Houston's FIFA Fan Festival is the hottest place to be
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People at at Houston's FIFA Fan Festival huddle underneath a massive shaded viewing area Tuesday ahead of Portugal vs. Uzbekistan. Photo: Jay R. Jordan/Axios
FIFA's Fan Festival in East Downtown left some soccer fans wanting more reprieve from Houston's heat, but that didn't dissuade them from turning out in droves to watch their favorite players battle on the world's stage.
Why it matters: Houston's official World Cup watch party delivers on its promise of a great time for free — heat notwithstanding.
Driving the news: Thousands of soccer fans packed Fan Fest for Tuesday's noon match between Portugal and Uzbekistan, which took place 6 miles away at Houston Stadium.
- Portugal won 5-0, with star forward Cristiano Ronaldo scoring two of those goals. Each time his face popped up on the big screens at Fan Fest, the crowd roared.
The intrigue: The heat index, or "feels like" temperature, was in the upper 90s when the game started and reached 101 by halftime.
- Fan Fest offers two large viewing areas, but only one of them is covered. Houston firefighters doused the uncovered area, including those willing to be soaked, with water every 30 minutes to help keep things cool.
Zoom in: Fans with coveted spots under the shaded viewing area stayed put during halftime. Others congregated around the edges, hoping for a sliver of shade, while a few braved direct sunlight to catch the match.
What they're saying: "It needs more cover," Portugal fan George N. told Axios. "It's hot. The location is nice, but in summer it can be brutal."
- He was with two other fans who planned to watch the following England vs. Ghana match played in Boston and then head somewhere with air conditioning to catch the rest of Tuesday's World Cup matchups.
Yes, but: For others, the heat wasn't a problem.
- "It's hot, but the South is more hot, honestly, I think," Cynthia Rosales, who traveled from Mission, Texas, to attend Fan Fest, told Axios.
- "For me, it's all good," she added.
Threat level: While it's hot, festival organizers are doing their share to mitigate heat-related health emergencies onsite.
- Fans are allowed to bring their own translucent water bottles and can fill up for free. There are also some indoor air conditioned activity spaces, although none show matches.
- There is also free sunscreen available at kiosks near water stations and several shaded misting stations.
The bottom line: With a little preparation and patience, the fun to be had will make the heat the last thing you remember about your day at Houston's Fan Fest.