Philadelphia to Host FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill in 2026
East Fairmount Park location to be fan hub for tournament
Posted On: June 20, 2024 By :The fan festival for the FIFA 2026 World Cup in Philadelphia will be held at East Fairmount Park’s Lemon Hill with plans for free entry, food and beverage offerings, entertainment, memorabilia from the event and more during game watch parties.
Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the organization that serves as the operational Host Committee in Philadelphia, announced the location on Thursday. Philadelphia is one of the first options for team base camps that was recently revealed by FIFA and will host six matches in the 2026 World Cup, including a Round of 16 match on the Fourth of July.
“Legacy is at the heart of Philadelphia’s hosting FIFA World Cup 26 and the selection of Lemon Hill for FIFA Fan Festival perfectly represents our commitment to making a lasting impact,” said Philadelphia Soccer 2026 Host City Executive Meg Kane. “Lemon Hill was the first parcel of land along the Schuylkill to be purchased by the City of Philadelphia when it began to contemplate the Fairmount Park System in 1844. With its incredible views and deeply rooted history, FIFA Fan Festival offers a generational moment for East Fairmount Park to not only be invested in – but to shine.”
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 will work with Marvel for landscape architecture design and project management. The city will work with community groups in East Fairmount Park, Lemon Hill, Brewerytown, and more over the next two years to manage the expected increase in visitation through conceptualization and implementation of comprehensive transportation management and public safety plans.
“The FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill will be a destination for visitors and residents alike to come together for the ultimate watch party,” said Daniel Hilferty, chairman of Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Comcast Spectacor chairman and chief executive officer. “Importantly, hosting the FIFA World Cup 26 will showcase the beauty of our city and serve as a jumping off point for tens of thousands of global visitors to explore the great state of Pennsylvania while they are here.”
The 2026 World Cup will be the largest competition ever hosted by FIFA with three countries, 16 host cities and 48 teams. Philadelphia will host five Group Stage matches (June 14, June 19, June 22, June 25, and June 27) along with the Round of 16 match on the United States semiquincentennial.
“Philadelphia’s parks and public spaces are second to none,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Welcoming visitors from around the world to Lemon Hill will allow us to show off these assets like never before. Beyond the tournament, this investment will enhance the park’s infrastructure, facilities, and community engagement opportunities, making our City Safer, Cleaner, and Greener — and benefiting residents and visitors for years to come.”
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