Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Events And Tourism topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Homestead officials agree to plan local World Cup fan activations after Miami Host Committee presentation
Summary
Following a Miami Host Committee briefing, Homestead council gave staff direction to develop local FIFA 2026 activations: a possible May 30 youth clinic, July 4 fan experience, and downtown activations July 9–19, subject to FIFA licensing rules and later council approval of budgets.
Council members on March 18 heard a detailed presentation from Alina Hudak of the Miami Host Committee about local activations tied to FIFA World Cup 2026 and signaled consensus for city staff to continue planning subject to licensing and final budget approvals.
Hudak described the Host Committee’s role as a private nonprofit operating under FIFA’s regulatory framework and said Miami will host seven matches with a Fan Fest running June 13 through July 5 in Bayfront Park. She emphasized that local host committees must respect global commercial partner restrictions and that local activation opportunities are governed by licensing and broadcast agreements.
"We are the Miami Host Committee... as a host city, we are charged with making sure that we are prepared to host the World Cup and the seven matches that are happening here," Hudak said, and introduced the local sub‑brand "One Game One Passion." She described community clinics, youth programming rolling out to 16 jurisdictions, and a 23‑day Fan Fest in Bayfront Park.
Councilman Shawn Fletcher urged that Homestead position itself as a regional hub: "This gives us a regional leadership opportunity with the city," he said, proposing a youth clinic kickoff on May 30, a July 4 fan‑zone activation tied to existing events, and a downtown activation from July 9–19 with a major activation on the final day.
Deputy City Manager summarized a three‑prong game plan: coordinating an official FIFA Miami team youth clinic (pending SPH approval) at Homestead Regional Park; refining commercial partnerships to avoid conflicts with FIFA sponsors; and developing July activations and downtown events, with staff returning to council for approval of any budget and final plan. The deputy said staff would seek guidance from the Host Committee and the city attorney on licensing constraints.
Hudak and staff discussed licensing, broadcast rights and costs: broadcast feeds are controlled by Fox and Telemundo, and public‑viewing classifications carry licensing fees. Hudak noted the Host Committee had secured federal grant funding to reimburse public safety agencies supporting matches, and she described other funding and in‑kind support from local governments and commercial partners.
Council members asked about budgets and sponsorship: staff said the city's tourism fund currently held about $10,000 and that a preliminary city figure (a cited $30,000 estimate) could change after planning; the city will seek sponsors and county partnerships to offset costs. The council provided direction for staff to proceed with planning rather than taking a final vote to commit funds at this time.
The next procedural step is for staff to return to council with a detailed plan and a proposed budget for formal approval; council did not approve any city funding at this meeting beyond authorization to plan.
