As Miami prepares to host the World Cup in the weeks ahead, soccer fans gathered at Bayfront Park on Saturday to celebrate the opening of FIFA Fan Fest.
The event offers excitement for the fans who may not be able to afford expensive match tickets. Locals and visitors from around the world came together to enjoy live entertainment, food, music and big screens broadcasting the matches.
“There’s no other sport that has a World Cup,” said Miguel Castaneda, a father and supporter of the Colombian National Team. “There’s a reason for that. The competition, but also the brotherhood. One passion for one sport is what brings people together.”
Organizers also emphasized Miami’s role as one of the tournament’s host cities. With several World Cup matches scheduled to be played at Hard Rock Stadium, officials anticipate a significant boost in tourism and economic activity throughout the region.
The World Cup is set to end July 19. Information on matches is available on FIFA’s websites.
