Downtown Arlington Welcomed the World

For nearly a month, Downtown Arlington became a gathering place for soccer fans, visitors and residents as Arlington hosted the FIFA World Cup 2026. While the excitement centered around the stadium, Downtown Arlington offered visitors something different: a walkable district filled with locally owned restaurants, shops, public art and gathering places before and after every match. 

As part of our Kick It in Downtown campaign, businesses across the district hosted watch parties, soccer-themed specials and unique experiences that gave locals a chance to get in on the action while giving visitors an opportunity to experience Texas culture. 

Bringing the Celebration Downtown 

More than 30 downtown businesses participated in the Kick It in Downtown campaign, offering soccer-themed specials, experiences and promotions throughout the tournament. Businesses found creative ways to join the celebration, from themed food and drinks to watch parties that brought fans together across the district. 

Throughout the campaign, businesses including Grease Monkey, Hooligan's Pub, J. Gilligan's Bar & Grill, Kung Fu Tea and Stash VHS welcomed fans with match-day celebrations, food, drinks and themed experiences.  

225° BBQ and Black Sheep Sports Bar helped create a home base for visiting fans by hosting a meetup for Block 109, a group of England supporters who gathered in Downtown Arlington during the tournament. 

One of the highlights came from Lacquerbox, whose soccer-inspired nail art gained national attention and was featured in NBC's FIFA World Cup coverage. 

The colorful interactive soccer mural at Rotary DREAM Park, created by artist Jan Riggins, became a popular photo stop throughout the tournament and was featured by FOX 4. The interactive installation gave visitors another reason to explore beyond the stadium. 

Downtown's cultural attractions also joined the celebration. The Levitt Pavilion hosted its three-day Jordan Experience, bringing fans together to celebrate Jordan’s historic first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance through live music, traditional performances, authentic cuisine and nine World Cup watch parties throughout the tournament. 

Welcoming Fans Downtown 

Throughout the tournament, J. Gilligan's shuttle service transported more than 7,000 fans between Downtown Arlington and the stadium, giving fans a convenient way to explore Downtown Arlington before and after heading to the games. 

Arlington Ambassadors welcomed visitors at the shuttle stop with bottled water, directions and recommendations for places to eat, shop and explore throughout downtown. 

Looking Ahead 

As the tournament comes to a close, Downtown Arlington looks back on a month filled with new visitors and memorable experiences.  

Over the course of the FIFA World Cup, thousands of visitors discovered Downtown Arlington's locally owned restaurants, shops and gathering spaces, many experiencing the district for the first time. Throughout the tournament, fans also showed they were willing to venture beyond the stadium, walking between Downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District to explore more of what Arlington had to offer. 

The tournament showed that fans were eager to experience more of Arlington beyond the stadium and highlighted the opportunity for Downtown Arlington and the Entertainment District to continue working together to welcome visitors. 

Thank you to the local businesses, our Downtown Arlington Ambassadors, residents and visitors who helped make Downtown Arlington such a welcoming place throughout the tournament.