When the FIFA World Cup 2026 arrived in Massachusetts, the excitement stretched far beyond Boston Stadium. The city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts expected, and experienced, thousands of tourists, residents, and soccer fans from around the world gathering to celebrate their teams.
Already a tightly packed urban destination, Boston had limited space for public viewing opportunities for the World Cup. The Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) recognized an opportunity to offer an easily accessible outdoor soccer viewing space for the public.
Located adjacent to the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center (MCEC) sits the Lawn on D, a premier outdoor green space that serves as a public park and a private event space in summer months. Understanding the versatility of this space, the MCCA developed a plan for the perfect family-friendly soccer watch party experience for soccer fanatics and new tournament fans to view matches. Focusing on this goal, the idea of Boston Fan Zone at the Lawn on D was created.
With a vision for public access and community activations and engagement, the MCCA transformed an under-utilized space adjacent to the existing Lawn on D into a high-energy, family-friendly space for World Cup watch parties.
Transforming the space was no small feat, requiring licensing agreements with FIFA organizers and sponsors. Introducing a new event space also required coordination with the MCCA's Public Safety Department and local law enforcement agencies, transportation, marketing, and event operations.
The MCCA constructed a World Cup-worthy space for fans using a parking lot next to the Lawn on D, typically utilized for staff and contractor parking. This space had the advantage of being able to host large capacities alongside the existing Lawn on D layout. For the lot to be transformed into a watch party fan experience it just needed… a bit of a makeover.
The MCCA went to work on the lot in May of 2026, with little time to spare. The space was cleared, gravel was laid, and a turf field was rolled out. The finished product was a site to behold, and an experience that over 20,000 people enjoyed throughout the tournament.
The finished product of Boston Fan Zone at the Lawn on D featured match streaming on a giant LED screen, a main stage for community organization activations including live entertainment, a retail vendor lane, a kids’ zone with a mini pitch, lawn games, food trucks, and onsite bars. The space was meant to accommodate guests of all ages, and was accessible and free for the public to enjoy.
The energy that infiltrated Boston Fan Zone was palpable, and it was all due to the passionate fans. From German visitors to local Cabo Verde fans, the people truly brought an atmosphere of celebration, no matter what team they supported.
Upon arrival at Boston Fan Zone, fans were directed through necessary security screenings prior to walking through an unmissable Boston Fan Zone arch, which set the tone for the event experience ahead.
Entering Boston Fan Zone, fans were met with a full picture view of the experience. To the right, community vendors engaged with fans. Vendors ranged from face painters to barbers, and their services delighted guests at every match.
On the outskirts of the Zone, guests experienced a photo opportunity for families, a mini pitch for kids, bars, and food trucks. In the middle of it all was the main turf field, lined with cabanas and picnic seating with umbrellas, games like corn-hole and mini golf, and a main stage all under the giant LED screen for match streaming.
Kids in Mbappé jerseys played alongside kids in Hakimi jerseys. German fans danced alongside Paraguayan fans during half time entertainment. Fans who supported teams who weren’t playing in a match showed up with their support as well. A fan favorite was soccer balls, ranging in size, for kids and adults alike to safely kick off match viewing (literally).
Boston Fan Zone hosted watch parties for most matches that were hosted at Boston Stadium in Foxborough, MA. Additionally, Cape Verde matches were also streamed at the Fan Zone, and for good reason. Not only was Cape Verde making their debut in the international tournament, but Massachusetts also hosts the largest population of Cabo Verdean people in the United States.
The MCCA interim Executive Director, John Barros, is a proud Cabo Verdean, and was excited about the opportunity to stream a Cape Verde game at Boston Fan Zone, which served as a cultural hub for the excited fans in the area. The matches were celebrated by him and "a couple thousand of his closest friends," and were some of the highest attended watch parties at the Fan Zone.
One of the most exciting watch parties at Boston Fan Zone was for the first Boston Stadium game: Haiti v. Scotland. With a large and excited Haitian fan base in the Boston area, the MCCA knew that the Haiti versus Scotland match on June 13th, the inaugural match at Boston Stadium, was important to stream for the public.
However, the game didn’t start until 8:00 PM. With existing noise ordinances in place, the late-evening kickoff raised concerns about potential disruptions to nearby residents. The MCCA analyzed this challenge and made the decision to host the inaugural watch party in the MCEC Grand Ballroom.
The location change proved to be fruitful. As Boston learned during the international tournament season, the Scottish fans brought an unmatched energy, and the MCEC was host to that first wave of excitement alongside equally excited Haitian fans. At one point during the indoor watch party, fans created a team-blurring conga line and dance party well into the evening.
Fans from all over flocked to the Fan Zone with one goal in mind: to watch soccer, and have fun while doing so.
The MCCA utilized a network of community partners to promote the watch parties, recognizing an opportunity to activate the local community for the monumental World Cup experience.
Community partners helped generate excitement for the watch parties, with an elevated focus on Haiti, Ghana, and Cape Verde matches. Working with local community organizations gave fans a specific place to experience a bit of their culture in a more meaningful way, all while supporting their team.
Though watch parties were culturally focused on aligning with specific countries in a match, fans of both teams enjoyed the watch party experience (the Scots in particular)! From entertainment, with the likes of Alan Cave and DJ Bobby Bangers, to the food and beverage experience, Boston Fan Zone was a happening spot for fans of any team.
Rebel restaurants, who manage food and beverage operations at the Lawn on D, activated the area with two bars and a local food truck lineup for fans to enjoy throughout the watch parties. Returning vendors included Trolley Dogs, Chivo Taqueria, Suya Joint, Taste of Westside, and Tandoor & Curry.
The international tournament energized Boston residents and delighted visitors. Boston's diverse communities embraced the opportunity to share their cultures and traditions with fans from around the world.
The beauty of the World Cup is that it allows for people to experience cultures that they may not otherwise have access to. At Boston Fan Zone, the MCCA was proud to offer a space for people to celebrate each other. English fans experienced Ghanaian community activators, French fans were graced with the beating of Moroccan drums, and the Haitian community was delighted with the friendliness of Scottish culture.
As a public, family-friendly space for match viewing, Boston Fan Zone at the Lawn on D created a space for the entire community to come together.
Visit our Signature Boston website for more about the team at the MCEC, Hynes, and the Lawn on D.
This blog post was written by our intern, Tommy Jenkins, and our Marketing Communications Manager, Christa Trombley.