Organizers are in the process of submitting a proposed festival layout to FIFA for review. If approved, the event would span approximately one million square feet and be capable of accommodating up to 35,000 attendees per day. The footprint would include fan zones, large viewing screens, interactive sponsor installations, food and beverage areas, and entertainment stages—transforming Fair Park into a central hub for international soccer fans and local visitors alike.
The proposed area covers the southern section of Fair Park, extending from Pennsylvania Avenue in the north to South Fitzhugh Avenue in the south, and from First Avenue in the west to Lagow Street in the east. It would also encompass nearby spaces such as Dos Equis Pavilion and adjacent parking lots labeled 10A, 10B, and 10C. The final layout will be confirmed once it receives official approval from FIFA later this year.
Local business owners and members of the South Dallas community are already mobilizing in anticipation of the event. Representatives recently received a planning update as part of ongoing outreach to area stakeholders. Many have voiced a desire to see local vendors, contractors, and service providers included in event operations, hoping the influx of tourism and investment will create lasting benefits for the neighborhood.
For South Dallas, the FIFA Fan Festival is being seen not only as a temporary attraction but as a catalyst for longer-term economic development. Community advocates are urging planners to design the festival in a way that reflects the character of the neighborhood and ensures that residents and businesses closest to Fair Park have opportunities to participate and profit.
Concerns have also been raised about infrastructure readiness and how to balance large-scale commercial activity with the needs of the surrounding residential areas. Still, the dominant tone among business leaders has been one of optimism, with many already preparing proposals, partnerships, and vendor plans in the hopes of being part of one of the largest international sporting events ever hosted in the region.
As final decisions on the layout and vendor participation approach, the focus remains on how the event can be structured to uplift local businesses while delivering a seamless experience to visitors from around the world. For many in South Dallas, this is a once-in-a-generation chance to gain visibility, secure investment, and build momentum for future development anchored by community collaboration.
