The World Cup is in the US!!! The World Cup is in Philadelphia!!! I’ve never been so close. While I don’t have tickets to any game (too rich for my blood) I still wanted to participate. The city is putting on a FREE Fan Festival for people to watch the games together. I wanted to go, but I was nervous. Is it going to be super crowded? How will I get there? How will I get home? So many rules to follow. It was a bit overwhelming. I wanted to go but I was easily getting discouraged.
But Thank God for friends!! I had a friend that was going and that I could join, so I decided – I’m GOING. And then I did the research to be able to go. So, I just want to share my tips and helpful things to make it easier for you if you are in the same point and thinking about it but worried about the logistics or anything.
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These tips are only for Philadelphia, but I’m sure a lot them transfer with other host cities.
First, props to Philly!! I had an amazing time and everything was super well organized. I was very impressed. So let’s start at the beginning:
Start with your calendar. Check out the World Cup schedule and your availability to pick a date and time. There are multiple games in a day since the screens are showing all of the World Cup, in the different time zones they are playing. It will probably be more crowded for the larger more important games, and for the games where the US is playing.
Register!!! Registration is open for 50,000, but only 15,000 will be allowed in. After you get your tickets, secure your transportation. Public transportation is the way to go once you get into the city. The Philadelphia Phlash has $5 day passes with a route from Center City to Lemon Hill park, where the festival is (Stop 9). I’ve heard some people have less lines getting off at Stop 10 and going in the back entrance. You can also take a SEPTA bus into Lemon Hill. Looks like the fair is $2.90 and you can tap to pay.
GETTING TO THE FAN FESTIVAL:
If you are further away check out the SEPTA Regional Rail lines, but check what time service ends. From Jersey, I know people were taking PATCO in. You can also park and ride. There are several parking lots in the city (pre-pay of course) and the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) has discounted parking with the purchase of a Philadelphia Phlash pass. I would use a parking app to find a good spot near the bus route that you plan to take.
Bikes are welcome – you can ride your own or rent an INDEGO bike – plenty of parking space at the welcome center. There is a drop off zone for shared rides. I am not sure if prices were surging, but probably expect to pay a little more than normal.
I choose to park and ride so I parked near downtown and then walked to the Philadelphia Phlash signs. Things are pretty well labeled. The first bus did pass me because it was full so getting on earlier on the route is probably a little better. I feel like a lot of people got on easily at Love Park (Stop 4).
Once you get to Stop 9, Lemon Hill Park, get off the bus, and cross Pennsylvania Ave. Follow the signs (and crowd) into the park. At this point there is no line; just a massive amount (thousands) of people inching towards the security lines. Don’t stop and buy anything until you are coming out. If there’s a game playing I recommend getting there 2 hours ahead of the game, and at least 1 hour ahead of the gates opening. Check the festival website to see what the hours are for that day. I was there for a 3pm game and the gates opened at 2. By the time I got in line it was about 2:15. And I was inside by 3pm.
Check the websites for what’s allowed, but basically no umbrellas, no chairs. I did see people with foldable blankets that they used to sit on inside. There’s lots of places to sit – either chairs (fill up fast) or bench style tables, or the open grass. Watching the game, everyone was standing near the big screen, but I think as you get further out people sit down and watch. The screen is up far enough where no one is “blocking” you unless a taller person is directly in front of you.
TIPS FOR THE FESTIVAL:
*it’s hot, wear a hat and wear sunscreen
*Drink lots of water. You can’t go in with anything (no outside food or drink) but you can drink your water in line. As long as you have an empty bottle by the time you get to security. There are water stations inside with cold water! I also like to leave a metal bottle with ice water in my car so I have something to drink when I get back!
*Keep the Debby Downers at home. Be patient and get excited. Be kind. People have travelled the world to be here.
*Stay close to your group or meet them inside. When there’s a gap, move up. For super crowded matches they will turn people away after the 15,000 people max is met. I was able to inch up and fill in gaps to get in quicker. Most people were traveling with groups, so it was a bit easy getting in solo and meeting my friend inside.
*Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be standing all day
INSIDE THE FESTIVAL:
There’s so much to do once you are inside. First thing I did though was fill up my water bottle. It was between 75-80 degrees (F) when I went, and the sun was blazing. So it was great to have these FREE stations.
The other thing I was wondering about was the bathroom situation. They had a ton of Porta Potties in a restroom area; with soap, water, and paper towels. Not too shabby!!
In general, things are spaced out very well so you never feel on top of anyone else. There are multiple screens to watch the games and several areas to decompress or hang out with friends if the noise becomes too much. I spent some time alone roaming around and people were very friendly and just excited to talk about the games or make small talk.
There’s plenty to eat and drink. I thought the pricing was pretty standard stadium/carnival pricing. And there’s a duplicate on both sides of the park, so the lines weren’t super long. I enjoyed some cheesesteak ravioli as soon as I got in so I could grab it and get settled before watching the game. At the end of the day I had a delicious water ice. Great for walking around in the heat.
There are several “activations” to check out. Just walk around and see for yourself. There are kid friendly areas (like the Home Depot fan coloring spot). I’m sure by now you’ve heard of the infamous Bank of America bracelets. Starting June 24th there are giving out timed tickets for the Bank of America activation. The lines were INSANE the first week – some people waiting 2-3 hours. It’s much more manageable this way. I did see another tip online that you can get a bracelet by visiting a Bank of America bank branch. I was able to get a bracelet pretty easily, but I’m sure each bank has its rules, so call ahead and check.
Well, I hope you go!! People are uniting and just enjoying being human together. The games are exciting and the vibe is energetic. It’s really such an amazing time for the city, and for the world.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my Surprise Trip – Part 1 !! Thanks for reading!
