Latest news with #PhiladelphiaSoccer2026
CBS News
a day ago
- Business
- CBS News
Fashion District selected as Philadelphia's volunteer center for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The Fashion District will serve as the primary hub for all volunteer operations leading up to and throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 announced Monday. Philadelphia is one of 11 U.S. cities scheduled to host World Cup matches in 2026. The city will host six matches in June and July, including a Round of 16 match on the Fourth of July, coinciding with America's 250th anniversary. Philadelphia Soccer 2026 anticipates 3,000 volunteers to help meet the city's needs during the World Cup. Individuals interested in volunteering can apply online at The shopping mall, located on Market Street in Center City, was selected as the volunteer center due to its location near hotels and public transportation and accessibility to over 3,100 parking spots, according to a news release from Philadelphia Soccer 26. "The site is easily accessible — volunteers can walk, take public transit or drive — and it is located just blocks away from the country's most historical sites and the city's economic center," Philadelphia Soccer 2026 co-chair Michelle Singer said in a statement. "There really is no better site to base our large volunteer effort and I am glad we were able to secure it." In a statement, Mayor Cherelle Parker said the Fashion District Philadelphia "represents a significant victory for our city." "The center will not only help power critical volunteer efforts supporting FIFA World Cup 26™ but also generate significant economic activity for our local businesses, restaurants, and hotels," Parker said. "We are proud to support this effort and the thousands of volunteers who will ensure that next summer's tournament is a success." Philadelphia Soccer 26 will begin interviewing and selecting volunteers over the next couple of months.
Axios
2 days ago
- Sport
- Axios
Why Philly's World Cup Fan Festival is at Lemon Hill
The epicenter of Philadelphia's World Cup Fan Festival celebration is slated for Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park next year. Why it matters: The site is the next-best option for fans without tournament tickets — you can soak up the fun with watch parties, music and food. But it's an 8-mile trek from the action at South Philly's Lincoln Financial Field with limited transit and parking options. Meanwhile, FDR Park and the Navy Yard are short walks from the sports complex. So, what gives? What they're saying: It comes down to safety and security requirements imposed by FIFA, Meg Kane, host city executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, tells Axios. "The fan festival cannot be within a certain proximity of the stadium, given the number of fans that would access both," she said. Kane added: "There were a lot of things out of our control about where it could be." A FIFA spokesperson declined to discuss safety issues related to the fan fest locations. By the numbers: Lemon Hill is expected to draw at least 15,000 people daily to the fan fest. The Linc's capacity surpasses 69,000. Catch up quick: Philly is hosting six World Cup matches next year. The tourney runs for 39 days between June 11 and July 19. Between the lines: Lemon Hill was chosen for the fan fest partly because of its walkability and access to public transit, according to Kane. It's located in East Fairmount Park between Brewerytown and Kelly Drive — and is more than a half-mile walk from the Rocky Steps. The site also meets FIFA's requirements in terms of size and scale. Reality check: Transit around Lemon Hill is limited to SEPTA's Girard Avenue trolley and some bus routes. The area lacks a metro stop, and parking could also prove to be an issue. The intrigue: Philly's original plans for the festival, back in 2018, were: Penn's Landing with the completed I-95 cap and park. But delays pushed back the completion date until 2029. Memorial Hall (home of the Please Touch Museum) in West Fairmount Park. What's ahead: Organizers are still working out the festival's exact plans and layout. Meanwhile, the Parker administration is investing $5.2 million to get Lemon Hill fan fest ready, city spokesperson Natalie Faragalli tells Axios. Improvements to the park include sprucing up the area (think removing dead trees), ensuring pathways are ADA-accessible, and sidewalk and street repairs. Major landscaping and utility work could get underway later this summer, at the earliest.
Axios
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
LL Cool J is headlining Wawa's Welcome America Festival
Cool James is coming in hot — rap icon LL Cool J is headlining this year's Wawa Welcome America Festival. Why it matters: The free festival is Philly's biggest summer party, and it's expected to draw more than a million visitors leading to America's 250th birthday bash next year. Driving the news: Organizers on Tuesday unveiled the lineup for the festival, which stretches over 16 days with events leading to the July 4th concert and fireworks show on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. LL Cool J will be joined by Philly native and Grammy-winning artist Jazmine Sullivan. What's new: The Phillies and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 are hosting a block party on June 22 outside Citizens Bank Park and Lincoln Financial Field. The celebrations aim to amp up fans ahead of next year's World Cup and the MLB All-Star games in the city. Zoom in: The festival includes free museum days at the African American Museum in Philadelphia, Masonic Temple, Fabric Workshop Museum and Eastern State Penitentiary. Plus, the ever-popular free hoagie day on June 26! Highlights: June 19: The Juneteenth Block Party is a daylong celebration featuring live music, vendors, dance performances, food trucks and family-friendly activities at the African American Museum. The celebration, billed "Audacious Freedom," is headlined by Grammy-winning DJ Drama. June 20: Kids can dance, play and create at the Kidchella Music Festival at Smith Memorial Playground. Musical performances include Ants on a Log, Noggin Hill and Jams for Junior Jawns. Guests can enter a ticket raffle for a chance to see Kidz Bop Kids at Freedom Mortgage Pavillion on Aug. 2. June 21: The Avenue of the Arts is hosting a block party including book giveaways, a fashion show and performances from Painted Bride Project Space. For the grown-ups, there's a beer garden and wine from Chaddsford Winery. June 24: Kids can cool off at the pool party at Cherashore Playground. Free food, giveaways and arts and crafts. June 25: Celebrate our country's veterans at Vet Fest in the City Hall courtyard. Performances include Russell Thompkins Jr. & the New Stylistics and DJ Queen Yaszy. June 26: 25,000 free Wawa Shorti Hoagies are up for grabs for Hoagie Day at the Independence Mall. Stay for musical performances and free admission to the National Constitution Center. June 28: Latin culture is on display at the Hispanic Fiesta at LOVE Park. Performances from Los Pueblitos and Puerto Rican rapper Ivy Queen. June 29: Philly music legend Dyana Williams will host a concert celebrating Black Music Month at the outdoor Dell Music Center. The evening will conclude with a fireworks display. July 1: Check out a free screening of "Independence Day" at Independence Mall. Bring your own chairs and blankets. July 3: The Philly Pops take the stage at Independence Mall under the new music director, Chris Dragon.
CBS News
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
DJ Jazzy Jeff produced Philadelphia's "Sonic ID" for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia is gearing up to take center stage as one of the tournament's 16 host cities. The city is ready to embrace the global spotlight, and on Thursday, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 dropped its official "FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Sonic ID" — an audio brand capturing the very essence of the City of Brotherly Love. Produced by none other than DJ Jazzy Jeff, a two-time Grammy-winning producer from West Philadelphia, the "Sonic ID" is more than just music; it's a reflection of the rhythm, culture and passion that define Philadelphia. "I cut my teeth in a place that expects excellence. They want you to give your heart," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. DJ Jazzy Jeff has been a driving force in shaping the sound of Philadelphia for over four decades. From his early days in West Philly to becoming a global music icon, his unique blend of beats and rhythms has captured the spirit of the city. Now, he's taking that sound to a worldwide audience, representing Philadelphia in one of the biggest sporting events on Earth. "I've done a lot of international traveling, and it wasn't until I left the United States to understand that the world game is soccer," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. The "Sonic ID" was created to give a musical preview of the "sounds of the city" that visitors and fans can expect during the tournament. As part of the World Cup festivities, the audio branding will be featured in stadiums, during broadcasts, at FIFA Fan Festivals and across digital platforms to create a deep connection between the game and the unique culture of Philadelphia. "I knew I had to incorporate pretty much some history," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. "Some of the Gamble and Huff and the Philly International Sound. Some of the sound of the Neo Soul Movement from the late 90s, and not only did I want it to sound good, I want it to feel good." As the world prepares for this historic event, Meg Cain, host city executive for Philadelphia, highlighted the role of music in uniting people across cultures. The "Sonic ID" is one of 16 distinct sounds representing the host cities, each crafted to showcase the unique cultural identity of its location. "He's a legendary DJ, he's a two-time Grammy winner. He's from West Philadelphia. He's one of us," Cain said. The power of music to bring people together is at the heart of this World Cup experience, Cain said. The "Sonic IDs" will play a crucial role in amplifying the excitement, creating an unforgettable soundtrack for fans in the stadiums, watching at home or celebrating at the FIFA Fan Festivals. "This time, with all of the different host cities across three countries, 16 different host cities, we wanted each city to have its own special sound," Cain said. Philadelphia will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a knockout Round of 16 match on July 4, which coincides with the United States' 250th birthday celebration. The tournament promises to bring a wave of excitement, and Philadelphia will play a central role in this historic moment. In addition to the matches, the city will also host the FIFA Fan Festival, a vibrant celebration of soccer culture at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park. This festival will be a hub of activity, offering soccer fans of all ages a chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of the World Cup.
CBS News
08-03-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Trump creates 2026 FIFA World Cup task force, says trade war will make tournament "more exciting"
President Trump announced Friday that he is creating a task force to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is being held in North America next year. The task force will oversee logistics and security for the entire event in the U.S., Canada and Mexico. "I think it's going to make it more exciting," Mr. Trump said of playing the World Cup amid sharp rhetoric between leaders of the host nations amid the on-again, off-again tariffs that have ratcheted up tensions across the continent. "Tension's a good thing." The task force, which Trump will chair, will coordinate the federal government's security and planning for the tournament, which is expected to draw millions of tourists from around the world. Vice President JD Vance will serve as vice chair. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was on hand for the announcement with the World Cup trophy. Preparations are ramping up across the continent alongside tensions between the U.S. and its neighbors as Mr. Trump has repeatedly threatened to impose tariffs before backing off, spooking markets and leading to fears of a trade war and economic downturn. He also speaks pejoratively of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and muses about Canada becoming a U.S. state, which has boosted national pride north of the border. Infantino, meanwhile, said the task force will ensure that each of the visitors who will travel from around the world "feels safe, feels happy and feels that we are doing something special." "So we're here to create and to make the best show on the planet ever," Infantino said. He gave Trump a personalized game ball and unveiled an elaborate trophy that will go to the winner of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, which will pit top soccer clubs against each other this summer ahead of next year's matchup of national teams. Soccer's biggest tournament will have games spread across 16 host cities in the U.S., Canada and Mexico over the course of a month. Eleven U.S. cities, including Philadelphia, will host World Cup matches. The 10 other U.S. host cities are Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, New York/New Jersey, San Francisco and Seattle. Toronto and Vancouver are the Canadian host cities, and in Mexico, Guadalajara, Mexico City and Monterrey were chosen. Mr. Trump met Friday with officials from FIFA, the international soccer governing body. "It's a great honor for our country to have it," Mr. Trump told reporters. The president said he'd like to attend multiple games. Earlier this week, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 unveiled the city's official FIFA World Cup poster.
