No World Cup tickets? This Miami area is ground zero for soccer fans
So, you didn’t end up socking away $5,000 and couldn’t snag tickets for any of the seven local World Cup games at Hard Rock Stadium?
Here’s your alternative to feel a part of the festivities: About 45 minutes from the action in Miami Gardens is ground zero for soccerheads — Bayfront Park. The sprawling downtown destination is hosting the FIFA Fan Festival Miami, June 13 through July 5.
The family friendly fest will feature live match broadcasts on mega-digital screens, interactive soccer experiences, concerts and performances on a 10,000-capacity amphitheater stage, a giant fan board to add notes and photos, as well as food and beverage stations with offerings from multiple team countries.
The event is free and open to the public through the tournament, with no pre-registration, red tape or RSVPs required. That said, organizers say there will be an “established and secured perimeter around the festival’s ‘footprint’ during operating hours,” which are 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.
But the dog park will remain open, as well as areas outside the festival grounds. The Miami Police Department reminds people heading to the festival that only clear bags will be allowed — no purses, backpacks, fanny packs or camera bags.
Organizers expect up to 30,000 people each day to attend. And two mayors are plenty excited.
“This summer, the eyes of the world will be on Miami-Dade, and Bayfront Park is where we show them who we are. The FIFA Fan Festival Miami will be filled with the passion, energy, and pride that define our community,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava in a statement. “From the roar of the crowd to the rhythms of our neighborhoods, this is fútbol in Miami — bold, vibrant, and unlike anywhere else.”
“Miami is ready to welcome the world. The FIFA Fan Festival Miami will turn Bayfront Park into a joyful waterfront gathering place where families, neighbors and visitors can come together to celebrate the beautiful game and the spirit that makes our city so special,” said Miami Mayor Eileen Higgins. “I am proud of the entire city of Miami team, who are ready to help ensure that the millions of people visiting our unique city have a spectacular and safe experience.”
Guests are encouraged to embrace the international vibes by wearing their favorite jersey and carrying their country’s flag. Among the teams playing at Hard Rock: Brazil, Portugal, Colombia, Saudi Arabia, Uruguay, Scotland, Cape Verde, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan.
Entertainment runs the gamut to please just about everyone. Think shows that include Argentine cowboys known as gauchos, Brazilian samba dancers, West African (Moko Jumbie) stilt walkers.
The park’s doors open 60 minutes before kickoff, so you’ll need to get going earlier than you think. Because this is South Florida, traffic will also be a hot mess and plan accordingly. And be sure to check out the Miami Herald’s transit guide, which recommends leaving your car home altogether.
FIFA World Cup Fan Festival
Where: Bayfront Park, 301 Biscayne Blvd., Miami.
When: June 13-July 5. The event hours and full schedule of matches is at miamifwc26.com/fan-festival. Also check out the times, still subject to change, on Bayfront Park’s Instagram.
Tickets: Free.
Information: www.bayfrontparkmiami.com
