ORLANDO, Fla. – Thousands are set to kick back and have a ball as FIFA Club World Cup matches continue in Orlando this week.
Orlando is one of 11 American host cities for the tournament.
Camping World Stadium is hosting a Round of 16 matchup tomorrow and a quarterfinal matchup on the Fourth of July.
[Video: Orlando is one of 11 American host cities for the tournament]
City leaders believe this could bring millions—even billions—of dollars in economic impact to Orlando communities like Parramore, located near Camping World Stadium.
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Several businesses in Parramore are expecting FIFA Club World Cup fans to pack their places this week, just like they did during last Thursday’s match at Glenn Closson’s bar, Ivanhoe Park Lager House.
“At our original location, we do open on Mondays, but we don’t here,” said Closson. “We’re gonna specially open for this. We’re gonna open at 5 p.m. We’re gonna stay open as long as we need to to make sure everybody gets fed and drinks some good beer.”
Just a few minutes down the road, Zita Steglich-Ross with The District Gastrobar said they’re also expecting more foot traffic.
[Video: FIFA loves Orlando:’ Central Florida is primed for Club World Cup]
“It’s typically slower. Traffic is much slower on a Monday, and we typically see a 50% increase when we have those types of events,” said Steglich-Ross.
Closson, whose bar just celebrated its one-year anniversary, said events at Camping World Stadium attract more business to Parramore.
“It’s cool to see Rider Market open up a few months before we did. Hittin’ Skins is another great business. We’ve been trying to collaborate with those other businesses to create that and get more development going. We all kind of see that success here,” he said. “Especially with the new laws that have been instituted by the city to curb crime. It is rebounding, and we really appreciate these events and collaboration.”
Commissioner Shan Rose said this week’s festivities could be another step in luring the Jacksonville Jaguars to host their games in Orlando for the 2027 NFL season.
“Orlando is the number one sports city in America right now, and we are moving,” said Commissioner Rose. “This is showing the Jaguars that there are a lot of great things here for you, and we have things beyond the stadium.”
She said it also shows that Orlando and Parramore can attract international fans.
“They’re wearing their flags representing the country that they’re supporting. You actually see them on the street dancing and singing,” Steglich-Ross added.
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Commissioner Rose says they’re expecting millions of dollars in economic impact and plan to release those numbers at a later date.