Philadelphia releases parking, transit and security info ahead of FIFA Fan Festival and World Cup
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- City leaders in Philadelphia are outlining plans for security, transportation and fan experiences as the city prepares to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to begin locally on June 14.
With just days remaining before the first match, officials said Tuesday that preparations are focused on moving large crowds efficiently and keeping visitors safe.
The city is coordinating transportation to both the stadium and a fan festival at Lemon Hill in Fairmount Park, while also planning for emergency scenarios.
SEPTA officials say transit service will expand to accommodate the influx of visitors. The agency is increasing bus service to Lemon Hill and reopening underground connections between City Hall and Walnut-Locust Station that have been closed for six years.
"I want to stress this is not just to accommodate the World Cup, this is a permanent reopening of our South Broad concourse," said SEPTA's Scott Sauer.
To help fans navigate the city and manage heat during the summer matches, Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will open hospitality hubs at Love Park, Logan Square, Eakins Oval and Lloyd Hall. The sites are intended to provide restrooms, water and shaded areas.
"We wanted to make sure that they were convenient locations for them to stop and use the restroom. Get some water, get some sun[screen], get some shade, so we strategically planted these hubs on the parkway," said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Susan Slawson.
As the countdown continues, Philadelphia leaders say the goal is to ensure fans can travel safely, stay informed and enjoy the World Cup experience across the city.
The following is a list of details about FIFA World Cup plans and the FIFA Fan Festival as released by the City of Philadelphia:
Fan Festival Details
Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival will deliver a visitor experience unlike any other in the United States in 2026. Fueled by the energy of America's 250th anniversary in the birthplace of our nation, the festival will celebrate community, culture, music, and sport while welcoming the world to an iconic global destination.
Participation in the festival is free, but online registration is required.
As the heart of Philadelphia's World Cup celebration, the Fan Festival will feature match-day watch parties, food and beverage offerings, world-class entertainment, and interactive activations, while select non-match days will include ticketed concert experiences.
Full details can be found on the Philadelphia Soccer 2026 website.
Registration
Not only is the FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia open to all, it is free to enter for all, with only a simple registration needed before entering through the gates.
Please note: Access each day is first come, first served and subject to venue capacity.
Location
East Fairmount Park's Lemon Hill
1 Lemon Hill Drive
Philadelphia, PA 19130
To enter the festival grounds, go to one of the following secured entry points:
Kelly Drive and Sedgley Drive
Poplar Drive and Girard Avenue
Hours of Operation
June 11-July 19, 2026
FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia will run throughout the entire 39-day tournament. On match days, the schedule will follow the FIFA World Cup 2026 daily match schedule and will open one hour prior to the start of the first match shown and close one hour after the conclusion of the last match that will be shown. On non-match days, operating hours will be determined by the entertainment and programming schedule.
Review full operating hours at PhillyFWC26.com/FIFA-Fan-Fest
Security
All guests must go through a security check upon entering FIFA Fan Festival, including magnetometers and bag checks.
Guests are encouraged to review the prohibited items list at PhillyFWC26.com/FIFA-Fan-Fest.
Any items that are prohibited will be confiscated and disposed.
Accessibility Options
-Accessible public transport services are available for guests with disabilities arriving or leaving the venue.
-Charging for motorized wheelchair or other medical equipment can be made available at a location to be advised by the staff at the site.
-Accessible toilets, including one accessible adult changing facility
-Sensory room
-Accessible golf cart for mobility assistance on designated routes within the venue
-Wheelchairs available for short-term assistance for persons with mobility difficulties
-New sidewalks and ADA-accessible ramps in Lemon Hill Park
-Designated service animals (e.g. assistance dogs) accompanying visitors with disabilities will be allowed into the site.
-Please note: "Comfort," "therapy," or "emotional support" animals do not qualify as Service Animals and are not permitted.
-Minimum Age: All families are welcome. There is no minimum age to attend the FIFA Fan Festival; however, anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Road Closures Surrounding FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia
There will be two main road closure areas between Center City and Lemon Hill, near Fan Festival and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The local lanes of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway will be closed to vehicular traffic from Memorial Day, May 25, to Labor Day, September 7, with the exception of the July 4th Concert festivities.
This local lane closure will provide greater accessibility for pedestrians and cyclists and will encourage people to walk and bike between Center City and Lemon Hill.
For the Philadelphia FIFA Fan Festival, the following streets will be closed beginning at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26 for the duration of the festival:
-Sedgley Drive from Kelly Drive to Poplar Drive
-Poplar Street from Poplar Drive to 30th Street (Local Access Maintained)
-Poplar Street from 29th Street to 30th Street (Westbound Only; Local Access Maintained)
-Poplar Drive from Sedgley Drive to Girard Avenue
-Sedgley Drive from Girard Avenue to Lemon Hill Drive
-Lemon Hill Drive & N. Lemon Hill Drive (Loop Road)
The above-listed streets will be posted as "Temporary No Parking" zones, with parking restricted after 5 a.m. on May 26, 2026. Motorists must adhere to "Temporary No Parking" signs.
These roads will remain closed for the duration of the Fan Festival and will be reopened to vehicular traffic by 8 p.m. on July 26, 2026.
Beginning on June 11 through July 19, Waterworks Drive will be closed at 10 a.m. each day for the duration of the Fan Festival, with controlled access for Waterworks and Philadelphia Museum of Art. Waterworks Drive will be available for general parking each morning until 9 a.m.
Vehicles parked in these locations during posted hours will be relocated. If you believe your car has been relocated, call the police district of the area where your car was parked.
Note: Additional closures may be implemented by the Philadelphia Police Department based on conditions in the interest of public safety.
Getting to FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia
Philly PHLASH
The Philly PHLASH is serving FIFA FanFestival this summer. Riders can take the PHLASH to Stop 9, FIFA Fan Festival on the PHLASH Downtown Loop. Located at Pennsylvania Avenue and Fairmount Avenue, the FIFA Fan Festival Stop is located 0.4 miles from the entrance to Philadelphia's FIFA FanFestival at Lemon Hill.
PHLASH runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The PHLASH Downtown Loop will operate extended service on days when Fan Fest operates beyond 6 p.m. Visit ridephillyphlash.com for the full operating schedule and real time ride tracking. Visitors can find PHLASH service on Google Maps, Apple Maps, and all major transit feeds.
Travel aboard PHLASH is free for SEPTA Pass Holders, Seniors, and Children Under 4. All other riders can ride all day for $5 or purchase a family pass for $15 for 2 adults and up to 4 children to ride all day.
SEPTA
Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.
Enhanced Bus Service & Detours in Fairmount:
Beginning June 14, SEPTA bus route 32 will become a frequent route on weekdays only with 15 minute or less service from 6 am - 9 pm.
Additionally, bus route 48 will add extra service in the evenings and provide direct service to a central drop-off and pick-up point at Pennsylvania Avenue & Fairmount Avenue, close to the festival location.
Additionally, bus routes 7 and 49 provide service to Fairmount, with stops within walking distance of the FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia entrance.
SEPTA will also deploy articulated vehicles along with additional buses stationed nearby for rapid deployment as needed to meet peak demand from the festival.
Visit SEPTA's 2026 World Cup website for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules, visit NJTransit.com. For information on PATCO routes and schedules, visit RidePatco.org.
Ride Hailing
Ride hailing services will have limited access near FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia during operating hours due to temporary traffic controls and rideshare restrictions in and around the event footprint. Designated pick-up and drop-off locations will be situated outside the immediate Fan Festival area and may require additional walking time for riders.
Geofence exceptions will be available for riders who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) or disclose a mobility issue to their driver.
Residents and visitors should expect modified traffic patterns, adjusted rideshare access zones, and limited vehicle access in certain surrounding areas.
Guests are strongly encouraged to use public transportation, SEPTA, walking, biking, or other alternative transportation options whenever possible. The city is continuing to refine operational details in coordination with community feedback. Final restrictions and maps will be shared on the 2026 Digital Resource Hub.
Cyclists and Pedestrians
FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia is easily accessible via cycling and walking. Sidewalks and walking paths will remain open for pedestrians as conditions allow; however, please follow all posted signs, detours, and traffic control devices.
The Schuylkill River Trail will be open and accessible across the street from the Fan Festival adjacent to Boat House Row.
There will be bike parking available at Lloyd Hall and near the Indego Station Hub at Fan Festival.
RideIndego is an accessible and affordable way to get to and from FIFA FanFestival. There will be an Indego Station Hub with temporary capacity for 100 bikes at Fan Festival at Kelly Drive and Sedgely Drive in addition to regular docking stations conveniently located throughout the City, including along Kelly Drive and the Parkway.
Download the official Indego App to check real-time bike and dock availability at any station. Visit the Google Play or Apple App Store and look for the official Indego App.
Parking
FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia is a primarily pedestrian- and transit-accessed event. Parking options are available throughout Philadelphia for those who plan to "park and ride" or "park and walk" to the event.
Hospitality Hubs
Philadelphia Parks and Recreation will be staffing hospitality hubs, including two pop-up visitor centers in partnership with the Philadelphia Visitor Center. These hubs will be along the recommended walking path from Center City to FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia at Lemon Hill. The walking path will guide visitors past the following locations:
-City Hall
-Love Park
-Benjamin Franklin Parkway
-Logan Circle
-Eakins Oval
-Lloyd Hall
The hospitality hubs will be open daily throughout the 39-day tournament and have the following free amenities:
-Water
-Restrooms
-Visitor information
-Maps
Exact locations of the hospitality hubs and hours of operation will be available at a later date.
Residential Parking Updates
There is no designated private vehicle parking available for those attending FIFA FanFestival Philadelphia at Lemon Hill. The Philadelphia Parking Authority is implementing temporary parking measures to help protect residential access and local parking availability during the tournament.
From Thursday, June 11 through Sunday, July 19, 2026, temporary residential parking permits will be required at no cost for all vehicles parked on the street within the Lemon Hill area. The interactive map highlights the permit zone boundaries and streets where the temporary permits are required.
Residents in this area can apply for the temporary residential parking permit online by visiting philapark.org/lemonhill/, in person by visiting the PPA Permit Office located at35 N. 8th Street, or by attending local events with a PPA table for assisted registration.
Business owners also need to register and will be provided with 10 guest passes each for employees and patrons.
NOTE: Current permit holders are not exempt. Your vehicle must have a temporary permit to avoid being ticketed and towed.
Additional Information for Residents
Residents can find the most up to date information by visiting the 2026 Digital Resource Hub. It is a one stop shop for helpful resources, major event details, transportation information, and public safety guides. Visit phila.gov/2026 to be connected to the latest information.
Residents can also stay connected to important information from the City, like weather and event-related details by texting "CUPPHL" to 888-777 to receive free alerts from the Office of Emergency Management.
Discover 2026 celebrations, festivals, and more fun things to do across the city all summer long by downloading the Access Philly mobile app, available on iOS and Google Play.
Email fanfest2026@phila.gov with any additional questions.
Philadelphia Stadium Details
Location
Philadelphia Stadium
One Lincoln Financial Field Way
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Match Schedule & Timing
Philadelphia will host six (6) matches for FIFA World Cup 2026, including a Round of 16 match on July 4, 2026, when Philadelphia will be the epicenter of 250th Anniversary Celebration of the United States.
Philadelphia's full match schedule is as follows:
-Match 9 - Sunday, 14 June 2026 at 7:00 PM ET, Cte d'Ivoire vs Ecuador (Group E)
-Match 29 - Friday, 19 June 2026 at 8:30 PM ET, Brazil vs Haiti (Group C)
-Match 42 - Monday, 22 June 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, France vs Iraq (Group I)
-Match 55 - Thursday, 25 June, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET, Curaao vs Cte d'Ivoire (Group E)
-Match 68 - Saturday, 27 June 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, Croatia vs Ghana (Group L)
-Match 89 - Saturday, 4 July 2026 at 5:00 PM ET, Round of 16
Philadelphia Stadium's gates open three hours before kickoff to allow fans enough time to enter the venue and get settled. Parking will be open to fans five hours before kickoff. We encourage fans to arrive early to allow enough time for security screening, ticket scanning, and entry before kickoff.
Ticketing
Ticketing information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is available at FIFA.com/tickets.
Fan Safety & Support
Leaving and then re-entering the stadium is not allowed, and smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited. Rules like these are included in the stadium policies, available on the FIFA website.
For the safety of fans, FIFA and the stadium have a list of prohibited items which includes but is not limited to: weapons, explosives, detonators, work tools, helmets, lighters, matches, smoke bombs, spray cans, etc. Anyone found to be carrying a prohibited item may be refused entry to the stadium. A full list of prohibited items is available on the FIFA website.
Fan Experience Surrounding Philadelphia Stadium
Stateside Live! Match Day Experiences
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Stateside Live! have launched a collection of match day experiences tailored for individual fans, families, visiting supporter groups, and everyone in between who will be attending matches at Philadelphia Stadium. Tickets are available for purchase at StatesideLive.com/Soccer-2026.
Following the conclusion of matches hosted at Philadelphia Stadium, Stateside Live! will re-open to the general public.
FIFA Fan Experience Zones
Arrive early and experience the action before the match starts. The Stadium Fan Experience area is located on the north side of the stadium, inside entrance N and NW. Enjoy fun activities, hang out with other fans, and win free prizes.
Getting to Philadelphia Stadium
Parking
Parking passes for lots surrounding Philadelphia Stadium are available to purchase for match ticket holders via FIFA. Only one parking pass may be purchased per ticket, and a valid match ticket is required to complete the purchase.
All FIFA World Cup parking passes must be purchased in advance. Purchase is available at JustPark event parking.
SEPTA
Philadelphia's mass transit system, SEPTA, offers two subway lines, regional rail service to and from the surrounding suburbs, and bus service throughout the city.
SEPTA's B (Broad Street Line) provides convenient service to the South Philadelphia Sports Complex via NRG Station. SEPTA will operate regularly scheduled service along with Sports Express trains every 10 minutes or less.
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 has partnered with Airbnb to provide complimentary rides home on SEPTA's B after all six FIFA World Cup matches in Philadelphia. The free-ride-home program is designed to expand access to safe, reliable transportation and help ensure all fans can fully participate in the FIFA World Cup experience.
Complimentary rides home from NRG Station for FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will begin at halftime and continue for two (2) hours following the end of the match. Regular fares will apply for all travel to the matches.
Visit SEPTA's 2026 World Cup website for full details on transit options. For information on NJ Transit routes and schedules, visit NJTransit.com. For information on PATCO routes and schedules, visit RidePatco.org.
Ride Hailing
Ride hailing services will have limited access near Philadelphia Stadium on match days due to temporary traffic controls and rideshare restrictions in and around the event footprint. The designated pick-up and drop-off locations will be at FDR Park. Geofence exceptions will be available for riders who require a wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) or disclose a mobility issue to their driver.
Cyclists and Pedestrians
Philadelphia Stadium is also accessible via cycling and walking. Sidewalks and walking paths will remain open for pedestrians as conditions allow; however, please follow all posted signs, detours, and traffic control devices.
RideIndego is an accessible and affordable way to get to and from FIFA FanFestival. There will be an Indego Station Hub with temporary capacity for 100 bikes at Fan Festival at Kelly Drive and Sedgely Drive in addition to regular docking stations conveniently located throughout the City, including along Kelly Drive and the Parkway. Download the official Indego App to check real-time bike and dock availability at any station. Visit the Google Play or Apple App Store and look for the official Indego App.
Citywide Wayfinding & Navigation
Wayfinding Signage
To help residents and visitors navigate Philadelphia throughout FIFA World Cup 2026 and FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia, the City of Philadelphia and Philadelphia Soccer 2026 are implementing a comprehensive, citywide wayfinding program designed to improve mobility, accessibility, and the overall visitor experience.
More than 100 temporary wayfinding signs will be installed throughout Center City, along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, near transit hubs, and throughout key visitor corridors leading to FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia at Lemon Hill and Philadelphia Stadium. The signage system will provide directional guidance for pedestrians and cyclists and help connect visitors to transit options, hospitality hubs, cultural destinations, and event venues across the city.
Volunteers & Visitor Support
Thousands of volunteers will help welcome the world to Philadelphia during FIFA World Cup 2026. FIFA Volunteers and the Philadelphia Visitor Center's Phambassadors will support residents and visitors throughout the city during the tournament.
Volunteers will be stationed at key locations across Philadelphia, including transit hubs, major attractions, hospitality centers, FIFA Fan Festival Philadelphia, and along primary pedestrian routes. Volunteers will assist visitors with directions, event information, transportation guidance, language support, and more. The Phambassadors will play a key role in helping visitors navigate the city while showcasing Philadelphia's hospitality and civic pride.
Safety & Event Contact Information
Who to call or where to go with questions or concerns:
-Medical, police, or fire emergencies: call 9-1-1.
-Find a police district. Follow Philadelphia Police on X.
-Have a medical emergency? Find fire stations. Follow Philadelphia Fire on Xn X.
-For non-emergency and city service information: contact Philly311 by dialing 3-1-1
-Philadelphia International Airport's playbook for visitors travelling through PHL.
-SEPTA transit police safety and security: call (215) 234-1911.
-Need some nature, looking for some shade, or a place to cool off? Visit Parks & Recreation's location finder for parks, recreation centers, pools, and spraygrounds.
-Find your way around Philadelphia with maps and directions.
