Dallas officials are considering closing downtown streets during the 2026 FIFA World Cup to create pedestrian zones for thousands of expected visitors.
The city is proposing either four Sunday closures or one full weekend closure in June.
The plan aims to transform Dallas into a walkable festival space while World Cup matches play in neighboring Arlington. City leaders see an opportunity to showcase downtown to international visitors and generate economic activity through street vendors and themed events.
The proposed closures would affect Main Street between Ervay, Field, and Akard streets, spanning from Elm to Commerce. Dallas tested the concept during Halloween 2024, drawing 71,000 people, with officials calling the logistics and crowd management smooth and effective.
“Let’s celebrate America 250 and show our international visitors how we really celebrate July 4th and our birthday,” said Council Member Cara Mendelsohn, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
She urged maximum street closures, especially during the July 4 weekend.
Mendelsohn suggested partnering with Downtown Dallas, Inc. to create different themed areas across various parks.
“One can be obviously about our founding fathers, but also civil rights era, space age, like different parts of our history that you can be like, oh, let’s go over to Main Street Garden, they’re doing this,” she said.
Council members remain divided on transportation logistics. Bill Roth advocated for free downtown parking, noting that high parking costs deter visitors.
“People are still going to be trying to drive. And I think that one of the biggest impediments that people have when coming downtown for events is they got to figure out if they’re going to spend a lot of money on parking,” Roth said, per Fox 4.
Council Member Zarin Gracey pushed for public transit incentives instead.
“The point is so we can shut it down so that we can have fewer cars, have more walkability,” Gracey said, per Fox 4.
The city has not disclosed project costs for barricades, public safety, or staffing. Officials are exploring vendor fees for street space rentals to offset expenses.
Some council members want the pedestrian zones to continue beyond the World Cup.
“Frankly, I’d like to see it happen one weekend a month going forward,” said Council Member Paul Ridley, according to Fox 4.
The vehicle-free concept mirrors successful programs in other cities, such as San Jose’s Viva Calle.
Dallas leaders hope the World Cup provides a catalyst for reimagining downtown streets as public gathering spaces.