Burnaby prepares for local celebrations as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ comes to B.C.
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Burnaby, B.C. – Tourism Burnaby has launched Burnaby United, a one-stop online location filled with tips and information for local businesses and organizations to join the celebrations as Vancouver’s BC Place Stadium hosts seven FIFA World Cup 2026™ matches this summer.
With more than 500,000 people expected to move around the Greater Vancouver region in June and July, Chris Peters, CEO of Tourism Burnaby, says now is the time for local businesses to take advantage of the opportunity. “The World Cup is not just about games in Vancouver. Burnaby is in the middle of it and can offer many unique experiences to local and international fans.”
The Burnaby United website was introduced at a workshop to help local businesses prepare for the matches. Hosted by Tourism Burnaby and the Burnaby Board of Trade, the workshop provided practical ideas for business activations and celebrations and guidelines on branding, permits and licences.
To help local businesses activate their ideas, Tourism Burnaby has kicked off a Watch Party Grant Program. From hosting watch parties, to decorating businesses with country flags and generic soccer imagery, to offering themed menus and selling non-branded merchandise, Burnaby businesses and community groups can help bring visitors and local fans together, as long as the businesses follow FIFA World Cup 2026™ guidelines.
With more than 120 languages spoken in Burnaby, the city’s multicultural diversity makes it ideal to celebrate teams from 48 nations competing in the matches. “This is an opportunity for fans to get together in places throughout Burnaby for match-day experiences,” said Robyn Hughes, director of Sport Burnaby. “Get creative and get involved,” is her advice to businesses. “Whether it’s a small activation or a full-fan experience, every event creates energy.”
To help direct fans to Burnaby celebration activities, the Burnaby United website will list watch parties or public viewing events to bring international visitors and local fans together for unforgettable moments this summer.
The deadline to submit a Watch Party Grant Program application is April 30.
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