Just 48 hours before the match, the Street Activity Permit Office denied the permit for the event. The BID has held other events there and was expecting the usual rubber stamp treatment. In fact, organizers were so sure of the approval they spent $5K for projectors and port-o-potties. The event had also been widely publicized.
Because the 161st Street/Yankee Stadium area is one of the city's largest Ghanaian communities, the expected attendance was just too large for the City. The crowds would supposedly create a security threat. Alternate sites, like Joyce Kilmer Park were also denied.
I can't help but wonder if this decision is based on the borough in which the viewing is taking place and the continent from which the American team's opponent hails. If the U.S were playing Greece, would a viewing in Astoria be canceled?
~ErLu
