A self-described “New York hustler” has scored the biggest gig on the World Cup stage.
Troy Press was revealed Friday as the in-stadium host for the eight historic games at the New York/New Jersey stadium, a fate the actor tells The Post he was destined for since his days performing in his childhood Westchester home.
“Hosting is a gateway to bringing joy and laughter and energy to a room full of people, and connecting with strangers and being able to build them up to some of their biggest joyful, exciting moments,” Press said ahead of his announcement on Mario Lopez’s show.
“Sports are a release for all of us. It’s a way to go with your loved ones and enjoy that moment where you can scream at the top of your lungs and cheer and yell. I can be a part of that moment and help you turn all the way up, and that’s a special quality that I’m able to pull out of people.”
The actor, content creator and TV host was overcome with emotion when he learned in April that he landed the gig — saying he cried, screamed and jumped up and down after hearing the news.
Press was a multiple-sport athlete — though admittedly never played soccer — but he always dreamed of being the star of the show.
“I knew from a young age when I was putting on performances in my parents’ basement and charging my family money to see the show of me doing a weird dance or a magic trick. I used to do Michael Jackson shows!” said Press, who grew up in Briarcliff Manor.
Getting the crowd fired up and engaged is Press’s special talent, he said.
As the in-stadium host for the Big Apple, Press will be in charge of “setting the stage” and keeping the energy alive, especially in moments when action on the field is at a standstill.
“I compare it to an oven and cranking up the heat from pre-heat all the way up to 400 degrees,” said Press.
He’ll also act as the match-up announcer — Press will rattle off details for the night like player stats and injuries, as well as informational packets about the heritage and traditions of the international teams storming the field.
There will be plenty of fun moments, too, said Press, teasing that fans can expect karaoke cameras and trivia games.
It’s a job he’s already accustomed to — Press has already served as the in-stadium host for the Major League Soccer team New York City Football Club for the past decade, performing for 52,000 fans who pack games at Yankee Stadium.
He’s also worked on the production teams for the Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets, New York Liberty and even for the Monster Jam — all of which pale in comparison to the 85,000-person crowds that will pack MetLife every game day for the World Cup.
“It is the World Cup, where the whole world is going to be watching. You could probably go to any corner of the world, and they’re going to be playing the soccer World Cup here in New York and New Jersey, and I’m going to be hosting that!” said Press.
The World Cup host attributed his “New Yorker hustler mentality” to ultimately landing the gig.
Press said he’s especially looking forward to the World Cup championships, which will be held at the NY/NJ Stadium in a full-circle moment for his Empire State roots.
“The build-up for that is going to be insane,” he teased about the party.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
