Dallas hosts the greatest number of matches when FIFA comes to North America this June. Netherlands and Japan will square off at AT&T Stadium on June 14 in the city’s first contest. But not only Dallas be on display in the Lone Star State during FIFA—so will its neighbor, Grand Prairie.
“Grand Prairie is uniquely positioned, thanks to its central location between Dallas [AT&T] Stadium and the fan festival activation site in Dallas,” says Sara Dedeluk, director of Visit Grand Prairie. “Situated just 7 miles from the stadium, the city offers convenient access for visitors traveling between major event venues.”
Dallas, it should be noted, is no stranger to world-class events and building experiences around them. “Our hospitality is one-of-a-kind, so fans can expect to receive the warmest of welcomes here,” Zane Harrington, director of communications for Visit Dallas, says. “Our cultural partners and attractions are putting together a dynamic lineup of events, from soccer-themed exhibitions at Perot Museum of Nature and Science and global storytelling at the George W. Bush Presidential Center to immersive entertainment experiences like Netflix House. In the Dallas Arts District and at Klyde Warren Park, visitors will find citywide celebrations, performances and cultural moments that reflect Dallas’ creative energy and welcoming spirit.”
Cultural Experience
Harrington says the Visit Dallas team is working closely with organizations from all over the city to ensure that local businesses and hospitality professionals are prepared. “We are hosting a series of hospitality and cultural trainings, where attendees will learn about the game, 20-25 words in the team’s language, information on must-see attractions, restaurant recommendations, fan festival details and much more,” he says.
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Grand Prairie, too, is taking a proactive, community-wide approach to ensure its businesses and hospitality partners are fully prepared to welcome FIFA visitors. By partnering with Dallas Sports Commission and the FIFA planning committee, Dedeluk says a comprehensive training program is being rolled out to ensure visitors have an elevated experience. “These sessions focus on key areas such as cultural awareness, accessibility and human trafficking prevention—ensuring our community is not only ready, but exceptionally welcoming,” she says.
Lessons Learned
Harrington says his team also plans to assess what may be beneficial to carry over to large groups. “Specifically, we will closely evaluate the Fan Festival at Fair Park, as there could be opportunities for us to integrate those experiences into large group events we host there,” he says.
What to Expect in Grand Prairie
First impressions matter and for many of Dallas’ FIFA visitors, it will be their first time experiencing the city and its greater metroplex region. Dedeluk is confident visitors will be pleasantly surprised by what her city has to offer. “Grand Prairie truly offers something for everyone—from shopping and outdoor adventures to high-energy thrills and standout dining. Sports fans can even catch an extra dose of excitement with Major League Cricket (MLC) matches, perfectly timed alongside FIFA matches,” she says.
Along with MLC games, the city’s Lone Star Park offers Class I Thoroughbred Horse Racing in June and July. And Epic Central, a 172-acre entertainment destination, offers dining and attractions, and will host watch parties during the FIFA tournament.
Looking Ahead
While Dallas will not have any permanent infrastructure improvements for FIFA, the city has other projects in the works, such as a 500,000-square-foot expansion of Kay Bailey Convention Center in 2029, bringing the facility to roughly 2.5 million total sq. ft.; an expansion of Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) that will add Terminal F and 31 new gates serviced entirely by American Airlines, with 15 opening in 2027; and the most hotel development anywhere in the country, at 193 projects as of Q4 2025, according to Lodging Econometrics’ latest United States Hotel Construction Pipeline Trend Report.
“Dallas is preparing for an experience.” Harrington says. “We want every visitor to leave with a strong impression of the city’s hospitality and energy.”
With Grand Prairie’s positioning next to a major city like Dallas, it has much to gain from such a global event. “Grand Prairie’s strategy is focused on turning short-term exposure into long-term growth by leveraging both our location and the visitor experience we deliver during FIFA,” Dedeluk says. “Being just minutes from AT&T Stadium and centrally positioned within the Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex, we’re using this moment to introduce new audiences to everything our city offers—from entertainment districts like Epic Central to our hotels, dining, and cultural amenities.”
“Ultimately, the goal is simple,” she adds. “When visitors come for FIFA, we want them to leave with a lasting impression of Grand Prairie—and a reason to return.”
