FIFA Fan Fest at Bayfront Park reopens after lightning strike closes it earlier
FIFA fans cheering on Australia and Egypt at Fan Festival Miami inside Bayfront Park missed the conclusion of the match Friday after a nearby lightning strike forced organizers to evacuate the venue for about 90 minutes, authorities say.
But by around 4 p.m, the festival had reopened, with fans streaming in for the highly anticipated 6 p.m. match between Argentina and Cabo Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Around 2:30 p.m., FIFA World Cup Miami posted on its Instagram that the festival was temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Jared Heil told the Miami Herald a lightning strike occurred about five miles away from the event. That triggered the Fan Festival’s safety protocol for evacuation due to severe weather.
By 4 p.m., the thunderstorm already dissipated and there were clear skies over Miami, he said. Organizers posted on Instagram that gates were reopened, and they were ready for the next match.
The City of Miami was forecast to have a 50% chance of showers and thunderstorms Friday, the National Weather Service said. Some thunderstorms may re-form after 5 p.m., Heil said, with overall chances dropping to 30% by 9 p.m.
Since opening in early June, the Fan Festival has evacuated attendees and turned away fans several times due to high temperatures and rain showers.
READ MORE: Fans briefly turned away from FIFA Fan Festival in Miami due to scorching heat
This story was originally published July 3, 2026 at 4:18 PM.
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