LOWER MERION—During a recent meeting, the Lower Merion Board of Commissioners gave the green light for a 2026 FIFA World Cup gathering in the Ardmore Business District on July 3 at Ardmore’s Schauffele Plaza.
The commissioners approved a waiver of township code that was requested by co-applicants, Tired Hands Fermentaria and Downtown Ardmore District, to allow patrons to possess open containers of alcohol and serve alcohol in public rights-of-way within regulated areas on July 3, between the hours of 5 and 10 p.m.
The township code in Lower Merion restricts serving and consumption of alcohol on township property, which reads, “No person shall drink an alcoholic beverage, nor shall any person, firm, corporation, or other organization possess an open container containing an alcoholic beverage, whether inside or outside of a motor vehicle or any part thereof, on or in any public place within the Township of Lower Merion.”
The commissioners can waive alcohol restrictions for special events. The Schauffele Plaza area in Ardmore and its adjoining parking lot are often used for community events.
Along with the approval, a rain date of July 14, from 5 to 10 p.m., was included. The approval is also subject to the Downtown Ardmore District providing the required insurance certificate documenting adequate coverage as required by the township.
“This outdoor dining World Cup game event will coincide with Ardmore’s July First Friday. The World Cup game event will feature a miniature soccer field on astroturf, live music, cornhole, and other lawn games,” according to a staff memo to the commissioners.
Under the township’s normal procedure, the commissioners recommended approval of the waiver during a Lower Merion Building and Planning Committee meeting, and later that night, it was placed on the agenda for the Board of Commissioners meeting and given final approval.