FIFA Fan Festival for World Cup opens in downtown Atlanta
Atlanta World Cup fans pack Centennial Olympic Park
Thousands of soccer fans packed Centennial Olympic Park for the free FIFA Fan Festival ATL to watch Mexico win its opening match, according to festival organizers.
ATLANTA - A massive crowd of soccer fans flooded Centennial Olympic Park Thursday as the World Cup officially kicked off in downtown Atlanta.
The city is serving as a major hub for the international tournament, launching weeks of fan festivities and watch parties across the metropolitan area.
What we know:
The FIFA Fan Festival opened Thursday at Centennial Olympic Park, giving fans their first taste of the monthlong celebration that will accompany the world's largest sporting event. The opening comes just days before Atlanta hosts its first World Cup match Monday when Spain faces Cabo Verde at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, known during the tournament as Atlanta Stadium.
Long before gates opened, fans were already gathering outside the park, chanting and waiting for their chance to enter what organizers describe as the closest experience to being inside the stadium without holding a match ticket.
WATCH FULL OPENING CEREMONY
FIFA Fan Festival officially opens at Centennial Olympic Park
A heavy contingent of city, state, and corporate leaders just took the main festival stage to execute a ceremonial countdown and an official "Opening Kick," formally launching the FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta. The high-profile kickoff directly parallels the official launch of the World Cup itself, which got underway just moments ago in Mexico City as the host nation took the pitch against South Africa.
A World Cup Hub in the Heart of Downtown
What to expect:
The Fan Festival has transformed Centennial Olympic Park into a soccer destination complete with a 50-foot-wide video screen, live entertainment, food vendors and interactive attractions.
Fans can watch matches from around the world, participate in soccer-themed activities and explore sponsor activations spread throughout the park.
Family-friendly activities, games and fan zones are also part of the experience, giving visitors plenty to do between matches.
FIFA Fan Festival kicks off today
The FIFA Fan Festival in downtown Atlanta is kicking off at noon today. There will be special performances and appearances by city leaders.
More Than Just Soccer
What they're saying:
Mayor Andre Dickens welcomed the global audience to the city during an opening ceremony on the main stage. Gov. Brian Kemp stated that hosting the tournament proves Georgia is ready, able and willing to hold world-class events.
FIFA Fan Festival in downtown Atlanta begins
The gates opened at noon Thursday for the FIFA Fan Festival in downtown Atlanta and there was a crowd of people waiting to get in. Reporter Denise Dillon is live in downtown Atlanta.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and I hope all Georgians will find a way to enjoy this, whether that's attending a match or just taking in the incredible atmosphere here in Atlanta over the next five weeks," Kemp said. "As the Mayor said, you will find great food, fun for the whole family, and unmatched Southern hospitality."
Organizers say the festival is designed to celebrate not only the games themselves, but also the culture and community that surround the World Cup.
The event brings together fans from around the globe and offers a place where residents and visitors can experience the energy of the tournament regardless of whether they attend a match at the stadium.
"It's a whole atmosphere," one organizer said, describing the festival as a celebration of soccer culture that extends beyond the action on the field.
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Preview of FIFA Fan Festival opening today in Atlanta
The FIFA Fan Festival opens today at noon in downtown Atlanta and performers with UniverSoul were already out there early this morning getting ready. Additionally, vendors are completing their setups and organizers are directing the finishing touches.
Opening Day Events
What we know:
The festival's main stage will serve as the centerpiece of opening day activities.
A performance by Grammy-nominated artist Summer Walker is scheduled, along with an official opening ceremony featuring appearances by Gov. Brian Kemp and Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens.
Other live performances
Multiple local and national headliners will perform at the fan festival. Some of those performers include:
- June 11, 20 and July 1: Florista
- June 11, 15, 17. 24 and July 7, 15: Universoul Circus
- June 12: Atlanta Drum Academy
- June 12: Sadboi
- June 17: The Castellows
- June 19: Nappy Roots
- June 21: Killer Mike
- June 24: Belly Gang Kushington
- June 26: Davido
- June 17 and July 1: Sofa King Evil
- July 7: CeeLo Green
- July 11: Earthgang
- July 14: Ludacris
Additionally, there will be appearances by Olympians and former soccer players throughout the festival.
Ticket Information
How to attend:
Admission to the Fan Festival is free, but attendees must register online and secure a ticket before entering.
Organizers said general admission tickets for Thursday and Saturday have already sold out. However, additional ticket options, including VIP and other paid admission packages, remain available.
Upgrades range from $45 to $65 for access to private restrooms and a bar. VIP packages are available ranging from $225 to $325.
Every attendee, except children younger than 2 years old, must have a registered ticket to enter.
MORE INFORMATION
- Atlanta World Cup: Additional watch parties in metro Atlanta
- World Cup Atlanta fan festival and local watch party guide
- World Cup Atlanta traffic guide, parking rules and MARTA hacks
Security and Entry Requirements
What to know:
Festival organizers have implemented a clear bag policy for the event.
Visitors are encouraged to review entry requirements before arriving to help speed up the security screening process.
Bringing the World Cup Experience to Fans
What they're saying:
Organizers said the Fan Festival is intended to provide a full soccer experience for fans who may not be able to attend matches in person.
Atlanta will host multiple FIFA World Cup matches in the coming weeks, and officials expect the Fan Festival to become a major gathering place throughout the tournament, offering match viewing, entertainment and opportunities for fans from different countries to celebrate the sport together.
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The festival will remain open throughout the World Cup, serving as one of the city's primary hubs for fans visiting Atlanta during the tournament.