World Cup Atlanta: Fan Festival gates reopen after brief closure
Fans begin arriving to FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta
Fans have begun arriving to FIFA Fan Festival in Atlanta for the big game today between USA and Australia.
ATLANTA - A capacity crowd forced officials to temporarily shut the gates at Centennial Olympic Park Friday afternoon just hours after the fan festival reopened from severe weather disruptions. However, the gates have since reopened.
RELATED: How to watch today’s FIFA World Cup 2026 matches: Friday, June 19
What we know:
The temporary gate closure hit at 4 p.m. as thousands of soccer fans flooded downtown to celebrate the tournament. At 4:30 p.m., officials said the gates have reopened as they continue to monitor attendance levels.
The grounds had just reopened early Friday afternoon following a storm-related shutdown the previous evening.
RELATED: Metro Atlanta storm damage: Storm topples trees, knocks out power
Officials stated they are continuously monitoring capacity levels to ensure safety and will reopen the gates as soon as space opens up. The festival, which features massive video screens and live entertainment, was heavily packed ahead of the 3 p.m. Team USA soccer match.
What we don't know:
Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of visitors currently inside the venue or how many people were left waiting outside the gates after the 4 p.m. closure.
It remains unclear if any additional artists or schedules will be adjusted due to the fluid capacity situation. Authorities also have not released an estimate on when the gates will safely reopen to waiting crowds.
Weather interrupts World Cup festivities
What happened:
Despite the weather, thousands of soccer fans filled Atlanta Stadium on Thursday as the city hosted another World Cup match.
Visitors from around the world packed the venue and surrounding areas, celebrating the international tournament and the opportunity to experience one of soccer's biggest events.
As thunderstorms approached after the match, attention shifted from the action on the field to the developing weather conditions. The storms brought an abrupt end to Fan Festival activities and left some travelers scrambling to adjust plans after flights were delayed or canceled.
RELATED: FIFA Fan Festival closing early due to weather
Several visitors said weather disruptions extended their stays in Atlanta after airline schedules were affected by the storms.
Better forecast ahead
The outlook for Friday appears much more favorable.
What's next:
Fan Festival organizers plan to open the gates at 1:30 p.m., giving fans an opportunity to gather before Team USA takes the field at 3 p.m. The festival will once again feature giant video screens, entertainment and activities for supporters who do not have tickets to the match.
RELATED: World Cup Atlanta: Nappy Roots to perform at Atlanta FIFA Fan Festival
While Thursday's storms interrupted the festivities, many visitors said the World Cup experience and atmosphere in Atlanta made the trip worthwhile.
Officials are expecting another busy day downtown as soccer fans return to Centennial Olympic Park to watch Team USA and continue the World Cup celebration. The fan festival will end at 11:30 p.m.
RELATED: World Cup Atlanta: Additional watch parties in metro Atlanta
FIFA Fan Festival scheduled to reopen Friday after storm
The FIFA Fan Festival in downtown Atlanta is expected to reopen Friday afternoon after severe weather forced organizers to shut down activities early the previous day.