By Zara Durrani,
Ahead of opening day, members of the media, were invited to preview the new festival grounds and the state-of-the-art amphitheatre that anchors the site.
Designed to accommodate up to 10,000 spectators, the open-air venue has quickly become a hub for football fans, live entertainment and cultural celebrations throughout the tournament. The Fan Festival also features more than 70 live match broadcasts, over 100 hours of live music, performances by more than 120 artists, interactive activations and local food experiences.
During the media preview, Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim welcomed guests as the city prepared to host the world’s largest sporting event. In one lighthearted moment, media representatives joined the mayor in kicking a soccer ball, highlighting the excitement building ahead of kickoff.
Just days later, that excitement became reality. Crowds have packed the festival grounds to watch matches on giant screens, creating a stadium-like atmosphere as supporters from around the world gather to celebrate the beautiful game. As one of only two Canadian host cities, Vancouver has embraced the tournament with a festival that blends sport, music, culture and community, offering visitors and residents alike a memorable World Cup experience.
Photo credits: FIFA Fan Festival™ Vancouver
