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Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World Cup. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Game On! Franklin Fan Zone is Calling You!
Big Games, Bigger Memories — Celebrate Safely!
Whether you're cheering at home, hosting a watch party, or heading out to watch the FIFA World Cup™️ keep safety in the game:
- Stay hydrated
- Wear sunscreen if watching outdoors
- Drive sober and buckle up
- Keep food safe at gatherings
- Look out for friends and family
Enjoy the excitement, make great memories, and celebrate responsibly!
Learn more safety tips: https://www.cdc.gov/soccer/index.html
Shared from - https://www.facebook.com/share/18JfA7QV73/
Saturday, June 13, 2026
Economic Development Subcmte gets updates on the events for June & continues goal discussion (audio)
FM #1762 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1762 in the series.
The Economic Development Subcommittee met on Thursday, June 4, 2026 as scheduled. Committee Vice-Chair Morrongiello, Griffith & Malloy were present for this session, Chair LeBlanc was away.
Quick recap:
Cory Shea to talk about the events,
Restaurant Week underway, good social interactions, PorchFest on Saturday June 6, about 50 performers and 30+porches; after the music you can also visit a restaurant as the week ends on Saturday.
Tricky trying to put the pieces together from a regional aspect for an international event, lots of connections made, lessons learned
Main St will be closed between St Mary's and the Franklin Federated Church. The jumbotron will be at Hayward Manor; Live performances scheduled; Info on schedule details, parking etc will be posted on June 22
After the watch parties, Pride on June 27, then into the 4th of July Celebration… Farmers Market and Concerts on the Common during the summer, then Harvest Festival in Sept and wreath of Franklin date TBD Nov, Dec
MetroWest guide for the watch parties coming out , Town has an ad placed in it as it will be spreading quite a bit.
Discussion on goals vs work plan, should it be 2 or one.
Why is there a distinction?
Solid waste master plan required for the town dump, consent order from DEP so it is already being worked
The meeting runs about 71 minutes.
Audio link - https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1762-economic-development-subcmte-mtg-06-04-26/—-----------
The agenda here -
https://www.franklinma.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_06042026-2343
My full set of notes taken during the meeting -
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WMctKdP3zMR8fJSIsIDFplpBCbQdfBhd/view?usp=drive_link
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The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.
I hope you enjoy!
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Monday, June 8, 2026
Boston Globe: "Ahead of World Cup, officials announce safety plans and ask for public’s help"
"Just south of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, a billboard looms over busy Route 1: “Human trafficking” it says in large bold letters over close-ups of several people’s eyes. “If you see something, say something.”
It’s a public safety awareness push ahead of the World Cup, with a specific focus: Starting when games begin next week in Foxborough, crowds will descend on the area — men looking to pay a fee for sex, and operators of an illicit industry built on exploitation who are looking to capitalize.
“Events like the World Cup can create conditions that attract human traffickers seeking to exploit vulnerable people, regardless of age, sex, race, or ethnicity,” FBI Boston Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks said at a press conference last week in the State House."
Shared from - https://www.bostonglobe.com/2026/06/07/metro/human-trafficking-spotlight-world-cup/?s_campaign=sharetool_copypaste_view
Friday, June 5, 2026
MetroWest Regional Fan Zones Receive Additional $50,000 State Grant Support Ahead Of FIFA World Cup™ Events
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau (MBVB) has been awarded a $50,000 Round Three Sports and Entertainment Events Grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) to support public safety expenses associated with the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones, a series of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ watch party events taking place in Marlborough (June 11-13) and Franklin (June 24-25).
The award builds upon a previous Round One Sports and Entertainment Events Grant of $120,000 received by MBVB to support planning, infrastructure, marketing, logistics, and public safety costs for the initiative.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are among only a handful of officially licensed FIFA World Cup™ public viewing events in Massachusetts authorized to livestream tournament matches. The two locations are expected to attract thousands of residents and visitors during the tournament, creating a unique opportunity to celebrate the world's largest sporting event while showcasing MetroWest as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and community.
"The most meaningful legacy of the World Cup will be found in the communities that use this moment to strengthen partnerships, celebrate their unique identities, and create experiences that inspire people to return, invest, and engage for years to come,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “We at MOTT are committed to helping shape that legacy by ensuring communities across the Commonwealth, like MetroWest, have the opportunity to participate in and benefit from this extraordinary global moment."
"The Commonwealth's investment through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund has been instrumental in turning an ambitious regional vision into reality," said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. "What began as a conversation about how MetroWest could participate in the excitement of the FIFA World Cup has evolved into a major regional initiative that will bring residents together while also welcoming visitors from across Massachusetts, the nation, and around the world. We are excited to showcase our vibrant communities, local businesses, and cultural assets to an international audience."
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative traces its origins to April 2024, when the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau began discussions with Boston World Cup, the FIFA World Cup 26™ Host Committee for the Boston region, regarding opportunities for MetroWest communities to participate in tournament-related programming.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2025, conversations with municipalities across the region led to the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin emerging as host communities for the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones.
Since then, the initiative has grown into a broad regional partnership. The City of Marlborough, the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), the Town of Franklin, and Franklin's Recreation Department have served as lead partners for planning, logistics, operations, and event support. The Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce (MRCC) and MetroWest Chamber of Commerce joined the partnership to assist with fundraising, business engagement, vendor recruitment, and community outreach, while MBVB coordinated overall project management, marketing, sponsorship development, and vendor solicitation.
The MetroWest Chamber of Commerce also played a key role in ensuring accessibility and inclusion by providing translation support for event materials.
"This initiative represents exactly the kind of regional collaboration that drives economic development," said Meredith Harris, Executive Director of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation. "Not only will these events bring visitors directly into Marlborough and Franklin, but the Fan Zone Guide also encourages attendees to explore the entire MetroWest region through curated 'Stay and Play' recommendations. That means more visitors discovering our restaurants, retailers, attractions, hotels, and small businesses long after the final whistle blows."
"As a community that values both creativity and culture, Franklin is thrilled to support local artists and makers through curated arts and crafts markets at both Fan Zone locations," said Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy for the Town of Franklin. "These events provide visitors with an opportunity to take home unique, handcrafted souvenirs while supporting the talented creative entrepreneurs who help make our communities special."
"The generosity of our corporate sponsors and community partners has been essential to making these Fan Zones free and accessible for everyone," said Michelle Mercier, President and CEO of the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce. "Their support has allowed us to create an exciting, family-friendly celebration that welcomes residents and visitors alike to experience the spirit of the World Cup together. The business community has embraced this opportunity to showcase MetroWest on a global stage, and we are proud to have helped connect local companies with an event that will generate economic activity and regional visibility long after the tournament ends."
"We are delighted to have helped create multilingual Fan Zone Guides and event signage so that all of our Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking friends—whether residents or visitors—feel welcomed and included," said Reyad Shah, President and CEO of the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce. "The diversity of the match schedule reflects the diversity of our region, featuring not only a United States match, but also two Brazil matches, two Scotland matches, and games involving Mexico, Haiti, Ecuador, Morocco, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Tunisia, and the Netherlands. We wanted fans from many of the communities that call MetroWest home to have an opportunity to celebrate together."
In addition to state funding, the MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are supported through a diverse coalition of sponsors, community partners, vendor participation fees, and advertising opportunities.
Major FIFA-approved sponsors include Southwick's Zoo, Dean College, Brazilian Times, and Michelob Ultra, the title sponsor of the Michelob Ultra Beer Garden at the Franklin Fan Zone.
Additional event support has been provided by a variety of community and corporate partners. Lawson's Finest Liquids is the lead partner for the Beer, Wine & Cocktails Garden at the Marlborough Fan Zone. Sartorius, Shaw's, Quest Diagnostics, Alltown Fresh, the MetroWest Regional Transit Authority (MWRTA), Franklin Youth Soccer, and Daddario Hardware have helped support the event through free hosted activities, interactive fan experiences, and other event contributions. Additional funding has been generated through vendor participation fees and advertising opportunities on the Fan Zone jumbotrons between matches, and through Local Cultural Council grants awarded by Marlborough, Franklin, Bellingham, Natick, and Wayland, to support both the Fan Zone events and the production of the official Fan Zone Guide.
Organizers also expressed gratitude to the Anglican Church of the Redeemer, whose generous support in providing use of the Hayward Manor property has made it possible to expand the Franklin Fan Zone with a dedicated beer garden and jumbotron viewing area adjacent to the Town Common.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones will feature giant-screen broadcasts of FIFA World Cup™ matches, live entertainment, food trucks, local vendors, arts and crafts exhibitors, family activities, beer gardens, and cultural programming designed to celebrate the international spirit of the tournament.
Free tickets, additional information, and event details for both Fan Zone locations are available at www.metrowestvisitors.org/world-cup.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.
PDF version - https://drive.google.com/file/d/11YbZ2ILB7Ufc-SrMO31uxvr8w66sp0QI/view?usp=drive_link
Friday, May 29, 2026
MetroWest Fan Zones Release Event Details, Free Tickets For FIFA World Cup™ Watch Parties
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin, today released additional details for its MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, including event schedules, featured activities, entertainment programming, sponsors, and ticketing information.
Free tickets are now available for both Fan Zone locations at MetroWestVisitors.org/world-cup. While admission is free, advance ticket registration is required for all attendees.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are currently among only a handful of officially licensed public viewing events in Massachusetts authorized to livestream FIFA World Cup™ matches, creating a rare opportunity for fans to experience the excitement of the tournament in a large-scale community setting close to home.
“From live match broadcasts and music to interactive games, food trucks, and family activities, these Fan Zones are designed to create an unforgettable festival atmosphere for residents and visitors alike,” said Stacey David, Executive Director of the MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau. “This is about more than watching soccer—it’s about bringing communities together, celebrating the international spirit of the tournament, and showcasing MetroWest as a welcoming destination during one of the world’s biggest sporting events.”
Each Fan Zone will feature giant jumbotron livestreams of FIFA World Cup™ matches, live bands and performances, family-friendly activities, food vendors, beer gardens, lawn games, arts and crafts vendors, and interactive activities. Both locations will also host a World Cup Dance Party between matches, featuring music videos on the jumbotron, as well as dedicated opportunities for attendees to play “Just Dance” live on the big screen.
The New England Revolution mascot Slyde will appear at both locations for photo opportunities and fan engagement throughout the events.
Marlborough Fan Zone (Kelleher Field)
Event Hours & Match Schedule
• Thursday, June 11th: 1pm - 6pm, showing Mexico vs. South Africa at 3pm, New England Revolution Meet & Greet throughout the day• Friday, June 12th: 5pm - 11pm, showing USA vs. Paraguay at 9pm• Saturday, June 13th: 5pm - 11pm, showing Brazil vs. Morocco at 6pm and Haiti vs. Scotland at 9pm
Throughout the event, World Cup anthems and international music will help create a high-energy festival atmosphere celebrating the global spirit of the tournament.
Featured activities in Marlborough include:
• Sartorius Soccer Fever• Southwick’s Zoo Basketball Shootout• Shaw’s “Take Your Shot” Photobooth• Quest Diagnostics Soccer Kick Wall• Alltown Fresh Axe Throwing• MWRTA Soccer Darts
Marlborough will also feature a Beer, Wine & Cocktails Garden including Lawson’s Finest Liquids.
Franklin Fan Zone (Franklin Town Common and adjacent Hayward Manor)
Event Hours & Match Schedule
• Wednesday, June 24th: 2pm – 9pm event time, showing Switzerland vs Canada at 3pm and Scotland vs Brazil at 6pm• Thursday, June 25th: 3pm – 9pm event time, showing Ecuador vs. Germany at 4pm and Tunisia vs Netherlands at 7pm, New England Revolution Meet & Greet throughout the day
Interactive activities in Franklin will include:
• Southwick’s Zoo Giant Tic-Tac-Toe• Franklin Youth Soccer Soccer Darts• Franklin Youth Soccer Soccer Shootout• New England Revolution Accuracy Kick• “Take Your Shot” Photobooth• Lawn games and additional family activities
Franklin’s Michelob Ultra Beer Garden will feature Stella Artois, Michelob Ultra, and Nutrl seltzer, as well as craft beer and wine from local producers.
Attendees at both locations can also enjoy a wide variety of food trucks and local vendors serving everything from classic festival favorites like popcorn, cotton candy, chips, snow cones, and drinks to handmade empanadas, Venezuelan and Caribbean specialties, fried dough, fried Oreos, and more.
The MetroWest Regional Fan Zones are sponsored in part by Southwick's Zoo, Dean College, and Brazilian Times.
Additional information, including the official Fan Zone Guide, ticket registration, match schedules, parking information, and future updates, is available at MetroWestVisitors.org/world-cup.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.
Thursday, May 28, 2026
Check out the Creative Corner programs to celebrate the arrival of the World Cup
"We have so many fun projects planned in our classes throughout June to celebrate the upcoming World Cup!
Join us! "
Thursday, May 7, 2026
MBTA schedule change: effective May 25-30 for the Franklin/Foxboro Line
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Sunday, April 26, 2026
MetroWest Regional Fan Zones Announced; Yes, there is one in Franklin !!!
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau, in partnership with the City of Marlborough and the Town of Franklin, today announced plans for a coordinated MetroWest Regional Fan Zone initiative at two locations to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup™ and bring a major tournament viewing event to the region.
Each Fan Zone will feature live match broadcasts on a jumbotron, surrounded by an outdoor festival with a beer garden, food trucks, arts & crafts and other vendors, and family-friendly activities. Organizers expect the events to draw thousands of attendees daily across the two locations. Together, the sites will serve as a regional gathering place for spectators, offering one of the state’s most significant organized opportunities to experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup™ close to home.
Located just minutes from matches being played in Foxborough, the Fan Zones will provide an accessible and welcoming option for those looking to take part in the tournament atmosphere, whether attending a match at the stadium or not.
Marlborough’s Fan Zone will take place June 11–13 at Kelleher Field, with livestreams of:
• Mexico vs. South Africa (June 11)
• USA vs. Paraguay (June 12)
• Brazil vs. Morocco and Haiti vs. Scotland (June 13)
“Marlborough is proud to host a Fan Zone that reflects the diversity and international spirit of our community,” said Mayor J. Christian Dumais of Marlborough. “The World Cup brings together fans from all backgrounds, and our match lineup and festival atmosphere are designed to celebrate that energy—creating a space where people can share their passion for the game and experience the excitement in a way that feels both global and local.”
Meredith Harris, Executive Director for the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation that is partnering on the event shared, "We are excited to welcome local, regional and even international visitors to our community to support our small and local businesses while enjoying the festivities surrounding the World Cup. When presented with the opportunity to host a fan zone, we wanted to be at the forefront of encouraging increased foot traffic for our retailers, restaurants and hotels while also providing a safe and fun way for people to gather and watch the game with their family, friends & neighbors."
Franklin will host the second Fan Zone on June 24–25 at the Franklin Town Common and adjacent Hayward Manor, featuring:
• Switzerland vs Canada and Scotland vs. Brazil (June 24)
• Ecuador vs. Germany and Tunisia vs. Netherlands (June 25)
“As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Franklin is proud to ‘Welcome the World’ to our Town Common, which has long been a place where our community comes together,” said Cory Shea, Director of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy for the Town of Franklin. “This Fan Zone blends the excitement of a global event with the warmth and tradition of a New England town, offering a family-friendly gathering place where residents and visitors alike can share in a truly special experience.”
Match selections across both locations were curated to reflect the diverse and passionate soccer communities throughout MetroWest and the Greater Boston area, highlighting teams with strong local followings and broad international appeal.
Additional details, including other watch parties and soccer-related programming throughout the region, will be available in the official Fan Zone Guide, to be released in the coming weeks at www.metrowestvisitors.org/world-cup. The guide will be available in English, Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
Local retailers, arts and crafts vendors, and nonprofit organizations are invited to participate. Vendor applications are available at www.metrowestvisitors.org/fan-vendors. Businesses may also host interactive activity or brand activation booths; more information is available at www.metrowestvisitors.org/fan-activations. MetroWest businesses holding smaller watch parties and soccer-related events are encouraged to email their event details to info@metrowestvisitors.org for free inclusion in the Fan Zone Guide.
The MetroWest Boston Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization focused on promoting travel and tourism throughout the 19 towns of the MetroWest region: Ashland, Bellingham, Framingham, Franklin, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Northborough, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, and Westborough. For more information, please visit the MBVB website at www.metrowestvisitors.org.
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