Community Corner
Road Closures And Security Updates Announced For World Cup Watch Parties
The city will host "Game On Worcester" watch parties on the Worcester Common.
WORCESTER, MA — Worcester officials have announced road closures, parking guidance and security measures for the city’s upcoming World Cup watch parties on the Worcester Common.
“Game On Worcester” will include four free events tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The watch parties will broadcast FIFA World Cup games downtown.
Here's when the watch parties will be:
- Saturday, June 13: Common opens at 5 p.m.; Brazil vs. Morocco at 6 p.m.; Haiti vs. Scotland at 9 p.m.; Common closes at 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, June 23: Common opens at 3 p.m.; England vs. Ghana at 4 p.m.; Common closes at 9 p.m.
- Tuesday, July 14: Common opens at 2 p.m.; semifinal match at 3 p.m.; Common closes at 5 p.m.
- Sunday, July 19: Common opens at 1 p.m.; World Cup final at 3 p.m.; Common closes at 7 p.m.
See Also: Worcester Announces World Cup Watch Parties On The Common
The first set of road closures begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, Jun. 13, according to the city. Streets are expected to reopen 30 to 45 minutes after each event ends.
The following roads will close one to two hours before each event:
- Franklin Street, from Main Street to Salem Street
- Front Street, from Main Street to Mercantile Street
- Commercial Street, from Front Street to Mechanic Street
- Portland Street, from Federal Street to Franklin Street
- Church Street
- Mechanic Street
- Norwich Street
Closure times for the remaining events will be announced before each date. Drivers should plan for delays and use alternate routes downtown.
Visitors who plan to drive are encouraged to use nearby parking garages, including Federal Plaza Garage at 570 Main St., Pearl Elm Garage at 20 Pearl St., Mercantile Center Garage at 201 Commercial St., Worcester Common Garage at 3 Eaton Place and the McGrath/Worcester Public Library garage at 40 Salem St.
Attendees should also know that bags may be subject to search. Alcohol must be purchased on site and consumed within the designated area, according to the city.
City officials also urged attendees to take precautions in case of high temperatures or humidity. Heat safety information is available through the state’s Community Heat Resources website and Worcester’s Summer Safety webpage.
Additional security advisories or weather updates will be posted on worcesterma.gov and the city’s social media channels.
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