Atlanta Versus Philadelphia: Top FIFA Fan Festivals to Watch World Cup

Atlanta hosted its recently ended FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park, around a mile from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where eight World Cup matches were played.

At Lemon Hill in Philadelphia, the park where the festival is hosted, attendees spread out on blankets and fanned their faces with Michelob Ultra-branded hand fans while watching the big screen.

According to organizers, the Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival drew more than 500,000 visitors, averaging more than 27,000 guests per day.

As of Wednesday, July 8, more than 425,000 fans had attended the event in Philadelphia. The Philadelphia festival will end after the final World Cup match between Argentina and Spain on Sunday, July 19.

Bank of America’s coveted charm bracelets were a draw. Other activations included games, photo opportunities, and fun activities presented by Coca-Cola, Home Depot, Michelob Ultra, and more.

Fans traveled from near and far to enjoy the experience, with many returning more than once to relive it.

The festival included many of the same activations as Atlanta’s, like Bank of America’s charm bracelets and Coca-Cola selfie stations. There were also foosball tables and a mini-pitch for children to play pickup soccer.

Volunteers spread across the park to help direct foot traffic, take pictures for fans, and answer questions.

Nearly 3,000 volunteers kept the Philadelphia FanFest and its nearby attractions safe, fun, and friendly.

A 47-foot jumbo screen was the focal point of the festival, with World Cup matches streaming daily. Smaller screens were placed throughout the park.

On the grassy tree-covered streets of Lemon Hill, soccer fans gathered around a main projector screen for “soccer Coachella.” Other smaller screens were stationed throughout the festival.

Security was present at the MARTA train stations and throughout the areas surrounding both the FIFA Fan Festival and stadium.

The event was well secured by law enforcement throughout the park and at Philadelphia Stadium.

Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said in a press release from the Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival, “This is the Group Project in action — showcasing Atlanta to the world, providing our renowned hospitality and delivering unforgettable experiences not only for visitors from around the globe, but for Atlanta and Georgia residents who became tourists in their own city.”

Chloe Martins, a soccer fan supporting Portugal, told Business Insider the Fan Fest crowds were anything but a nuisance.

“Even though we’re not at the actual game, I love seeing everyone in our neighborhood walking around to different bars and restaurants, people coming from the Fan Fest, and representing their countries,” Martins said. “It’s such a good vibe.”