North Bay joins the global soccer celebration
A free, family-friendly event this weekend is bringing the FIFA World Cup 2026™ fan experience to North Bay.
It takes place on Saturday (July 11) from 3-11 pm at the Education Centre, at 100 College Drive.
There will be a skills activation zone, food vendors, beer garden, DJ and performances, and viewing parties of both quarter final matches that day. They include Norway vs. England at 5 pm and Switzerland vs. Argentina at 9 pm.
Fans are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and a refillable water bottle.
Along with general parking around the Education Centre, a free shuttle bus will run between the Ontario Government Building (447 McKeown Ave.) and the event site from 2:30 pm to 11:30 pm on Saturday, July 11.
Emcee for the event is Scott Russell, Nipissing University Chancellor and award-winning broadcaster and author, best known for his hosting roles with CBC Sports and extensive Olympic Games coverage.
The North Bay Police Service is encouraging people to celebrate responsibly at the big soccer watch party.
Acting Deputy Chief Jeff Warner took to social media to advise they’ll have officers at the event and conducting traffic enforcement to help keep everyone safe.
“Please take a few minutes to plan your ride home as well,” he says in a Facebook post. “We want everyone to enjoy the event, get home safely and most of all, have a ball.”
Along with wearing your team’s favourite colours, police say choose a designated driver, arrange a taxi or rideshare, use public transit or have a sober friend pick you up.
With Canada a co-host of this year’s tournament, the fan experience events have been taking place across the country.
13 FIFA World Cup matches were hosted in Toronto and Vancouver.
“From historic matches and record audiences to celebrations in communities across the country, Canadians have embraced this tournament and come together in support of our national team,” says Adam van Koeverden, Secretary of State (Sport) and Canada’s FIFA Sherpa. “Seeing Canada Soccer’s Men’s National Team make history has been a defining moment for our country and the momentum created through the FIFA World Cup 2026 lays the foundation for stronger hosting capacity, economic opportunity, community infrastructure, and new pathways for children and youth to participate in sport.”
The Government of Canada provided $800,000 to the Tourism Industry Association of Canada to support Canada Celebrates the FIFA World Cup 2026, bringing tournament-related activities to communities across the country, through 40 stops.
Richard Coffinhttps://www.mynorthbaynow.com/Richard Coffin has been a reporter and news anchor on the radio in North Bay for over 25 years. From premiers to people in the neighbourhood, he enjoys connecting with newsmakers and writing stories that matter to area listeners on a variety of topics including healthcare, education, politics, sports and more.
