As World Cup fever continues across Philadelphia, local businesses and venues are seeing a big boost in activity, according to new data released Monday.
Bars and restaurants are reporting increased traffic, SEPTA ridership has climbed, and World Cup-related events have drawn tens of thousands of visitors to the city in recent weeks, according to city officials.
Philadelphia's June 19 World Cup match between Brazil and Haiti drew 68,324 fans to Philadelphia Stadium, while the FIFA Fan Festival in Lemon Hill welcomed 141,982 visitors between June 15 and 21, including 54,136 attendees on June 19 alone, according to city data.
"When I visited Lemon Hill on Friday, I saw families, neighbors, and visitors from around the world sharing the same experience together," said Mayor Cherelle Parker. "That's exactly what we hoped this moment would feel like. By keeping FIFA Fan Festival free for all 39 days, we wanted to make sure every resident and visitor had the opportunity to be part of this historic summer."
"The energy we're seeing across Philadelphia is a reflection of our city at its best — welcoming, diverse, joyful, and proud," Parker added.
According to SEPTA, at least 26,000 passengers boarded the Broad Street Line at NRG Station following the June 19 World Cup match, up from 18,806 passengers following Philadelphia's first match on June 14.
The city's bike-share program, Indego, reported that June 19 was the highest ridership day in the bike-share system's history, with more than 8,800 trips, while weekly ridership climbed 63 percent compared to the same period last year. Indego officials said additional bicycles were deployed near Broad Street and Pattison Avenue before the Brazil-Haiti match to meet demand.
Amtrak reported that more than half a million passengers traveled or are booked to travel through Philadelphia's 30th Street Station between June 11 and July 11, approximately 15 percent more than during the same period last year.
And the Center City District (CCD) reported that its Community Service Representatives recorded 7,115 hospitality engagements through June 17, up nearly 29 percent from the same period last year.
"Visitors from around the globe have brought incredible energy to Center City," said CCD President Prema Katari Gupta.
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At Center City's Midnight & The Wicked, owner Artem Ustayev said sales have increased between 80% and 100% compared with the same period last year. Ustayev said the venue experienced its busiest night on record following Brazil's victory over Haiti and has welcomed both local customers and international visitors during the tournament.
"All of the attention on Philadelphia from FIFA has brought record turnout during what is usually a slower season for us," said Ustayevalso. "We've welcomed both local customers and visitors from around the world."
The World Cup coincides with the Wawa Welcome America festival, which features 16 days of free concerts, performances, festivals and community events across the city. Together with the free FIFA Fan Festival, these events reflect the city's commitment to making this historic summer accessible to all, city officials said.
"One of our goals has been to ensure that people can experience this historic summer regardless of their budget," said Chief Deputy Mayor Vanessa Garrett Harley. "From free events and public spaces to transportation options and neighborhood celebrations, we're seeing residents and visitors alike take advantage of the best Philadelphia has to offer."
Philadelphia's World Cup hosting schedule continues with matches on June 22, 25, and 27, and a Round of 16 match on July 4. More information on World Cup events and summer festivals is available online at phila.gov.
MORE: Every World Cup event happening in Philadelphia this week
