even that is difficult.
Fans line up for hours just to get a timed wristband, which then lets them come back to the stall at a later time to build and customize the bracelet. However, stock is limited, and if you’re not early in the line to snag a wristband, chances are you’re not getting a bracelet. Sources say you need to line up at 8:30 a.m. at the Rockefeller Center experience, nearly three hours before the 10 a.m. opening time of the official experience.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
