FIFA issued a statement “denying the claims” that the org had had “issued a ban” on tailgating at U.S. stadiums hosting World Cup Games, according to Edward Lewis of the CALIFORNIA POST. FIFA Media wrote on X on Wednesday, “FIFA does not have a formal policy that restricts tailgating (eating and drinking around parked cars in stadium areas).” The organization noted that “certain venues might have their own policies in place that could ultimately block” tailgating. FIFA Media added, “Site-specific restrictions may be imposed in alignment with host city public safety authorities in certain venues based on local regulations.” Reports of the alleged FIFA ban “appeared to stem from Boston’s World Cup website, bostonfwc26.” On the page, under “Match Day Check List,” officials wrote “traditional ‘tailgating’ (eating and drinking around parked cars) is not permitted for these events.” They went on to write, “In Massachusetts, it is illegal to possess or drink from open containers of alcohol in public spaces.” FIFA, though, is “making it clear any tailgating rules -- at least for now -- will be determined by host cities, not a World Cup-wide mandate” (CALIFORNIA POST, 4/15).
CASE BY CASE: THE ATHLETIC’s Dan Sheldon reports in addition to Boston, “tailgating will not be permitted at Lumen Field in Seattle due to its city centre location,” with the pre-match gatherings also “banned during the NFL season.” FIFA sources have said that the governing body will “work with local authorities to determine what is and isn’t safe before a decision is made on whether tailgating is allowed at each venue.” FIFA has “full control of the stadiums during the World Cup,” with the local organizing committee “responsible for overseeing security operations.” Each host venue will be “assessed on a case-by-case basis,” and “myriad considerations will be taken into account before a decision is made.” These include the “footprint of each stadium, car park space, how people travel to and from the venue, and its location” (THE ATHLETIC, 4/16).
GREEN LIGHT: In Dallas, Sarah Bahari noted for Cowboys and college games, “tailgating is allowed when the gates open and up to two hours after the game.” Even if tailgating is not banned in Arlington, “space will be limited” (DALLAS MORNING NEWS, 4/15). In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald reported there “will not be an outright ban on tailgating” in the city. An Eagles spokesperson said, “That does not apply to us” (PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER, 4/15). In K.C., Pete Grathoff wrote a tailgating ban will not “be the case” at Arrowhead Stadium. KC2026 said last year that “much of the Truman Sports Complex parking lot” will be “set aside for fan activities.” FIFA said that it will not “limit tailgating outside Arrowhead Stadium” (K.C. STAR, 4/15).
