South Dallas opportunities from Futbol for the Culture uplift local businesses and creatives ahead of FIFA Fan Festival

Photo courtesy of Tony Fay PR

In a history-making event, the FWC team announced plans for the Fifa Fan Festival set to take place at Fair Park from June 11- July 19.

The Fan Festival will be free to the public with a scannable QR code for entry inside the Pavilion at Fair Park. This is momentous for Sunny South Dallas, which generally see its most foot traffic during the State Fair of Texas each fall.

It will be free to the public for 34 days on all open days.

The last time the FIFA World Cup appeared in South Dallas was in 1994 when some matches were hosted at the Cotton Bowl in Fair Park. Now, more than 30 years it's back with major activations while matches are played at the stadium in Arlington.

"I think this is a huge opportunity for South Dallas for many reasons because one, anything that's good for South Dallas is good for publicity in Dallas," Bazaldua said following the press conference. "Also, FIFA does a great job bringing in the infrastructure that's invested for the activations we have for the fan festival."

Futbol for the Culture, a collective of creatives and small businesses participating in the action and opportunities surrounding the World Cup. They're also aiming to help performers, artists and crafters, and poets to get a chance to be selected to perform at some of the activations.

Their discussions involve how businesses can coordinate pop-ups to increase visibility near World Cup activations and visitor lodgings.

Restaurant and entertainment venues have a chance to be part of the virtual guidebook, which could be impactful for South Dallas businesses visibility and visitors can be a part of it as they're visiting the fan festival.

“Particularly South Dallas because we want to identify the spaces there because there’s information that’s known to people who aren’t most aware of what’s going on as it relates to that,” South Dallas artist Derrick Walker said.  

Walker emphasized that increasing awareness and visibility for local creatives and businesses could create opportunities throughout the neighborhood as visitors arrive for World Cup events.

“There’s a tremendous benefit whether you get selected or not,” Walker added. “What’s good for the culture is better for the community and the commerce, and it benefits South Dallas’s future as an international destination.”

Futbol for the Culture will host customer service and hospitality training as well to make sure everyone involved is prepared for the games when visitors arrive in town.

The site for the fan festival will hold an estimated 20,000 attendees, Lots 9 and 10 will hold 15,000 seats, and there will be two stages.

"When no matches are played, it will feature giant screens broadcasting FIFA World Cup 2026, immersive city supporter activations, a curated food and beverage program highlighting local cuisine, and dynamic live programming with cultural showcases and concerts to be announced," North Texas FWC president Monica Paul said during the press conference. "Guests will also enjoy family friendly activities including a dedicated playground area."

Additionally, the International Broadcast Center will stream games from several at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center, which has been under construction since January to host over 200 global media partners in sectioned studios. It's projected to be completed by May 29.