World Cup takes over downtown Hollywood
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
Downtown Hollywood will transform into a massive World Cup party on Saturday night.
Why it matters: The event is expected to draw thousands of people to downtown, a boost to local businesses struggling with a summer slowdown in foot traffic.
State of play: In partnership with the city, Mark Rowe, president of the Downtown Hollywood Business Association and owner of Mickey Byrne's Irish Pub, organized the watch party that will shut down parts of Hollywood Boulevard to create a pedestrian-friendly fan zone.
By the numbers: The city is anticipating 7,000 to 10,000 attendees based on the turnout for the Copa America watch party two years ago, Hollywood communications director Joann Hussey tells Axios.
What they're saying: Rowe says this watch party will be twice as big.
- "It'll be a massive crowd because the whole downtown has been awash with Colombian fans the nights that Colombia's played," he adds.
What to expect: The watch party, which kicks off at 4pm, will air England vs. Panama at 5pm followed by highly anticipated Colombia vs. Portugal at 7:30pm.
- The matches will be shown on five large screens.
- Live music from Los Wizzards and AleMor will follow the games.
- There will be several food trucks and local vendors, along with food and beverage specials at participating businesses.
If you go: From 3pm to 2am, $10 parking will be available at University Station garage, Radius garage, Van Buren garage and the Taylor Street parking lot.
- Free parking will be available at City Hall with free shuttle service to and from downtown from 2pm to 2am.
- Hollywood Boulevard from North 19th Avenue to North 21st Avenue will be closed to cars beginning at 7am on Saturday until 3am on Sunday.
- There will be security screenings and designated entry checkpoints. Arrive early; gates will be closed once capacity is reached.
Do not bring: Coolers, outside alcoholic beverages, pop-up tents, umbrellas and shade structures.
What's next: The city is hosting a second watch party for the World Cup Final on July 19.