MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — The hype is already here for World Cup, South Florida-style.

Although matches will be played at the newly-renamed “Miami Stadium” in Miami Gardens, city leaders in Miami Beach boasted the beach as the base for all things FIFA.

“We’re used to the big games, Super Bowls, Art Basel,” said Mayor Steven Meiner. “We are now on the world stage.”

“It all starts here on Thursday with a watch party and a concert kicking off here on the beach,” said Ray Martinez, Chief Operating Officer of the FIFA World Cup Host committee.

For the upcoming weeks, visitors can expect to see more police and more fire rescue.

Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones said the department will be using its real time intelligence center, drone mitigation, and more officers will be on the street.

Miami Beach Fire Chief Digna Abello told Local 10 News that rescue vehicles will be positioned strategically around the entertainment district and in high-volume areas.

Other parts of South Florida are getting a piece of the action, too.

On Tuesday at Tropical Park, young soccer players were treated to drills with pro player David Ruiz of Inter Miami.

“Me, being the professional player coming here to be with these kids, is an amazing feeling,” Ruiz said.

In Hialeah, along with watch parties, Mayor Bryan Calvo said children will participate in the first annual “Mayor’s Cup.”

Fun events during World Cup will pop up across South Florida

About The Author

Janine Stanwood