Heat doesn't stop crowds from packing FIFA Fan Fest to watch USMNT

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On a steamy summer night, decked out in their red, white, and blue, thousands of people packed Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park to watch the United States take on Bosnia-Herzegovina in the World Cup.

Andrew Zimmerman, of Fishtown, was one of the many fans in attendance.

"It's electric. Everyone's building connections. They can bond over one team," he said.

This massive watch party took place at the start of a heat wave that is set to bring triple-digit temperatures heading into the July 4 holiday weekend.

In response to the continued dangerously high heat index values, Philadelphia's health commissioner has extended the City's Heat Health Emergency through 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 5.

Michael DelBene, the executive producer of Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Fest, said they worked with city officials on a comprehensive safety plan to handle this heat.

"We've got extra water deliveries, extra ice deliveries, extra cooling fans," he explained.

DelBene also said there are cooling buses for anyone who needs a reprieve, plus medical tents spread out across Lemon Hill. Volunteers will also be roaming the grounds looking for signs of heat exhaustion in any fans in attendance.

The heat has also forced them to change their hours for the festival.

"Later in the day, when the temperature is a little less, when the sun goes down, we'll open up," DelBene said.

On Thursday, the fan festival will be open from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On Friday, it will be open from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Shawn Edwards, of East Falls, said he won't miss a chance to be at the festival. He also has tickets for the match in South Philly on Saturday.

"I'm definitely looking forward to the game on the Fourth too," he said. "That one is going to be just as hot as it is today, if not hotter. But I'm going to represent. I love it for the city."

Regarding Saturday's match, FIFA announced all fans will be allowed to bring in one soft, plastic, 20-ounce (590ml), factory-sealed disposable water bottle into any FIFA World Cup 2026 match in the US and Canada.