The US Women's National Team were honored with a ticker-tape parade in New York City on Friday.  Their triumphant win during the Women's World Cup Final against Japan earned them the opportunity to make history yet again.  Not only are the US Women the only team in the world to win 3 World Cups, but this is also the first time that a women's team has ever been honored on the Canyon of Heroes, along Broadway. 

Supporters and Event Coverage

The coverage of the event was fantastic.  I was able to watch the parade online from my office.  Fans were lined up on the barricades 20-30 people deep.  "U-S-A!' chants were shouted as the players came by on the floats. 

The broadcasters noted that there were so many girls in attendance at the parade to support their team.  Thinking back to when they won the last World Cup, I could imagine that if there was a parade my parents would have also taken me to see it.  Although the young girls in the crowd may not know it they are becoming a part of history.  I am excited to see all the young soccer fans supporting their team. 

There was so much energy during the event.  All that energy comes from the fans in attendance.  Even the reporter stationed in the helicopter mentioned the buzz that he could feel despite being located well-above the skyscrapers of New York. 

Security

Of course, there were plenty of police officers both at the barricades and walking with the floats down the streets of New York City.  New York City is well-equipped at handling large scale events.  It's all hands on deck during New Year's Eve, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, lighting of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree, and the occasional ticker-tape parade.  Prepping security for events like this may be old hat, but every was still prepared to handle anything.

Clean Up

After the dust settles (or in this case confetti) it's time to clean up.  At one point during the parade coverage we got to see a glimpse of the clean up crew.  This isn't something that I've covered on my blog in the past, but I do think that it's worth mentioning.  While the bulk of an event planner's job happens on the front end preparing for an event, there is still much to be done after the event.  Cleaning up is one of those things. 

After the parade, there were dozens of people on hand to sweep up the confetti that had been thrown.  The workers dressed in their yellow and orange reflective vests had their brooms ready to put the streets of New York back in working order.  Still, one of the workers stopped to take a photo for some fans and even he had World Cup spirit!

All in all, New York knows how to throw a party!