Arlington clarifies tailgating policy for FIFA World Cup; Dallas plans Main Street activities for tournament
Dallas continues transformation for World Cup
Main Street in Downtown Dallas is getting a World Cup-themed makeover for the biggest tournament on the planet. FOX 4's Steven Dial has more on that and Arlington specifying tailgating protocols for match days.
DALLAS - Fans now know where they will and won't be allowed to tailgate for FIFA World Cup matches in Arlington. For those not going to the games, Dallas is transforming Main Street into a place to be for the tournament.
Dallas Stadium tailgating policy for World Cup
What we know:
The Arlington City Council discussed the tailgating topic this week and clarified that official AT&T Stadium, or Dallas Stadium, parking lots will not allow tailgating for the duration of the tournament.
However, private lots are allowed to host tailgating at the discretion of the owner.
What they're saying:
The North Texas FWC Organizing Committee released an official statement on the tailgating policy at Dallas Stadium.
"Dallas Stadium in Arlington does not prohibit tailgating for events. However, the FIFA World Cup 2026 parking operations will differ from standard NFL game days, which will potentially affect parking near the venue.
As a result, tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas) will have a slightly different feel but additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."
What we don't know:
No timeline for AT&T Stadium transforming into Dallas Stadium, as required by FIFA rules, was set during the council meeting, with only 21 days before the tournament kicks off.
Dallas decorates for World Cup
Local perspective:
Main Street in Downtown Dallas now has several parking spots closed off by shipping containers. Those will soon be decorated specifically for the FIFA World Cup.
Crews began painting the sidewalks and shipping containers brought in with soccer-themed artwork that the city says will be displayed for the duration of the tournament.
Several blocks of Main Street will be closed on four Saturdays during the tournament: June 20, June 27, July 4 and July 11.
The city will put up food trucks, markets, hospitality and more on Main Street on those days to allow residents to walk around and enjoy the festivities.
Several World Cup pole banners have been seen along Mockingbird Lane near SMU, similar to ones seen in Far North Dallas on Spring Valley Road.
The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center has already been decorated in FIFA branding as it prepares to host the event's International Broadcast Center.
What they're saying:
"This is just to provide all of our visitors and residents, and anyone within our community, to come and activate and just take over the space," Juan Galvan, the Director of Park Events for Downtown Dallas, Inc, told FOX 4's Steven Dial.
"We're going to put markets, we can have food trucks, we're going to have a security and clean team, and all of our hospitality ambassadors out here to really make a fun, vibrant space."
Juan Galvan
What's next:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11. The first match in Dallas takes place on Sunday, June 14 between Japan and the Netherlands.
The Source: Information in this story comes from Arlington City Council and Downtown Dallas, Inc.