Overview
- Miami Beach drew an estimated 20,000 people inside Lummus Park on Thursday, June 11, and Mayor Steven Meiner said overall attendance could reach 20,000 to 30,000.
- Colombian star Carlos Vives headlined the free concert, which attracted many Colombian fans who said they came to see him live at no cost.
- Attendees also watched the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on big screens at the park, with Mexican supporters loudly celebrating their team’s win.
- City officials announced that Lummus Park will host additional World Cup fan events during the tournament as a way to provide free, public viewing and cultural programming.
- The celebration highlighted South Florida’s diverse, diaspora-driven soccer culture and sets the stage for more local World Cup activity, including the first South Florida stadium match scheduled for Monday.