Boston, Philly to welcome World Cup tailgating -- for ticketholders only

The cities of Boston and Philadelphia will be hosting World Cup matches in a few short weeks, but when they do, they'll insist that a certain essential gameday activity, namely tailgating, has a different look.

Officials for both venues revealed on Wednesday that tailgating will be restricted to ticket holders, a change from usual policy at Lincoln Financial Field and Gillette Stadium, respectively.

"The people who should come to Gillette on a game day are people who have a ticket to the event," COO of Kraft Sports and Entertainment Jim Nolan said. "So, if you don't have a ticket, don't come to Gillette."

That outcome is more desirable for fans than a total ban of tailgating, as was feared last month when a mix-up resulted in an announcement declaring tailgating would be off-limits across the board.

Yet for an event that is already charging a premium for tickets as well as parking, it remains an unfriendly position for many fans to have to deal with.

"Parking in the lots is controlled by FIFA, so anyone who is looking to purchase a parking space can work with FIFA. There's a website available where you can purchase the parking," Meg Kane, CEO & President of Philadelphia Soccer 2026, said. 

"If you have a ticket for the match on the day that the ticket says, and you have a parking space, you're absolutely welcome to enjoy the traditional fan experience. That's something that we're going to embrace in every way."

Kane conceded that it's a change from what NFL fans are used to experiencing.

"It is a change for Philadelphians to know that this is not like a traditional Eagles game, where there are 25,000 people here who have no tickets, and are here for that part of the party," she said.

FIFA has yet to reveal if this policy will be in effect at all venues - New Jersey for instance, has already banned all tailgating at MetLife Stadium superseding this level of restriction - though previous communications on the matter from FIFA had indicated that some limitations could be in place.

Just last week, a spokesperson for the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee informed the Dallas Observer that tailgating "will have a slightly different feel but additional fan information for all FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be communicated in advance of the tournament."

--Field Level Media