Fair Park is nearly ready to become the largest World Cup watch party in North Texas as FIFA Fan Fest opens Thursday in Dallas.

The free 39-day event is being set up in the parking lots next to Dos Equis Pavilion, where organizers have added turf, pavilion structures and screens for fans to watch matches.

Noelle LeVeaux with the NTX FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee said the goal is to make the World Cup accessible across the region.

“We want everyone in North Texas to have an experience with the World Cup,” LeVeaux said.

Organizers are encouraging fans who may not have tickets in Arlington to come to Dallas for another way to see and feel the global game.

“There is nothing like this,” said Cindy Solomon.

The Fan Fest will include food and drink vendors at various price points, along with spaces for families to play, sit and cool off.

Organizers said they hope the layout gives everyone a reason to visit at least once.

“We’re hoping to convert non-soccer fans to soccer fans – and then we’re hoping our diehard soccer fans think this is the best place to watch the matches,” Solomon said.

The signature viewing area includes 7,000 covered seats in the pavilion, highlighted by a 26-by-41-foot big screen.

“This is the place where a lot of our local residents are going to experience their first World Cup,” LeVeaux said.

Admission is free, but getting there will come with different costs. A DART daily regional pass is $9, while on-site parking is $30. Expanded rideshare lots will also be available for drop-offs and pickups.

Organizers said the Fan Fest will be ready when gates open Thursday, even as crews continue the final stages of construction.

They hope the event becomes a signature moment for the growth of soccer in North Texas.

“It’s not just 39 days of the tournament – it’s looking at the next 5 years, 10 years , 15 years and what we can do for North Texas,” Solomon said.

This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication.