BAKERSFIELD, Calif.(KBAK/KBFX) — While the 2026 World Cup matches will be played in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, some Bakersfield businesses are hoping the international tournament will still bring an economic boost to Kern County.
FILE – The exterior of SoFi Stadium is seen before an NFL football game on Dec. 19, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer, File)
Local business owners say some of that spending could stay closer to home as fans look for places to watch the matches without traveling.
“We’re very excited,” said Tara Douhan, owner of Bakersfield Beer Company. “It should be a great turnout. We’re gonna be open for all of the games.”
Douhan said her business has become a destination for soccer fans in Bakersfield.
“We’re Bakersfield’s number one soccer bar,” Douhan said. “We’re actually on the Men in Blazers Bar Finder for soccer.”
She said the bar typically sees strong crowds during major soccer tournaments and expects similar interest during the World Cup.
“We always do very well during World Cup,” Douhan said. “People reach out to us all the time all year long.”
Douhan believes the cost of attending matches in person could encourage some fans to stay local instead.
“The tickets were so expensive,” she said. “I think it was a little difficult for some people to be able to travel and afford the tickets and the hotel and all the expenses, especially because of gas prices. So we have an alternative here, right, in your local area to come and enjoy yourselves.”
To prepare for the tournament, Douhan said the business has increased inventory and invested in advertising.
“We’ve already stocked up on beers that we think people will want to be drinking during the games,” she said. “We do some advertising and put money into that.”
The business also plans to adjust its hours to accommodate match schedules.
“We’ll definitely be open early and staying open later,” Douhan said. “We’ll be flexible.”
Douhan said she expects large crowds throughout the tournament.
“It should be as packed as we can be safely,” she said.
The business plans to remain open for all tournament matches and will also host food trucks during the event.