Houston's World Cup countdown: Transit, Fan Fest and security
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Preparations are underway to transform the Texans' stadium into a soccer hub. Photo: Robbie Jay Barratt via AMA/Getty Images
Just 50 days away from hosting its first World Cup match, Houston is on track with preparations for transportation, cooling efforts, fan events and more.
Why it matters: The World Cup is expected to draw 500,000 visitors to Houston and generate roughly $1.5 billion in economic impact, with the city hosting seven matches — five of them in the group stage.
- About 76% of ticket buyers are coming from outside Houston, per FIFA World Cup Houston Host Committee president Chris Canetti.
What they're saying: "Everything is going according to plan at this moment. I'm knocking wood as I say that," Canetti tells Axios. "But the preparations have gone great."
- "Houston, I think, is one of the most well-prepared stadiums — but also cities — to host the World Cup," Heimo Schirgi, FIFA's chief operating officer, said at a press conference this month.
Here's how Houston is readying:
Transportation
Metropolitan Transit Authority will carry most fans across the city, and unlike other cities, it is not raising fares.
- Canetti says the Red Line will be the main route from downtown to NRG Stadium (renamed Houston Stadium during the World Cup) on match days.
- "For Fan Fest, it's a little bit more complex plan, because people are going to be coming from all different places, but Metro will play a role in that as well."
Zoom in: MetroRail and bus service will run extended hours June 7-July 11, with rail service approaching 24-hour operations on key days, Metro said in a statement.
- The Red Line will run every six minutes during peak periods; the Green and Purple lines every 12 minutes.
Several major bus routes will also see increased frequency and extended hours, including the Westheimer (82), Bellaire (2) and Richmond (25) lines.
- Metro volunteers will be stationed at airports — where the 500 Downtown Direct runs every 30 minutes — as well as rail stations and event zones to help visitors navigate the system.
For drivers, stadium parking for game days will range from $100-$175.
Accommodations
Houston First tells Axios that the region's hotel supply is well-positioned to meet World Cup demand — even as bookings surge ahead of the tournament.
By the numbers: Bookings are outpacing last year's, with June reservations up 17% and July up 14%, per data as of mid-April.
- Demand is especially strong downtown, where bookings have jumped as much as 66% for June and 83% for July.
- Bookings for short-term rentals like Airbnb are up 53% from June 10–July 10 compared with the same time last year.
The intrigue: The top international origin markets for hotel bookings are the United Kingdom, Mexico, Canada, Japan and Australia, in that order.
- Domestically, people are coming from other parts of Texas, California, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana.
Fan events
While some host cities are scaling back free fan events, Houston is sticking with a full slate.
- The city plans to host the FIFA Fan Festival in East Downtown for 34 of the tournament's 39 days, running June 11–July 19 (with July 8, 12, 13, 16 and 17 as rest days).
- The daily capacity is 15,000 people.
"From day one, our plan has been to be open every single day for every single match. That's generally what fan fests are and have been in the past. So we're just sticking to the plan," Canetti tells Axios.
How it works: There will be live performances, interactive games, and global food and drinks throughout, with each day uniquely themed to celebrate the game's diverse cultures.
- FIFA's official app will serve as a central hub for visitors, with details on Fan Fest, transportation, dining and local attractions.
What we're watching: Final plans for team-specific fan events.
Heat mitigation
The stadium roof will be closed and air conditioning kept at 72 degrees, per Canetti.
At the EaDo Fan Festival, there will be several misting stations, a large canopy for shade and hydration sites.
- Downtown Houston is also adding shade structures and trees ahead of the tournament.
The Houston Airport System put out a Surviving Houston Summer guide, encouraging people to stay hydrated and take advantage of air-conditioned spaces.
Houston Stadium
Stadium branding has been removed to comply with FIFA requirements; officials haven't disclosed the cost.
What's next: Grass installation is set to begin in May.
Security
Funding is secured, and officials say that they have thorough plans and that agencies are coordinating closely.
Zoom in: Entry to the stadium will include security screenings at designated checkpoints, along with a clear bag policy with size limits and prohibited items.
- Access to the Fan Fest zone will mirror that of a typical Houston sports venue, with full screenings, bag checks, and barriers to keep vehicles out, Canetti says.
- He adds that security drones will be flying overhead.
Main Street construction
The Main Street Promenade, the $14 million permanent pedestrian corridor construction project through downtown Houston, is on track to be completed by the end of May.