Scranton Unveils Details for Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone Events
The Lackawanna County Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton will officially transform into a premier, free outdoor family experience for two weekends in July, bringing the global excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Knockout Rounds straight to Northeast Pennsylvania.
On July 4, 5, 18, and 19, Scranton’s Courthouse Square will become a massive soccer haven for kids, adults, and families as part of the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone, presented in partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Visit PA. The event will feature a 13’ x 29’ viewing screen to broadcast live World Cup soccer matches in the “knock- out” rounds and the final matches of the tournament. The main stage screen will also be supported by four additional 6’ x 9’ screens spread throughout Courthouse Square during the Fan Zone hours of operation.
In addition to the viewing areas, fans will be able to enjoy a family atmosphere with soccer-themed events for kids and adults of all ages. The free, public event is designed to be accessible to fans of every background, combining live international sports with a festival atmosphere.
Scranton was selected as one of only three regional Fan Zone sites across Pennsylvania, alongside Pittsburgh and Reading. The events are made possible through a partnership between local organizers and Philadelphia Soccer 2026, the official Host Committee for the matches in Philadelphia. In Scranton, the initiative is led by the City of Scranton, Lackawanna County Commissioners, and the Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau, with deep planning engagement from the Scranton Police and Fire departments.
“This is an exciting moment and an incredible honor for Scranton. We’re grateful to Philadelphia Soccer 2026 for recognizing what we’ve always known: Scranton is a city that knows how to show up, welcome people, and create something special,” Scranton Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “To be selected as an official destination for World Cup fans puts Scranton on a global stage, and it’s something our residents should be proud of. In a year when we’re celebrating 160 years as a city alongside America’s 250th birthday, this recognition means even more. It also means a real boost for our local economy, with more visitors supporting our small businesses, restaurants and hotels. We’re ready to welcome people from around the world, show off who we are, and make sure World Cup fans leave with a great impression of Scranton.”
The event is designed to showcase local businesses in the Scranton downtown area and throughout the entire county as it will attract people from all over the world as they experience out local culture and all our area has to offer.
“The World Cup Watch Party and related events are truly an economic win for Lackawanna County. It not only opens us up to the world, but it creates new revenue for our restaurants, hotels, snack shops, and ancillary businesses,” explained Commissioner Chris Chermak. “It is a great showcase for us to those who travel here to watch soccer. Hopefully they will come again to visit our museums, enjoy a baseball game, or just relax.”
Commissioner Bill Gaughan added, “For a few days, the FIFA World Cup will shine a spotlight on Lackawanna County. We’re excited to welcome visitors, celebrate the spirit of competition and community, and showcase the energy, pride, and hospitality that defines our region.”
“This is just a great social event and an incredible opportunity for Lackawanna County,” noted Commissioner Thom Welby. “It will let our guests enjoy the World Cup in a safe, friendly community along with many other activities at the venue. It will give visitors a slice of our life in a laid-back atmosphere. We are proud of our traditions, and the World Cup Watch Parties allow us to showcase them and hopefully create new opportunities and visits to Lackawanna County.”
Beyond the broadcast of the matches, the Scranton Fan Zone will feature interactive experiences for all ages, including:
- The Onvo Kids Zone: Featuring an inflatable soccer game, an inflatable soccer target, an obstacle course, and a slide;
- Skills & Drills Clinics: Hosted by local soccer clubs in designated areas throughout the event;
- An LED Soccer Simulator, a high-tech 15’ x 15’ simulator tentatively scheduled for fan use during the event.
Live entertainment is scheduled to begin two hours before the first match each day. Additional activities are being added to the event, including additional entertainment on the main stage and another smaller stage featuring local musical groups and more. Visitors will be able to dine at local downtown bars and restaurants or sample diverse menus from food trucks stationed just off the square, and a special Michelob Ultra Beer Garden will be located on North Washington Avenue for guests 21 and older for those that would like to enjoy beverages while watching the matches on the large screens.
The event has already attracted interest from all over the world and hotels are filling up with people wanting to visit the city to be a part of the event.
Curt Camoni, Executive Director of the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, added, “Our proximity to two World Cup host cities combined with our abundance of affordable and family-friendly accommodations and attractions makes Lackawanna County/Scranton the perfect destination for World Cup travelers. To also be selected as a Fan Zone location and give both visitors and residents a once in a lifetime experience is an incredible opportunity to showcase Lackawanna County/Scranton and our residents on a global stage.”
Scranton Fan Zone Schedule & Hours of Operation:
Note: Start times reflect when gates open and live entertainment begin. All events are free and do not require tickets.
- Saturday, July 4 (11:00 AM – 8:00 PM)
- 1:00 PM: Round of 16 Knockout Match
- 5:00 PM: Round of 16 Knockout Match
- Sunday, July 5 (2:00 PM – 11:00 PM)
- 4:00 PM: Round of 16 Knockout Match
- 8:00 PM: Round of 16 Knockout Match
- Saturday, July 18 (3:00 PM – 8:00 PM)
- 5:00 PM: World Cup Bronze Final (Third Place Match)
- Sunday, July 19 (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM)Event ends at 6:00 PM; Match starts at 3:00 PM
- 3:00 PM: FIFA World Cup 202™ Final
For more details on the Scranton events, visit the official local website at visitnepa.org/world-cup-travel-Scranton-area. To plan a broader trip through the state, go to visitpa.com/getaway. The events are being managed by Times Shamrock Media LLC based in Scranton. Times Shamrock owns and operates Rock 107, 92 Mix FM, Fuzz961 and Sports Radio WEJL.
Media Contact:
Terry Deitz
Times Shamrock Media, LLC
tdeitz@shamrocknepa.com
(570)207-8561 (office)
(814)242-4244 (cell)
About Visit PA
Visit PA, the official tourism resource of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and part of DCED, leads promotion of the state’s 67 diverse and inviting counties. Lauded as The Great American Getaway, Pennsylvania blends rich history with vibrant cities and tranquil landscapes. To learn more, visit visitpa.com.
About Philadelphia Soccer 2026
Philadelphia Soccer 2026 is the operational Host Committee charged with planning and executing FIFA World Cup 2026™ for the City of Philadelphia. It is governed by a fourteen-person Board of Directors that convenes leaders from across the City of Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. For more information, follow @FWC26Philly.
About FIFA World Cup 26™
FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest international sporting event ever staged, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams, and 104 matches uniting an entire continent. Taking place across June and July 2026, it will be the most inclusive tournament ever. For the latest updates, visit FIFA.com.
Last modified: May 28, 2026
