SCRANTON, PA – The Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau has announced full details for the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026™ watch parties scheduled for July 4th, 5th, 18th, and 19th at the Lackawanna County Courthouse in downtown Scranton.
The event is part of the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone, presented in partnership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Visit PA. The venue will feature a 13’ x 29’ main stage viewing screen to broadcast live “knockout” round matches and the tournament final. The primary screen will be supported by four additional 6’ x 9’ screens spread throughout Courthouse Square during operational hours.
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, the Lackawanna County Commissioners, and the Lackawanna County Visitors Bureau, with deep planning engagement from the Scranton Police and Fire departments.
Curt Camoni, Executive Director of the Lackawanna Visitors Bureau, announced final details for the event during a press conference held at Scranton City Hall. Camoni was joined by County Commissioners Thom Welby and William Gaughan, along with Mayor Paige Cognetti.
“We are proud to announce that we will welcome two national recording artists to perform at the Scranton World Cup Fan Zone, plus three other amazing musical acts to add to the excitement of the watch parties,” Camoni said.
“We are excited to welcome the Grammy-nominated band Hanson, who will perform live on stage prior to the third-place match viewing party on July 18th. On Sunday, July 19th, the Grammy-nominated band Tonic will headline the musical entertainment, kicking off the festivities ahead of the FIFA World Cup final.”
Other musical acts added to the lineup include Cruel Summer, a live tribute offering the music of Taylor Swift, performing on July 4th at 1:00 PM. On Sunday, July 5th, Eco Del Sur will welcome soccer fans with music from across Latin America. In between the two knockout matches on the main screen, The Wankers will offer a Britpop tribute featuring 90s and modern hits from bands like Coldplay, Blur, and Radiohead.
Over their 34-year history, brothers Isaac, Taylor, and Zac Hanson have made a significant mark in music. Starting in 1992, they spent their first five years building a fanbase as an independent band in Tulsa, OK. After signing a record deal, they saw a meteoric rise with the 1997 international smash single “MMMBop” from their debut album Middle Of Nowhere, followed by consecutive top 40 singles. A long line of hits, five more studio albums, multiple Grammy nominations, and over 16 million album sales followed. Over the subsequent decades, the band charted their own course, running an independent label while maintaining a coveted connection with their global fan base.
The story of Tonic revolves around the longstanding, close brotherhood shared among members Emerson Hart (vocals, guitar), Jeff Russo (lead guitar), and Dan Lavery (bass). Since 1996, the Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum trio has consistently delivered anthemic rock fashioned from eloquent songcraft, lyrical honesty, and unshakable melodies. Along the way, they translated true experiences and real memories into a storied catalog that resounds just as loudly today. To date, the band has landed six Top 10 singles, sold over 4 million records, and garnered a pair of Grammy nominations. Emerson and Jeff originally linked up in Los Angeles in 1994, with Dan joining the group in 1996. Their full-length debut, Lemon Parade, went platinum and yielded the #1 most-played rock song of 1997, “If You Could Only See.”
Cruel Summer is a premier, full-band live music tribute to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, heavily active across the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions. Fronted by charismatic vocalist Alyssa Coco, the band delivers a condensed, high-energy tour through all the Swift eras complete with costume changes and fan interactions.
The music of Eco Del Sur includes a wide range of styles and rhythms, taking the audience on a musical journey through Latin America. Some of these rhythms include the huayño, sanjuanito, carnaval, chacarera, joropo, zamba, and cueca, which were influenced by Pre-Columbian and Spanish cultural heritages. Other rhythms characteristic of the Pacific Coast, Atlantic Coast, and the Caribbean include cumbia, porros, guajira, landó, and festejo, showcasing the massive contribution of African heritage to the Latin music scene.
With their vintage threads, cheeky wit, and top-notch talent, The Wankers transport audiences back to the days when Britpop ruled the world. Performing classics from icons such as Oasis, Coldplay, Blur, Radiohead, Travis, Supergrass, The Smiths, The Cure, Echo & the Bunnymen, The Cranberries, Depeche Mode, and Duran Duran, the band delivers a nostalgic experience with totally posh style.
The addition of these national and regional musical acts enhances a family-oriented event designed to bring the community together to cheer on their favorite teams. Beyond the main screen, the four secondary viewing locations across Courthouse Square will offer options for both English and Spanish language audio.
Watch Party attendees will be able to take part in several interactive experiences:
- 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 on a custom 30′ x 60′ turf area constructed on Biden Street.
- LED Soccer Simulator: A high-tech 15’ x 15’ digital simulator available for fan use during the event.
- America 250 Experience: A traveling museum exhibition making a special appearance on Sunday, July 5th.
- Michelob Ultra Beer Garden: Located on North Washington Avenue, offering direct viewing access for guests aged 21 and older.
- Local Dining: Visitors can sample diverse food truck menus stationed just off the square or dine at downtown bars and restaurants.
- Prizes and Giveaways: Hosted throughout the four-day event.
City and County officials have released the official event map and street closure plans for both weekends. To facilitate stage and activity setup around Courthouse Square, parking and traffic restrictions will be in place from July 2nd through July 5th, and again from July 17th through July 19th. Detailed maps and traffic information can be found on the official website at visitnepa.org/world-cup-travel-Scranton-area/.
Admission to the Fan Zone and participation in all event activities are entirely free of charge.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and County Commissioners Thom Welby and William Gaughan extended their gratitude to the city and county staff, the event planning coordinators from Times Shamrock Media, and the Philadelphia Soccer organization for their financial and operational support in bringing this event to the region. Organizers note that local interest is exceptionally high, building on the momentum of the recent Big Boy Steam Locomotive visit to the Steamtown National Historic Site, which drew tens of thousands of visitors to downtown Scranton.
Scranton Fan Zone Schedule & Hours of Operation
Note: Start times reflect when gates open and live entertainment begins. No tickets are required.
- 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)
- 3:00 PM: FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final
For more details on the Scranton events, visit 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 locally by Times Shamrock Media LLC. Based in Scranton, Times Shamrock owns and operates Rock 107, 92 Mix FM, Fuzz 96.1, 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 the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), leads the 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: June 23, 2026
