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Axios
6 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
Philly to consider reviving an old police district before the World Cup
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia is weighing whether to bring back a disbanded police district that once patrolled Fairmount Park. Why it matters: A Memorial Day mass shooting has renewed concerns about public safety in the city's sprawling park, which will serve as the site of next year's FIFA Fan Fest. Thousands of spectators are expected to swarm Lemon Hill for watch parties and entertainment during the tournament's five weeks. Driving the news: City Council is holding a hearing in September to discuss reviving Philadelphia's 92nd Police District. It's the first step in what could become a contentious debate about whether there's enough funding and manpower for an additional outpost amid a police staffing shortage. Zoom in: Councilperson Curtis Jones Jr., who introduced the proposal, tells Axios that residents have recently complained about an increase in crime and quality of life issues in the park, ranging from feral dogs to reports of joggers being attacked on trails. He hopes a specialized unit of 50 officers — some on bikes, others on horseback — can be in place in time for next year's busy slate of events. The unit would be able to easily reach some of the park's most remote stretches, including areas that Jones says have become hotspots for illegal dumping and intimate encounters. Flashback: The park once had its own police force, the Fairmount Park Guards, which was formed in 1868 and kept watch over visitors and the area's historic mansions. About a century later, it merged with Philly police, forming the 92nd Police District. The unit was disbanded in 2008 because of budget cuts. Since then, several surrounding police districts have divvied up responsibility for responding to calls in the area, Jones says. By the numbers: It could cost more than $3 million a year to staff the park — a figure based on starting salaries of graduating police recruits. Plus, overhead for supervising brass. What they're saying: Critics will say, 'This is a lot for the park. Shall we be guarding the squirrels, the trees, the bees?'" Jones tells Axios. "No, we're guarding the people." Plus, some costs could be offset by transferring police officers currently working in less-busy districts, Jones says. Meg Kane, host city executive, tells Axios security planning is underway for next year's World Cup, but having "any additional security measures" would be a "positive development."
Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Straits Times
Revamped Azteca stadium to reopen next March ahead of 2026 World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Liga MX - Quarter Final - Second Leg - America v Pachuca - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - May 11, 2024 General view inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File Photo MEXICO CITY - Mexico City's government has confirmed that the famous Azteca Stadium, soon to be renamed "Estadio Ciudad de Mexico", will reopen in March next year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Mayor Clara Brugada said on Wednesday. The renovated stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will kick off next year's tournament with the opening match on June 11, as well as other group-stage and knockout matches at the global showpiece co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Construction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026 to allow time for operational testing. Modifications to the stadium will focus on meeting FIFA standards and will include new changing rooms, improved hospitality zones, upgraded VIP areas and new seating in areas previously used for boxes and lounges. No figure has yet been given for its final capacity. "Great projects for a great city, projects that will continue to benefit the population in all aspects, based on the comprehensive mobility plan combined with technology," Brugada told reporters. The upgrade is part of a wider urban regeneration initiative in the Tlalpan neighbourhood, which also includes improvements to public infrastructure, including better roads, additional bike lanes and enhanced public transport. Mexico City is also preparing to host a series of fan events across its 16 boroughs, with the largest FIFA Fan Fest planned for the Zocalo square in the historic centre area. The festival aims to offer free public screenings and encourage community participation and physical activity. REUTERS Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
The Star
07-05-2025
- Sport
- The Star
Soccer-Revamped Azteca stadium to reopen next March ahead of 2026 World Cup
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Liga MX - Quarter Final - Second Leg - America v Pachuca - Estadio Azteca, Mexico City, Mexico - May 11, 2024 General view inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Raquel Cunha/File Photo MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Mexico City's government has confirmed that the famous Azteca Stadium, soon to be renamed "Estadio Ciudad de Mexico", will reopen in March next year ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Mayor Clara Brugada said on Wednesday. The renovated stadium, which hosted the 1970 and 1986 World Cup finals, will kick off next year's tournament with the opening match on June 11, as well as other group-stage and knockout matches at the global showpiece co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Construction is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2026 to allow time for operational testing. Modifications to the stadium will focus on meeting FIFA standards and will include new changing rooms, improved hospitality zones, upgraded VIP areas and new seating in areas previously used for boxes and lounges. No figure has yet been given for its final capacity. "Great projects for a great city, projects that will continue to benefit the population in all aspects, based on the comprehensive mobility plan combined with technology," Brugada told reporters. The upgrade is part of a wider urban regeneration initiative in the Tlalpan neighbourhood, which also includes improvements to public infrastructure, including better roads, additional bike lanes and enhanced public transport. Mexico City is also preparing to host a series of fan events across its 16 boroughs, with the largest FIFA Fan Fest planned for the Zocalo square in the historic centre area. The festival aims to offer free public screenings and encourage community participation and physical activity. (Reporting by Angelica Medina in Mexico City; editing by Clare Fallon)
