Organizers in Dallas have detailed plans for a massive FIFA Fan Festival at Fair Park, transforming the site into a hub for soccer fans during the 2026 World Cup. The free event will span 39 days, accommodating up to 35,000 attendees daily with live broadcasts, entertainment, and local food. Officials emphasize security and community benefits as preparations intensify with less than 95 days until kickoff.
On March 9, 2026, the North Texas FIFA World Cup organizing committee revealed comprehensive plans for the FIFA Fan Festival at Dallas' Fair Park. The event will run for 39 days, covering 34 match days of the tournament and closing during five non-match days. Spanning nearly 1 million square feet from Dos Equis Pavilion to parking lots 9 and 10, it will feature large video screens broadcasting World Cup matches, live concerts, regional food vendors, and interactive experiences to highlight North Texas culture.
Monica Paul, executive director of the Dallas Sports Commission and president of the organizing committee, described the festival as "the heartbeat, it’s where the energy is," adding that "that energy can be just as much as what is in the actual stadium or the match." Organizers expect more than 1.5 million visitors over the course of the free public event, surpassing the approximately 750,000 tickets available for matches at AT&T Stadium.
Dan Hunt, chairman of the committee and president of FC Dallas, highlighted the community impact: "There’ll be more than 1.5 million people that go to FIFA Fan Fest at Fair Park, and it’s free. It’s free to the public to go there, and I think this is a massive benefit to our community." Logistics include managing parking, construction, and vendors, while security remains a priority. Paul noted, "Our safety security team, we’re working with the White House task force. We meet with them on a weekly basis."
Dallas Mayor Pro Tem Jesse Moreno stressed safety: "Public safety is our top priority making sure that the fans are safe, again the residents are safe. But that this is a positive experience. Not only for everyone coming to see a match but for the people who live here locally as well." City Councilman Adam Bazaldua added, "Sometimes the headlines give a stigma to South Dallas. So, we're excited to welcome people from all over the world and showcase the positives that we have to offer here."
Separately, construction advances on the International Broadcast Center at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, a 500,000-square-foot facility for 4,500 media professionals to produce global coverage of the 104 matches. Paul called it "a critical piece of FIFA’s production," with all feeds originating from the site. With kickoff approaching in under 95 days, North Texas leaders aim to deliver an unforgettable experience for international visitors.
