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Vancouver will host a public festival June 11 to July 19, 2026, to celebrate the first FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Canada
Published Jun 11, 2024 • Last updated 5 hours ago • 3 minute read
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The new timber-roofed PNE amphitheatre is set to open in 2026, just in time to play host to a fan festival during the FIFA World Cup. Photo by Revery Architecture
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The City of Vancouver announced Tuesday that Hastings Park and the PNE grounds will host a fan festival during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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Here’s what to know about the FIFA Fan Festival and the decision to host it at the PNE on the east side of Vancouver:
When will the Vancouver FIFA Fan Fest run?
The fan festival is set to run June 11 through July 19, 2026. It promises to offer a non-stop party for soccer fans of all ages as the city co-hosts the world’s biggest sporting event for the first time. The festival dates match the start of the tournament, with two opening games in Mexico on June 11 and the final due to be played in New York on July 19.
Vancouver and Toronto join cities and stadiums across the U.S. and Mexico, marking the first time the World Cup has been hosted in three countries. Vancouver will host seven games at B.C. Place downtown, Toronto will get six games, while 11 cities in the U.S. and three in Mexico will play host to the rest.
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What types of events are planned?
Two years ahead of the big show, details of what’s in store remain preliminary.
But the main idea is to provide a venue where people can gather to watch games on the big screen in the new amphitheatre. The 1960s-vintage outdoor theatre closed after last fall’s Fair at the PNE and is being built from scratch as a state-of-the-art, 10,000-seat open-air venue due to open by 2026.
Throughout the soccer tournament, Hastings Park will host live entertainment, cultural showcases, lots of food vendors and more.
“This event is set to create an unforgettable fan experience right here in Vancouver,” said Mayor Ken Sim in a news release on the location announcement. “Families, football-lovers and visitors will be buzzing about it for generations to come.”
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More information on dates, hours of operation, programming and content will be released as the event draws nearer.
Why was the PNE chosen?
The city touted the scenic beauty and wide-open spaces available at Hastings Park, “overlooking beautiful Burrard Inlet with stunning panoramic views of the North Shore mountains.”
The PNE is also described as a natural fit because it hosts millions of people every year for the Fair and other events. Getting a chance to experience the brand new amphitheatre, with its environmental sustainability and Canadian mass-timber construction, is a bonus.
“The PNE is absolutely thrilled to be named the official FIFA Fan Festival site,” said president and CEO Shelley Frost. “This is an opportunity to host not only our city and province, but the entire world in a once-in-a-generation event for any city.”
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While soccer fans will pack B.C. Place in Vancouver’s downtown peninsula during the 2026 World Cup, those without tickets can take in the action across the city at the PNE grounds. Photo by Anne-Marie Sorvin /USA Today
Why not downtown?
While many venues across the city were considered, the city said the PNE won out for “its flexibility in programming space, enabling us to create a one-of-a-kind experience that is uniquely Vancouver, and British Columbian, for all guests.”
It’s also hoped having an East Van hub will generate “positive economic impacts for those neighbourhoods at and around” the fan fest location.
A spokesperson said the city is planning a series of measures to ensure people can take in the festival experience “no matter where they live, or how they choose to travel.”
What will it cost, for taxpayers and visitors?
The City of Vancouver said it has set aside $20 million for the planning and staging of the fan festival. The plan is not to try to recoup those costs through paid tickets.
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The intention is “to create an experience that is free and accessible to the public, though opportunities for “elevated experiences” — read paid extras — will be considered during planning.
How do I keep tabs on Vancouver’s plans?
The City of Vancouver has created a website dedicated to its World Cup hosting plans at vancouverFWC26.ca so residents and potential visitors can get the latest news.
Details will also be posted on the city’s social media pages at Instagram, X and Facebook. Search @FWC26Vancouver.
If you’re thinking of trying to land tickets — may the force be with you — fans can pre-register for FIFA World Cup 26 tickets at fifa.com/tickets. If you strike out, at least now you know where to go to experience the action with family and friends.
jruttle@postmedia.com
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Courtesy : https://theprovince.com/sports/soccer/vancouver-fifa-world-cup-festival-pne-hastings-park-things-to-know