Tag Archive for: world cup

CULTURE HAUS AT THE INTERLOCK HOSTS FINALE WATCH PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/14/26

The Interlock’s summer soccer series will culminate with a block party on Saturday, July 18

WHAT: The Interlock’s summer soccer series, Culture Haus, is closing out the tournament with a finale watch and block party. On Saturday, July 18, the community is invited to a high-energy celebration of soccer, global culture and the community that made this summer one to remember. 

The evening kicks off at 5 p.m. with the third-place match watch party before transforming into the ultimate block party from 7 to 11 p.m., with sets from Atlanta DJs, including Champagne Trap, Siege and Brixla. Guests can also expect Patrón drink specials, giveaways, surprise activations and food and drinks from The Interlock favorites. 

Whether guests have been at The Interlock for every kickoff or it’s their very first visit, all are welcome to come and experience the beautiful game, music and cultures that bring us together.

To learn more, visit interlockculturehaus.com or follow along on Instagram and Facebook via @theinterlockatl. 

WHEN: Saturday, July 18

Watch Party 5-7 p.m.

Block Party 7-11 p.m.

WHERE: The Interlock

1115 Howell Mill Rd NW,

Atlanta, GA 30318

ATLANTIC STATION ANNOUNCES FREE MATCH WATCH PARTIES AND FAN EXPERIENCES AHEAD OF TOURNAMENT

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/18/26

Free Kick It at the Station watch parties lead a summer of fan experiences; official merchandise pop-up and new retail concepts now open

As Atlanta prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for one of the biggest moments in international soccer, Atlantic Station is expanding its lineup of fan-focused experiences, led by Kick It at the Station, a free watch party series on the Atlantic Green, alongside new retail concepts and community activations designed to bring residents, visitors and fans together throughout the tournament.

Leading the lineup is Kick It at the Station, a free fan experience celebrating the global game. This summer, select matches will be shown on the Atlantic Green jumbotron, transforming the district’s signature outdoor space into a lively gathering place where fans can cheer on their favorite teams alongside fellow soccer enthusiasts. Additional programming and viewing opportunities will be announced throughout the tournament. The most up-to-date information, including viewing times and programming, can be found here.

Complementing the fan experience, the now-open World Cup Official Merch Pop-Up at Atlantic Station offers visitors access to tournament-inspired apparel, collectibles, accessories and fan gear. Located near Sephora on 18th Street, the more than 7,000-square-foot retail experience gives visitors a dedicated place to shop, celebrate and immerse themselves in the excitement surrounding the global game.

Beyond its tournament programming, Atlantic Station continues to introduce new retail and community-driven concepts. Also now open, The Market Place of Georgia is located on Atlantic Drive near Miniso and Art Station ATL in a 7,500-square-foot space. The marketplace showcases products from local entrepreneurs and artisans, offering everything from handmade soaps and home furnishings to artisan jewelry and specialty goods. Designed to celebrate creativity, craftsmanship and small businesses, the concept reflects Atlantic Station’s ongoing commitment to supporting local makers and introducing fresh experiences to the neighborhood.

Coming soon to Atlantic Station, The Belt Hub will bring its innovative micromobility concept to the property. Located on 17 ½ Street behind Sephora, the more than 4,000-square-foot space will offer e-bike rentals, retail, repairs and mobility-focused services designed to encourage accessible, community-centered transportation. The concept blends sustainability, technology and active transportation while adding to Atlantic Station’s growing mix of experiential offerings.

Together, these additions reflect Atlantic Station’s continued investment in experiential retail, community-centered activations and destination-driven concepts as Atlanta prepares to welcome soccer fans from around the world.

YEBO BEACH HAUS TRANSFORMS INTO YARROW HAUS FOR THE SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/26

Official FIFA World Cup Photographer David Yarrow Brings Immersive Art and Dining Experience to Atlanta

As FIFA World Cup events kick off in Atlanta, Yebo Beach Haus is marking the moment and turning up the energy. This summer, the beloved Buckhead destination has transformed into Yarrow Haus, an immersive art and dining experience featuring the work of David Yarrow, the official photographer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and one of the most collected contemporary photographers in the world.

Guests will dine among Yarrow’s bold, large-scale works – dramatic black-and-white imagery spanning wildlife, culture and cinematic narrative – each available for purchase. The exhibition transforms Yebo Beach Haus into a curated gallery where the art commands the room.

Complementing the visual experience, guests can explore Yarrow x Menagerie, a wine collection inspired by the untamed spirit of Yarrow’s lens, paired alongside Yebo Beach Haus’ signature New American Coastal Cuisine.

“Yarrow’s work stops you in your tracks, said Justin Anthony, Founder of True Story Brands. “As Atlanta welcomes the World Cup, we are proud to showcase the work of its official photographer in a setting that brings people together through food, wine and conversation.”

Yarrow’s photographs have been acquired by prominent collectors, celebrities and institutions across the globe, making Yarrow Haus a rare opportunity for Atlanta guests – and World Cup visitors – to experience his work up close over a meal.

Yarrow Haus is open throughout the summer at Yebo Beach Haus.

GEORGIA’S OWN HOSTING FREE SOCCER CLINIC FOR 300+ YOUTH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/26

With the first World Cup game in Atlanta on the horizon, Georgia’s Own Credit Union is partnering with Inter Atlanta FC to help the next generation of soccer stars pursue their dreams, hosting a FREE youth clinic for 300+ participants on Saturday, June 13 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. in Historic Fourth Ward Park. 

During the event, Georgia’s Own will also donate 100 soccer balls to Inter Atlanta FC, supercharging its Gratis Play program for 200+ DeKalb County youth and extending the support for youth soccer well beyond the World Cup.

Georgia’s Own Donates 175+ Soccer Balls to Expand Youth Soccer Statewide

Credit union making impact in Atlanta, Albany, Augusta and Kingsland

Georgia’s Own Credit Union, the third-largest credit union in Georgia, is celebrating the arrival of the world’s premier sporting event by donating over 175 soccer balls to youth organizations across Georgia. With the goal of increasing access to the game, Georgia’s Own is delivering balls to organizations in each of the four markets it serves: Inter Atlanta FC, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Augusta, Camden County Soccer Club and Albany Area YMCA.

In partnership with the Fourth Ward Neighborhood Association (O4WNA) and Inter Atlanta FC, Georgia’s Own will also support the free O4W Youth Soccer Festival from 9 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 13 at Historic Fourth Ward Park. The public event is expected to draw more than 300 youth participants for coaching sessions, drills, and mini-games to sharpen their skills. 

Families can register their children to participate at this link.

“With the eyes of the world on our state, we wanted to connect that energy back to our foundation’s core mission and create a lasting impact in our communities,” said Dave Preter, president and CEO of Georgia’s Own Credit Union. “There are going to be so many children inspired by watching the world’s best soccer players compete right here in our backyard, so our goal – pardon the pun – is to create more opportunities for them to play the game and dream big!”

Inter Atlanta FC is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to enriching every player’s soccer experience while enhancing the soccer culture throughout Atlanta. The 100 balls being donated by Georgia’s Own will support its Gratis Play program, which provides free soccer programming for children between ages 4 and 12 who may not have had prior access to the sport. This initiative reflects Georgia’s Own broader commitment to removing financial barriers and investing in the long-term well-being of the communities it serves. 

“Our Gratis Play program is central to our mission of introducing soccer to kids at a young age and removing any financial barriers standing in their way,” said Andy Skorupski, CEO of Inter Atlanta FC. “The soccer balls donated by Georgia’s Own are a true game-changer, as each location will now have a dedicated set of balls for the first time and allow us to maximize community engagement. We are incredibly thankful for the support and know the impact will be immeasurable.”

Full event details about the O4W Soccer Kickoff Festival can be found here. For more information on Georgia’s Own Credit Union, please visit georgiasown.org.

“STADIUM MIDTOWN” TURNS MIDTOWN INTO THE ULTIMATE GLOBAL SOCCER WATCH PARTY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/11/26

Hosted by 1105 West Peachtree, six-week activation invites Midtown locals and visitors to experience international soccer through themed restaurant specials, passport rewards and match-day celebrations

Midtown Atlanta’s 1105 West Peachtree, the mixed-use district developed by Selig Enterprises and anchored by Google, is bringing the excitement and global spirit of this summer’s international soccer tournament to the heart of the city with Stadium Midtown, a six-week immersive watch experience geared toward Midtown locals, office workers, hotel guests and visitors running June 11 through July 19.

With the goal of making the tournament more accessible for those going about their daily lives, Stadium Midtown transforms a full city block into a soccer-inspired destination where nearby fans can gather to watch matches, enjoy globally inspired food and beverage offerings and participate in a passport program that rewards the most adventurous of guests. Inspired by the global nature of the competition itself, the activation invites Atlantans and out-of-town guests to experience different cultures, cuisines and atmospheres while moving between participating restaurants located within walking distance of one another.

During the Group Stage from June 11 through June 27, guests can pick up a Stadium Midtown passport at any participating restaurant and enjoy restaurant-specific programming, special menus and live broadcasts of matches throughout the day. Beginning June 28, during the Knockout Stage, guests can collect passport stamps at participating locations and earn rewards as they visit multiple venues and try various special menu items. The more venues they visit throughout the tournament, the more rewards they unlock. Stadium Midtown will continue through the championship match on July 19.

Each of the three restaurants will represent a different country competing in the global tournament. The options include:

  • Located in the lobby of the 1105 West Peachtree office tower, The Office Bar will represent Spain with a “Flavors of Spain” menu featuring Tortilla Española, Spanish Chorizo & Potato Croquettes, Mushroom Gratin and handcrafted cocktails inspired by Spanish culinary flavors. The venue will offer an elevated watch-party atmosphere for fans throughout the tournament.
  • Representing Mexico, Emilio’s Tacos & Tequila will feature Beef Chile Relleno, traditional Pozole and signature handcrafted margaritas in a vibrant, high-energy setting.
  • McCray’s Tavern will celebrate Morocco with specialty offerings including Turmeric-Crusted Grouper served with vegetable couscous, a Lamb Gyro and a Fig-Infused Vodka Mule in a lively game day atmosphere.

“Atlanta is buzzing with energy ahead of the world’s biggest sporting event this summer, and Stadium Midtown creates a unique way for Midtown locals and guests to immerse themselves in that energy even when they’re not attending a match,” said Steve Baile, Chief Development & Operating Officer at Selig. “We wanted to create a match day atmosphere here in Midtown that showcases the vibrancy and hospitality the district has to offer.”

For more information and to learn how the passport program works, visit www.stadiummidtown.com.

STATE FARM ARENA TO ANCHOR AN INCREDIBLE SUMMER OF LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AS ATLANTA PREPARES TO HOST EIGHT FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™ MATCHES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/8/26

Atlanta’s Award-Winning Venue to Welcome Global Superstars in Celebration of Music and Culture This Summer

Atlanta’s award-winning State Farm Arena today announced its plans for a summer-long celebration of music and culture in the heart of downtown Atlanta. Located just next door to Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta Stadium), the venue prepared for eight matches as part of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, is State Farm Arena who will host this Summer Kickoff ATL, the highly anticipated concert series which will welcome fans from across the city, country and world for live entertainment.

“We are thrilled to have this fantastic lineup of global superstars, and welcome fans from around the world to State Farm Arena this summer,” said Hawks and State Farm Arena’s Executive Vice President of Arena Programming Trey Feazell. “As we celebrate the best of live entertainment, where music, sports and culture intersect, we’re ready to provide fans and concertgoers alike some truly unforgettable nights.”

State Farm Arena will deliver 19 nights of concerts featuring global superstars:

• June 8 and 9 – Megan Moroney – The Cloud 9 Tour

• June 11 – A$AP Rocky – Don’t Be Dumb World Tour 

• June 12 – Summer Walker – Still Finally Over It Tour 

• June 16 – 5 Seconds of Summer – Everyone’s a Star! World Tour*

• June 25 – Alex Warren – Little Orphan Alex Live!*

• June 26 and 28 – Shakira – Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour*

• July 2 – Joji – Solaris Tour*

• July 6, 8 and 9 – Ariana Grande – The Eternal Sunshine Tour 

• July 11 and 12 – Tame Impala – Deadbeat Tour*

• July 17 and 18 – J. Cole – The Fall-Off Tour

• July 19 – Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire – Sing A Song All Night Long Tour

• July 22 – Louis Tomlinson – How Did We Get Here? World Tour

• July 24 – Daniel Caesar – Son of Spergy Tour

*Denotes a show that is part of Summer Kickoff ATL

For two nights in June, Shakira will perform at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena prior to her co-headlining the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final Halftime Show, a historic first, on Sunday, July 19th. Her latest release of ‘Dai Dai’, the Official FIFA World Cup 2026™ Song, also features Burna Boy via Sony Music Latin is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Renowned for delivering top-tier live experiences, the award-winning State Farm Arena has built a reputation as one of the industry’s leading venues, consistently attracting global talent and ranking among the top 10 worldwide in live entertainment. To view the full schedule of events at the award-winning State Farm Arena, visit StateFarmArena.com/events.

IMMERSIVE GAMEBOX LAUNCHES SOCCER ARCADE TURNING GLOBAL SOCCER ENERGY INTO A COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/18/26

Free Play Day 6/12

 Immersive Gamebox – the global leader in immersive group gaming – announces Soccer Arcade, a brand-new competitive social experience inspired by the energy of the highly anticipated World Cup. Launching on June 1 for a limited time, Soccer Arcade invites fans and families to celebrate the tournament, represent their country and climb a global leaderboard for a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize. 

Designed to capture the pulse of match day, Soccer Arcade puts teams of 2–6 players at the center of the action, transforming them into the controllers inside signature Gameboxes. Powered by cutting-edge 3D motion tracking, projection mapping, and touch-sensitive walls, players compete across a series of fast-paced mini-games — no controllers required.

Key Game Features:

  • Compete Across Soccer-Inspired Mini-Games: Players choose their nation, customize their avatar, and battle through multiple rounds of interactive challenges inspired by the excitement and chaos of soccer tournaments. Games include Headers, where players compete to score the most headed goals; Goalie, where participants dive to block shots; and Dribbler, where teams navigate obstacle-filled soccer courses together.
  • Chaotic Bonus Challenges: Additional rounds like Human Foosball and Streaker Security add unexpected twists as players race to stop pitch invaders before they reach the ball. 
  • Final Team Showdown: After individual rounds, teams unite for a final challenge, working together to keep multiple virtual soccer balls in play for as long as possible.
  • Limited Time Only: Soccer Arcade will be available at all Immersive Gamebox locations in the U.S. between June 1, 2026 – July 19, 2026 with bookings opening today. Reserve your spot now at https://www.immersivegamebox.com/en-US/soccer-arcade.

To kick off USA’s first match of the series, Immersive Gamebox will host a special Free Play Day on June 12, where anyone wearing a soccer jersey can play Soccer Arcade completely free of charge across all U.S. locations. The event will operate on a walk-in-only basis, with guests grouped together to maximize gameplay capacity. Spaces will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis, while guests unable to secure a slot on the day will receive exclusive return offers and discounts for future bookings.

As part of the launch, players across the U.S., UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Australia will have the chance to compete on a global leaderboard, with the competition culminating on July 19, the day of the 2026 World Cup Final. The group sitting top of the global leaderboard will win the $10,000 grand prize, turning every session into a chance to climb the ranks and claim victory.

“At a time when soccer’s energy is reaching new heights, we set out to create a fast, social, and highly replayable experience that captures the spirit of the sport,” said Lisa Paton, CEO of Immersive Gamebox. “Whether players are lifelong fans or just in it for the fun, Soccer Arcade invites people to jump straight into the game and compete together. With the added excitement of a $10,000 prize on the line, there’s real stakes behind every shot, save, and goal – making every session as competitive as it is unforgettable.”

Soccer Arcade builds on Immersive Gamebox’s growing portfolio of hit experiences, incorporating significant cultural events and popular IPs like Netflix’s Squid Game, Paramount’s Paw Patrol, and Warner Brothers Batman into arcade-style gameplay with social competition. With no need for prior gaming experience, the game is designed to appeal to a broad audience– from casual players to competitive thrill-seekers.