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Decatur approves fundraising contract to jump‑start "Watch Fest 26" World Cup events
Summary
The Decatur City Commission approved a consulting and fundraising agreement with Trenches Sports & Entertainment to help plan and raise funds for "Watch Fest 26," a multi‑day World Cup event on Decatur Square in June–July 2026.
The Decatur City Commission voted Feb. 3 to approve a consulting and fundraising agreement with Trenches Sports and Entertainment Revenue Consulting to support "Watch Fest 26," a planned multi‑day series of watch parties, concerts and activations tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
City staff and the event advisory committee presented an update earlier in the evening outlining event goals: free community viewing parties, two large "bookend" concerts (Plan A) with smaller nightly local performances, and cross‑promotion opportunities with Decatur FC and restaurants. The committee emphasized safety, inclusivity and fiscal discipline, noting that the city, Downtown Development Authority and Decatur Tourism Bureau are expected to contribute and that the bulk of funding will need to be raised externally.
Staff briefed commissioners on budget planning (Plan A/Plan B), vendor proposals and a brand guide and logo developed pro bono by a local marketing firm. Commissioner questions focused on safety placement in subcommittees, broadcast licensing (FIFA broadcasting requires application and fees and the city has not yet secured a license) and commission oversight of fundraising targets and in‑kind commitments.
Under the contract terms explained in the meeting, Trenches will provide marketing and sales support with commission tiers for cash fundraising and a smaller fee for negotiated in‑kind contributions; staff said standard procurement safeguards and an Open Records Act compliance clause were included and that termination/off‑ramp provisions are part of the agreement. Commissioners approved the contract and authorized the city manager to execute an agreement substantially similar to the draft presented.
Next steps include executing the fundraising agreement (on tonight's consent), finalizing alternative budgets, engaging a PR partner before a large public launch, developing a microsite under the tourism umbrella, and beginning outreach to musicians and community partners.
