Since the FIFA Fan Festival opened to the public at Lemon Hill, one souvenir has become highly coveted: a charm bracelet from Bank of America.
Known as Fan Bands, the customizable bracelets are available at 11 host city Fan Festival locations. Their popularity in Philly, however, quickly caught on with fans.
People can personalize the bracelets with charms like the World Cup trophy, soccer cleats, the LOVE statue, and the Liberty Bell at no extra cost.
It’s no surprise that demand for the bracelets has been exceptionally high. People have stood in long lines for the past two weeks, and reports have been surfacing on social media about fans waiting hours only to be offered a pre-made bracelet or asked to return, according to a CBS News Philadelphia report.
To boost efficiency, organizers are using a time-slot system: Attendees receive colored wristbands at the gates that assign them to a one-hour window when they can visit the Bank of America booth and design their bracelet. Wristbands are handed out on a first-come, first-served basis.
If wristbands run out before gates open, fans can still secure a wristband by visiting the Bank of America booth during a later time slot.
While Philadelphia is wrapping up its run with World Cup matches, the FIFA Fan Festival will stay open through the end of the World Cup.
Philadelphia will host a much-anticipated Round of 16 match on Saturday, July 4, at 5 p.m.