Published on June 10, 2026
For the duration of the tournament, Downtown Arlington is hosting “Kick It in Downtown,” a series of programs, watch parties and events that connect soccer fans to local culture, art, music, food, and hometown hospitality.
To kick off the series, Downtown Arlington has partnered with local artist Jan Riggins to create an interactive 3D mural located minutes from the action. Known for her realistic murals that invite interaction, Riggins’ canvas will be the sidewalk on the northeast side of Rotary DREAM Park along Front Street. The optical illusion effects built into her soccer field design make for hilarious selfies and an ideal meet-up location. Riggins installed the mural on June 9, and it will remain on display throughout the matches hosted in Arlington.
As a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Arlington’s Dallas Stadium will be home to nine international soccer matches taking place between June 14 and July 14. At the same time, “Kick It in Downtown” will keep team spirits high as a part of the City’s broader “Arlington Welcomes the World” campaign.
“The world is turning its attention to North Texas, and Downtown Arlington businesses are playing key roles in making visitors feel genuinely welcomed,” said Downtown Arlington president and CEO Maggie Campbell. “Through our activation of public spaces, incredible local businesses and sense of community, Downtown showcases the spirit of Arlington at its very best.”
Just a mile south of Dallas Stadium, Downtown Arlington is the place where locals go year-round to dine out, meet for drinks, enjoy live music, shop, and discover hidden gems like public art. Throughout the next month, locals and fans will also discover soccer-inspired specials throughout Downtown, plus live watch parties and featured events.
Starting at 1:00 p.m. on June 14, Rotary DREAM Park (100 E. Front St.) will come alive with the first “Kick It in Downtown” fan experience including music, photo backdrops, Riggins’ mural, seating, and shade. Arlington Ambassadors will host a hospitality station, the perfect place to cool down, rest, get directions, then go on to the next experience. The main event begins at 5:00 p.m. with the University of Texas at Arlington drumline followed by a two-hour show by Alfredo Ram, a world-class trick roper whose Wild West-inspired show celebrates the traditions, skill, and spirit of the American cowboy.
Soccer fans from near and far are also invited to visit these Downtown Arlington businesses from June 14 to July 14 for “Kick It in Downtown” specials, watch parties and a shuttle to Dallas Stadium:
J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill: Watch party and activity in the parking lot, plus shuttle service to and from Dallas Stadium
Stash VHS: Watch party and a vintage soccer themed clothing drop including over 100 items such as mystery boxes and vintage soccer jerseys
Taqueria Acapulquito: Watch party
Cane Rosso: Watch party and drink discounts
Kung Fu Tea: Giveaways including themed soccer cups and iron-on patches while supplies last, plus themed drinks in honor of Teams USA, Mexico and Canada in partnership with Red Bull.
Grease Monkey: Live music and daily specials on a variety of local food and drink items.
For directions and more information about this and future “Kick It in Downtown” fan experiences, events, specials, watch party locations, and more, visit downtownarlington.org/events/kickitdowntown.
About the Artist
To learn more about Jan Riggins, visit janrigginsart.com.
About the Downtown Arlington Management Corporation
The Downtown Arlington Management Corporation (DAMC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit entity, under contract with the City of Arlington to manage downtown special services including maintenance, beautification, marketing, economic development, and advocacy. The organization is largely funded through Public Improvement District (PID) #1, providing funding support from private property owners, through a supplemental property tax assessment. These PID-funded services benefit the owners and their tenants, providing for a vibrant and engaged downtown neighborhood. Downtown Arlington was designated in 2016 as the Arlington Cultural Arts District. DAMC serves as the primary convener and keeper of the downtown vision and is governed by a 15-member Board of Directors.