{"id":942865,"date":"2026-07-18T07:25:25","date_gmt":"2026-07-18T07:25:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/942865\/"},"modified":"2026-07-18T07:25:25","modified_gmt":"2026-07-18T07:25:25","slug":"despite-hazy-skies-fans-pack-fifa-fan-festival-in-philadelphia-for-final-weekend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/942865\/","title":{"rendered":"Despite hazy skies, fans pack FIFA Fan Festival in Philadelphia for final weekend"},"content":{"rendered":"

Philadelphia’s FIFA Fan Fest entered its final weekend Friday as thousands of visitors gathered at Lemon Hill despite hazy skies and poor air quality across the region.<\/a><\/p>\n

Some attendees wore masks as smoke created reduced visibility over the city, but many said they didn’t want to miss one of the final opportunities to experience the free event.<\/p>\n

“I want to protect my lungs,” said Nicki James of Westminster, Maryland. “It’s really hazy. You can barely see the skyline over there, so I figured better safe than sorry.”<\/p>\n

Others embraced the festive atmosphere, which featured live music, food, games and soccer-themed activities.<\/p>\n

“We were just feeling a little spontaneous,” said Emma Raybould of Pittsburgh. “So we wanted to see the concert and we didn’t realize all the fun stuff that was gonna be here. We’re having a good time.”<\/p>\n

Friday night’s festivities included a performance by pop star Bebe Rexha, drawing fans from across the region.<\/p>\n

“Her vocals are amazing,” said Dorina Papraniku of Staten Island, New York. “She’s a great artist, great writer, and she’s an amazing performer.”<\/p>\n

With Fan Fest scheduled to close Sunday, visitors have two remaining days to attend the free celebration.<\/p>\n

“This is history in the making,” said Sherrie Lane of Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane neighborhood. “There’s no way all of this can come to my wonderful city of Philadelphia and I not come out and partake in it.”<\/p>\n

A few miles from Fan Fest, Chosen 300 Ministries hosted a community outreach event Friday, distributing free meals and N95 masks to help protect residents from the smoky conditions.<\/p>\n

“We’re trying to help their system be sustained because a lot of them have illnesses and underlying conditions,” said Pete Kane, site manager for Chosen 300 Ministries. “That smoke out there \u2014 even I dealt with it today. It’s not healthy.”<\/p>\n

Organizers are encouraging visitors to check air quality conditions before heading to Fan Fest this weekend and to take precautions if they are sensitive to smoke.<\/p>\n

\n More from CBS News\n <\/p>\n

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