For five weeks, Sundance Square transformed into Fort Worth’s largest sports bar, offering a communal experience that reminded attendees that watching together is far more enjoyable than yelling at a television alone.
From June 11 to July 19, the plaza showcased all 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup in both English and Spanish. Massive screens displayed the games, while food trucks, live music, and soccer balls painted by local artists created a vibrant atmosphere. Although the matches took place in other locations, Fort Worth embraced the event as if it had front-row seats.
Creating a Shared Experience
While there are benefits to watching sports in solitude—short bathroom lines and cheaper drinks, for example—something vital is often missing. When a shot goes wide at home, the reaction may be a groan aimed at the dog. However, the same miss in a crowded venue elicits a collective gasp, creating a dynamic atmosphere filled with laughter, frustration, and spirited debate among fans.
The large screen drew people to Sundance Square, but it was the crowd’s energy that made the matches compelling. Every cheer, chant, and even misguided judgment from the audience contributed to the overall experience. Fort Worth didn’t need to host a match; it simply needed a gathering place where fans could react together.
This sense of community is no surprise. Fort Worth has a long history of bringing people together for shared events, whether it’s rodeos, football games, concerts, or festivals centered around delicious smoked meats.
A Tri-National Celebration
The World Cup was a collaborative event among the United States, Canada, and Mexico, but the viewing experience differed significantly across borders. Broadcast rights, streaming packages, subscription costs, and advertising varied, creating distinct digital landscapes for viewers in each country.
A fan in Toronto navigating a streaming service and a fan in Fort Worth scrolling through options were engaging with separate digital marketplaces, despite watching the same tournament. In contrast, the public watch party at Sundance Square took a globally distributed event and localized it, allowing the excitement and noise to be uniquely Fort Worth’s.
Fostering Community Through Shared Interests
Local bars are well aware of the power of community building. Establishments like Liberty Lounge and Jackie O’s Cocktail Club host events like art markets, trivia nights, and karaoke, creating opportunities for interaction that go beyond just serving drinks. These gatherings are effective precisely because they provide a framework for connection.
Regular events give people a reason to come together and create easy conversation starters. Whether arguing over trivia answers, applauding a karaoke performance, or debating a referee’s decision, shared interests foster dialogue. The World Cup supplied frequent opportunities for fans to connect over team colors and unexpected outcomes.
Engagement Beyond the Event
Simply gathering a crowd does not guarantee the formation of a community. Concertgoers may spend the night focused on their phones, and packed bars can lack any real sense of connection. A popular event can indicate effective promotion without fostering genuine relationships.
The Summer of Soccer had the advantage of being universally accessible. Devoted fans could arrive in full team gear, while casual viewers could simply choose a team based on their uniform. Even those unfamiliar with soccer could enjoy the lively environment and the enthusiasm of hundreds of passionate fans.
Building Lasting Connections
Developers often refer to public squares as “living rooms,” but the true essence of a living room lies in the interactions that take place within it. A real living room is where people linger, recognize familiar faces, and come together without needing an elaborate plan.
For several weeks, Sundance Square passed this test. However, the challenge lies in maintaining this sense of community after the event concludes. The World Cup provided a unique catalyst for gatherings, complete with national pride and thrilling moments, but such opportunities are not available every weekend.
Fort Worth doesn’t require another global tournament each summer; rather, it needs more events that incorporate the successful elements of the World Cup: a clear focus, easy participation, and space for spontaneity. The takeaway is not that people are abandoning their screens; rather, the experience becomes more enriching when it is shared publicly.
For one summer, the matches across three countries offered Fort Worth a reason to converge downtown. Sundance Square provided the platform, the teams generated the excitement, and as always, it was the people who infused the atmosphere with life.
