This summer, while soccer fever grips Philadelphia, Scranton will transform into a lively fan oasis. A city block will host soccer enthusiasts, offering an immersive experience for both fans and families.
Scranton’s Fan Zone, one of three such zones in Pennsylvania, will provide viewing areas, a beer garden, and soccer-centric activities during two weekends in July, aiming to unite the community through a shared passion for sports.
“It doesn’t matter what language you speak, where you’re from in Pennsylvania or around the world, people cheer for their team,” said Lackawanna County Commissioner Bill Gaughan at a press conference, expressing enthusiasm for the event’s community-building potential.
“It really does bring people together. It doesn’t matter what political party you belong to. And in these times, we need something like that to bring the community together,” Gaughan added.
Fan Zone in July
This celebration, scheduled for July 4, 5, 18, and 19, is part of the Pennsylvania World Cup Fan Zone, organized in collaboration with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and Visit PA. Scranton is one of three chosen locations, alongside Pittsburgh and Reading. Leading the local initiative are the city, Lackawanna County officials, and the Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau, with Times Shamrock Media overseeing the events.
In addition to the Fan Zone, Scranton will host numerous events in June and July. The Union Pacific No. 4014, known for its size as Big Boy, will make a stop at the Steamtown National Historic Site beginning June 15. The Lackawanna County Scrantastic Spectacular, featuring fireworks and a performance from the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, is set for July 3.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti remarked, “We have been looking forward to 2026 for a long time now, because of America’s birthday, because of Scranton’s 160th birthday. We’ve just been able to add more and more to what is a really big celebration of our country, of the county, the state, our city.”
The Fan Zone will boast a massive 13-by-29-foot screen on North Washington Avenue at Courthouse Square, broadcasting live World Cup matches, including the knockout rounds and finals. Additional 6-by-9-foot screens will be strategically positioned around the square.
Family-friendly activities will include an obstacle course, inflatable soccer games, soccer clinics, and a cutting-edge 15-by-15-foot LED soccer simulator. Live entertainment will kick off two hours before each day’s first match.
Promoting the Region
The World Cup, occurring every four years, is expected to draw millions to the United States, noted Curt Camoni, executive director of the Lackawanna County Convention & Visitors Bureau. In addition to Philadelphia, matches will take place in New Jersey’s Meadowlands.
“We are marketing Lackawanna County and the city of Scranton globally, so that people understand that we are an outstanding destination, a home site for them when they’re traveling for the World Cup,” Camoni shared.
Scranton Fan Zone Schedule
Note: Start times reflect when gates open and live entertainment begin. All events are free and do not require tickets.
Saturday, July 4 (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
1 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
5 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout MatchSunday, July 5 (2 p.m. to 11 p.m.)
4 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout Match
8 p.m.: Round of 16 Knockout MatchSaturday, July 18 (3 p.m. to 8 p.m.)
5 p.m.: World Cup Bronze Final (Third Place Match)Sunday, July 19 (1 p.m. to 6 p.m.)
3 p.m.: FIFA World Cup 2026 Final
