What to know
- Toronto’s FIFA Fan Festival opens today, offering live World Cup match screenings, entertainment, food, drinks and interactive fan experiences.
- Opening-day programming includes Mexico vs. South Africa on the big screen, plus performances by Wyclef Jean, AHI and Walk Off the Earth.
- While general admission tickets have sold out, premium tickets ranging from $100 to $300 are still available.
- The festival will run for 39 days through July 19, with TTC and GO Transit options available for fans travelling to the event.
The FIFA World Cup officially kicks off today, and the celebrations across Toronto continue.
For soccer fans in the city, the FIFA Fan Festival is set to be one of the biggest events of the tournament, offering live match broadcasts, musical performances, food, drinks and interactive activities throughout the competition.
Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the festival grounds.
When does the FIFA Fan Festival open?
The FIFA Fan Festival officially launches on Thursday, with gates opening at 12:30 p.m. The day’s festivities will run until 7:30 p.m.
Fans who have secured tickets can enjoy live entertainment, activations, food and beverage vendors, and watch FIFA World Cup matches on a giant screen.
On opening day, fans will be able to watch Mexico take on South Africa at 3 p.m.
Live performances kick off opening day
The festival’s entertainment lineup is getting off to a strong start.
Wyclef Jean and AHI will take to the main stage from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., wrapping up just before kickoff.
Later in the evening, Canadian band Walk Off the Earth will perform from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Tickets are sold out, but premium passes remain
General admission tickets for opening day have already sold out.
However, premium ticket options are still available, with prices ranging from $100 to $300.
Fans hoping to secure a premium experience can still purchase tickets through Ticketmaster.
How to get to the FIFA Fan Festival
Festival organizers are encouraging attendees to take public transit.
TTC options
Fans travelling on TTC Line 1 should exit at Union Station and transfer to the 509 Harbourfront streetcar. Riders should get off at Fleet Hub, located on Fleet Street between Strachan Avenue and Fort York Boulevard, for access to the FIFA Fan Festival and Toronto Stadium.
Those travelling on Line 2 can exit at Bathurst Station and take the 511 Bathurst streetcar to Fleet Hub.
For a complete list of transit options and service updates, fans can visit the TTC website.
GO Transit options
Fans taking GO Transit can travel on the Lakeshore West line and exit at Exhibition Station.
From there, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to the festival grounds. Wayfinding signage will be available to help attendees navigate the route.
The festival will run for 39 days
The FIFA Fan Festival is scheduled to run for 39 days, giving fans plenty of opportunities to catch matches and enjoy live entertainment throughout the tournament.The festival will wrap up on Sunday, July 19.
