BY CASSANDRA JENKINS
Staying prepared
What residents need to know
As Houston prepares to see a large influx of visitors, John Coppins, vice president of operations for the FIFA World Cup 26 Hous- ton Host Committee, said preparations are underway to help the event go as smoothly as possible, including safety and security. Houston secured a $64.6 million grant in February to enhance security at official World Cup venues, which will fund over- time pay and costs for more than 1,000 law enforcement officers and public safety per- sonnel. It will also fund essential equipment such as trucks, drones and medical supplies.
Transportation options
610
Experts suggest using alternative transit methods to reach the stadium.
45
69
Key:
90
10
10
Park and ride locations
DOWNTOWN HOUSTON
Key areas
METRO Red Line Rail
FIFA FAN FESTIVAL
69
The Commute Game Plan website will help residents plan around traffic hurdles.
288
90
HOUSTON STADIUM
610
45
SOURCES: H-GAC, METRO/COMMUNITY IMPACT
MAP NOT TO SCALE N
Public safety
by 20%-40% around key corridors, including Loop 610, Highway 45 and near the stadium. However, transportation entities across the city are preparing for the influx with new resources and expanded services. H-GAC launched a website that includes a calendar to highlight high-traffic days and show park-and-ride options. The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County will also expand services to include more buses and trains with increased frequency.
Coppins said, aside from public safety, transpor- tation is another large factor to prepare for. Downtown Houston to the stadium is roughly an 8-mile radius and, in addition to the tournament and Fan Festival, the city will also see Astros home games, concerts, conventions and a Fourth of July celebration during the same timeframe. Robyn Egbert, principal program coordinator at Houston-Galveston Area Council, said current pro- jections show that traffic is expected to increase
Houston secured roughly $65 million in federal grants to fund public safety needs and initiatives during the tournament.
Key:
Personnel: 90% Equipment: 10%
total $64.6M
SOURCES: CITY OF HOUSTON, FIFA WORLD CUP HOUSTON
HOST COMMITTEE/ COMMUNITY IMPACT
The local impact
One more thing
an estimated $1.5 billion, which will help boost local businesses, retail and hospitality, increase tax revenue for city projects and support job creation. “Beyond civic pride ... these events have real value to the residents,” Walsh said.
Since 2004, Walsh said, Houston has hosted more major events than any other city in the country. Just since 2019, the city has garnered almost $1.2 million in economic activity, he said. However, the 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring in the largest economic impact in history at
In addition to the economic value, Houston will also see many long-term benefits through what is known as the Impact Houston 26 program. Two initiatives that have already been announced include the Freekicks Soccer program and The Green Corridor. Freekicks is a program that will help construct and refurbish 23 soccer fields across six parks in Harris County, as well as bring organized club soccer to underserved youth free of charge. The Green Corridor is a project that includes creating a 14-mile loop that connects key FIFA World Cup 26 venues and local neighborhoods together. The project will enhance walkability, provide heat relief and expand tree canopy coverage. “This event is special, and it brings a certain type of feeling to a city when it’s here,” Canetti said. “I’m ready for Houston and its people to feel that, but I’m also excited for all the benefits it will bring with it.”
Houston is expected to see around 500,000 visitors throughout the tournament. Economic estimations Compared to last year:
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to bring in four times the economic impact of the 2017 Super Bowl.
$347M
FIFA World Cup (2026) CFP National Championship (2024) Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo (2025) NCAA Final Four (2023) MLB World Series (2021) Super Bowl LI (2017)
$25M
30% more hotel rooms are booked for this June
$270M
NOTE: THIS IS A PRELIMINARY ESTIMATION AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
$326M
Air bookings for June are up 32.7%
$200M
Bookings at short-term rentals are up 76% for mid-June to mid-July
$1.5B
Texas is the top domestic market for total hotel room nights in June and July
SOURCES: HOUSTON SUPER BOWL HOST COMMITTEE, HOUSTON FIRST CORPORATION, HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW & RODEO, HARRIS COUNTY-HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY, FIFA WORLD CUP HOUSTON HOST COMMITTEE/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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HEIGHTS - RIVER OAKS - MONTROSE EDITION
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