When the World Cup kicked off in Dallas a month ago, we didn\u2019t know what to expect.<\/p>\n
Our hope was for the event to be a success, but with issues<\/a> in Dallas continuing to mount<\/a> as the first kickoff approached, it seemed too plausible that something would go wrong. But, as the World Cup events across North Texas come to a close this week, with the last game here between Spain and France tonight, we are happy to report the matches held so far were a resounding triumph.\u00a0<\/p>\n The event exceeded any social success one could have predicted. Millions of enthusiastic fans descended upon the region and made their presence known. From marches through the streets of downtown by Croatian fans to supporters of Team Mexico overtaking Klyde Warren Park, Dallas was approached with open arms by the visitors who called the city home during their team\u2019s match.<\/p>\n Barry Zeait was one of these fans. An Australian in town for the July 3 game against Egypt<\/a>, he was full of energy and appreciation as he made his way toward Dallas Stadium with a large contingent of his fellow countrymen decked in green and gold.<\/p>\n \u201cDallas is extremely organized, on point, friendly and hospitable. It\u2019s just a really good feeling of being comfortable in a place I\u2019ve never been before,\u201d Zeait said. \u201cI tell you, it feels like home.\u201d<\/p>\n It was rejuvenating to see the passion fans like Zeait brought, for not only their teams but also the everyday things we often take for granted. They fell in love with the barbecue, the cowboy hats and even the ranch dressing.<\/a><\/p>\n These seemingly little things visitors appreciated provided the opportunity to see Dallas through the eyes of those who don\u2019t live here, helping local residents appreciate everything good happening in the city.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s great to see people from all over the world coming to our city, our little slice of America,\u201d Jacob Williams said. \u201cTo see all the colors, the people, the energy and so much positivity; it’s so beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n Giving credit where credit is due, the local organizing committee, along with its volunteers, did exactly what they were supposed to \u2014 show visitors why Dallas is a world-class city to host an event like the World Cup. They were successful in creating an atmosphere where both visitors and residents alike felt an immense sense of pride to be in Dallas \u2014 exactly what we hoped would occur.\u00a0<\/p>\n While we still have some reservations about whether the amount each tourist spent really matched FIFA\u2019s predictions, the overall experience was a success. \u00a0<\/p>\n The World Cup was exactly the event Dallas needed in a summer that began with a mass exodus as AT&T, the Mavs and the Stars decided to leave downtown<\/a>. We hope those in charge recognize this success and use it as a way to usher in the next era.<\/p>\n