\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.wnep.com\/assets\/shared-images\/icons\/arrow-circle-down.svg\"){kind=icon}
<\/p>\nFIFA fever is spreading to Scranton as the city prepares to host thousands of people to watch, cheer, and take in all the World Cup excitement this July.<\/p>\n
SCRANTON, Pa. \u2014 Scranton is preparing to turn into a soccer city. The city is one of three official FIFA Fan Zones in Pennsylvania for the World Cup competition happening across the U.S., and city, county, and local leaders want to make sure football fans have a good time.<\/p>\n
“Even though the other cities may be bigger where they’re happening, we’re going to be the best, and we feel really good about that, about people coming into Scranton,” said Terry Deitz, Shamrock Communications General Manager and Senior Vice President.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
\n This story continues below.
<\/p>\n
Organizers say the excitement won’t be limited to when players are on the pitch.<\/p>\n
During a news conference at City Hall, officials announced several musical acts that will keep fans entertained in between games.<\/p>\n
“July 18th, we will have a Grammy-nominated band Hanson live on stage before the 3rd-place match. And then on July 19th, we will have Grammy-nominated band Tonic headlining before the championship match,” said Curt Camoni, Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau Executive Director.<\/p>\n
“I’m very excited about the announcement today. I will not, I will not start singing yet, but I’m close. I’m close to singing some of the songs,” said Mayor Paige Cognetti, (D) Scranton.<\/p>\n
Some cover bands will also keep crowds entertained over the two weekends.<\/p>\n
So will pop centers, a fun zone, and other areas slated to be set up around Courthouse Square.<\/p>\n
“We have the cooperation of the county’s sheriff’s department, emergency services teams, and federal officials helping us with this, and we’re just so gosh darn excited,” said Comm. Thom Welby, (D) Lackawanna County.<\/p>\n
“For four days this summer, Courthouse Square is going to become the living room of Lackawanna County, a place where families gather, friends reconnect, and visitors from throughout the region come together to celebrate the world’s game,” said Comm. Bill Gaughan, (D) Lackawanna County.<\/p>\n
Officials say road closures will be in effect during the FIFA Fan Zone events and that people should plan ahead.<\/p>\n