East Point scales FIFA fan-zone options as city weighs sponsorships and costs

Economic development staff outlined three scaled options for hosting a downtown fan zone tied to the World Soccer Games’ June 15 kickoff and the city’s July 4 programming.

Macio Rogers and team described Option 1 as a scaled-down activation centered on the commons and city-hall frontage, with food trucks and one large LED screen; staff estimated the incremental funding gap at about $16,000 beyond current budgeted amounts. Option 2 (mid-level) would expand amenities and estimated an uncovered gap of approximately $36,000. Option 3 (full scale) would include larger international-village tents, additional LED screens and entertainment, and staff estimated a remaining budget gap of roughly $102,000.

Erin Rogers described revenue assumptions in the packets: modest vendor fees, alcohol fees, sponsorships and potential nominal admission for nonresidents. She said some baseline costs (such as fireworks and some Fourth of July items) were already budgeted and could be packaged to offset event expenses. Staff emphasized that the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) has produced marketing materials and a brand (“where the world competes”) but that confirmed sponsorship commitments and the CVB’s full funding commitments were not yet available.

Council members asked for clearer sponsorship commitments, suggested engaging local businesses for watch parties and vendor participation, and urged faster outreach to prospective corporate sponsors. Several council members also raised operational questions—sanitation, public-safety staffing, utility impacts and electric load during the FIFA window—and requested that the electrical and public-works departments quantify likely incremental costs and mitigation plans.

The council asked staff to return with a refined package, more explicit sponsorship and revenue assumptions, and cost estimates for sanitation and public-safety support; council indicated a preference to prioritize resident-focused, lower-cost options if sponsorships don’t materialize in time.