Sundance Square scores big as World Cup crowds draw national attention
Whether It’s little kids playing in the fountain or folks seeking shade underneath the trees, people are coming out in the 90-degree weather to watch the World Cup at Sundance Square.
Sundance Square in downtown Fort Worth is hosting soccer viewing parties at the plaza for the entirety of the World Cup. The destination has been hugely popular, and the big crowds have put Fort Worth in the national spotlight.
More than 7,000 people filled the plaza and surrounding streets for the Mexico vs. South Korea match on June 18, according to Andy Santos, who works at Stretch and Tone, a yoga studio and shop at 302 Main St.
“There’s been a lot of movement, like we’ve had a lot more people coming in the stores, people from all over the world, which is incredible,” Santos said.
For Rafferty Berkey these events have been “nothing short of miraculous” for his hot dog truck, Coney Corner, which he has parked at the viewing events.
“I’m super grateful to have the opportunity to just be out here, and to be able to provide food to people,” Berkey said.
The owners of Hopscotch, Cesar Luna and Corina Duenes, say the watch parties have been great visibility for their business, which sells “traditional Mexican treats and sweets.” The shop is at 101 W. Third Street, right in the middle of Sundance Square, and has been open since 2023.
“For some of the most popular games, people come out, and they support their team, and it has been really good for us, but it has been really wild,” Luna said.
All the local businesses that spoke to Star-Telegram agreed that Mexico’s team draws the largest crowd.
“Anybody playing against Mexico, It draws a crowd every time,” said the manager of Risky’s Barbecue, 300 Main St.
The crowd for the South Korea vs. Mexico game on June 18. was so big that Sundance Square gained national attention, and NBC Sports even named the plaza one of the best places in the U.S. to watch the World Cup, according to Ed Krause, the vice president of Sundance Square management.
“We are seeing why every day: families, local fans, visitors from across the country, and people from around the world are gathering here — at all hours — to watch World Cup matches in a setting that reflects what Fort Worth does so well: bringing people together, making them feel welcome, and having fun,” Krause said.
Krause said that they recently added a third viewing screen to “make the experience even better for the growing number of fans.”
“What makes it all work is the people — the fans, families, local businesses, artists, musicians, hospitality teams, public safety partners, and everyone who brings Fort Worth’s culture and character to life,” Krause added.
Folks watching the Switzerland vs. Canada game on June 25. said they came out to “feel included in the fun” and added that they weren’t even big soccer fans.
