Houston planning out-of-this-world experience for World Cup fans this summer

Soccer fans headed to Houston for the World Cup this summer can expect an out-of-this-world experience as the city combines its connection to the stars while roping in some of the best of what the city has to offer by keeping two feet on the ground.

Soccer fans headed to Houston for the FIFA World Cup this summer can expect an out-of-this-world experience as the city combines its connection to the stars while roping in some of the best of what the city has to offer by keeping two feet on the ground.

Subscribe to read this story ad-free

Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.

Houston is one of 11 U.S. cities that will be home to the global tournament, with seven games to be played at NRG Stadium, which will culminate in a round-of-16 knockout game July 4. But even though a small fraction of the tournament will be played in the city, fans will be able to enjoy all 34 games at the free fan festival in the heart of East Downtown, according to host committee member Patty Smith.

“We know what it’s like to host a Super Bowl, and we know that this will be the equivalent of seven Super Bowls in less than a three-week period,” Smith said in an interview. “So not only the economic impact is going to be incredible to our city, but all eyes are watching, and we always want to put our best foot forward as a city. That’s just who we are.”