MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — South Florida isn’t just hosting the World Cup, it’s hosting the world’s biggest celebration with soccer, sunshine and South Beach selfies.
Pop ups around Miami Beach’s Lincoln Road are preparing for some epic watch parties.
Staff at The Abbey Brewing Company are ready for the FIFA fever.
“We will be getting a lot of unique guests here, people from all over the world,” said bartender Dylan Stone. “We’re gonna have TVs, a projector, and we are gonna have special promotions.”
Even though the matches will be taking place about 20 miles away, the world’s biggest sporting event is also one of Miami’s biggest economic opportunities.
“People actually come to Miami to be on the beach,” said Stone. “Trust me, they’re gonna drive.”
Preparations have long been underway, with crews hard at work at Hard Rock Stadium, renamed Miami Stadium for the tournament, and over at Bayfront Park, which is transforming into FIFA Fan Fest.
From hotels to bars to restaurants, the World Cup is a win for South Florida businesses.
“People come together over games, whether they’re rooting for that team or this team, the boos and the yays, and the clashes in between, it makes for a good time,” said Miami-Dade County Commissioner Natalie Milian Orbis.
And while the world is coming, Miami is ready, with Miami International Airport beefing up security to prep for an additional 1.2 million passengers.
“We’re expanding operations, additional terminal staff, programs like Families on the Fly that should help with the customer experience,” said Milian Orbis.
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