Workshop: Public Transport Makes Large Events Possible (and Successful)

Millions of soccer fans will travel from across the world to North America to celebrate the FIFA 2026 World Cup.

Dallas is a key hub for major sporting events in the United States, with its world-class stadiums and passionate sports culture. As the host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it will play a crucial role in showcasing the global excitement and energy of the tournament. Transporting this many people to games and throughout the region is no small task and requires coordinated efforts. 

Alongside local host Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART), UITP is organizing a workshop on March 13-14 in Dallas, Texas, to advance best practices in planning and managing public transportation for large events. This is a follow-up to the October 2024 workshop in Newark, New Jersey.

Large events, especially international sports competitions, have significant positive impacts on cities. While the benefits are substantial, it’s also crucial for cities to carefully plan and manage these events to mitigate potential challenges, such as financial burdens, social disruptions, and environmental impacts. Successful hosting requires a comprehensive approach that considers both short-term and long-term implications for the city and its residents. In advance of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 at AT&T Stadium, this workshop will share insights and best practices for large-scale event preparedness and execution. The workshop will feature speakers and case studies from global mega-events, methods for engaging and coordinating stakeholders to deliver public transportation, and a facilitated discussion on transportation needs for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Disclaimer

This workshop is exclusively by invitation. Due to limited seating capacity, participation is restricted to invited guests only.

• Crowd Management
• Security
• Mobility / transport management
• Integrated Ticketing
• Travel information / Wayfinding
• Officials Travel

1. Downtown Dallas Area
   • Omni Dallas Hotel
     Located right in the heart of downtown, with convenient access to DART services and local attractions.
   • The Westin Dallas Downtown
     A modern hotel with easy access to DART’s Pearl/Arts District station.
2. Near Fair Park
   • Fair Park Hotel
     A budget-friendly option near Fair Park, offering easy access to the event venue and DART’s Fair Park Station.
   • The Magnolia Hotel Dallas Park Cities
     A stylish hotel with convenient access to both the DART Red and Blue Lines.
3. Uptown Area
   • The Ritz-Carlton Dallas
     Located in Uptown, this luxurious option is just a short ride from major DART stations.
   • Le Meridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh
     Offers both elegance and convenience, with nearby DART stations.

• DART Rail:

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) has an extensive network of light rail and bus routes that make traveling to our office easy. Our office is located at Akard Station and accessible via the DART Red Line or DART Blue Line, depending on your starting point.

• Alternate Station:

West End Station  is another nearby option within walking distance of our office, served by the Red, Green, and Blue DART Lines.

• DART Bus Services:

Several DART bus routes also serve the area surrounding our office, offering a convenient way to reach us if you’re coming from neighborhoods outside of downtown.

• Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW):
  
  DFW is about a 30-minute drive from our office. You can take a DART Rail Line fromDFW Airport Station (on the Orange and Blue Lines), which connects to the entire DART system. Alternatively, taxis and ride-share services are readily available from the airport.
• Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL):Love Field is about 20 minutes from our office. To reach DART, you can take the Love Link bus (Route 524) directly to the Inwood/Love Field Station, where you can connect to the DART Green Line.

• West End District
  
  Just a short walk from our office, the West End District offers a variety of dining options, from casual spots to more upscale restaurants. Popular choices include:
  • The House of Blues Dallas – Great for both food and entertainment.
  • Ellen’s Southern Kitchen – A cozy spot for southern comfort food.
  • Pappadeaux’s Seafood Kitchen – Serving up Cajun-style seafood.
• Deep Ellum
  
  A vibrant neighborhood known for its arts scene, Deep Ellum has numerous eateries and bars. Some favorites include:
  • CBD Provisions – Modern American dishes and craft cocktails.
  • Stirr – A rooftop bar with a great view and a diverse menu.
  • The Rustic – A laid-back place with live music, good food, and a large outdoor space.

For more about Dallas, you can also exploreVisitDallas.comto discover even more attractions, restaurants, and activities around the city.

Other Important Practical Information:

• Parking:
  There are several parking garages and surface lots near our office, with hourly and daily rates. We recommend usingParkopedia orSpotHero to find nearby parking options.
• Public Transit:
  In addition to DART, Dallas also has a network of bike-share stations, and walking to nearby attractions is often very feasible in this part of town.