The FIFA World Cup opening day celebrations in Toronto were cut short Thursday when a thunderstorm and the threat of lightning forced the evacuation of the official FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York.
Thousands of fans who had gathered at the site to watch the tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa were met with jeers and groans as the evacuation announcement came under darkening skies. Mexico went on to win the match 2-0 in Mexico City, but fans in Toronto missed the conclusion.
The decision was not made lightly but safety was the utmost priority, the city said in a statement. The festival remained closed for the day’s second match between South Korea and Czechia.
Local resident Abdel Elmaadawi said the energy was great when he arrived but expressed disappointment with the cancellation, noting the website had advertised it as a rain or shine event. Ian Custadillo, who took a half-day off work to attend, said he would return but was unsure about scheduling his day around it again.
The disruption came just one day after a spirited countdown concert at the same venue featuring Bryan Adams, Wyclef Jean, Nora Fatehi and The Beaches performing before thousands of cheering fans. Brampton roots artist AHI also performed at the countdown concert alongside Wyclef Jean, delivering a message about appreciating the moment.
When the Raptors won the championship in 2019, the next year the whole world shut down, AHI said. We have got to take these moments in. It is people coming together, and that is what life is about.
Organizers will be hoping for clear skies on Friday as Toronto Stadium makes its World Cup debut when Canada takes on Bosnia-Herzegovina. Canadian rocker Alanis Morissette is set to sing the national anthem, with performances by Michael Buble, Alessia Cara, Jessie Reyez, William Prince and Sanjoy also planned before kickoff.
Staff at Toronto Stadium were seen putting final touches on the venue Thursday, which has been wrapped in FIFA and World Cup imagery replacing the usual Toronto FC and BMO branding. Canada’s newly sworn-in Governor General Louise Arbour is planning to attend the match.
For Durham Region residents planning to visit the World Cup Fan Fest in the coming weeks, the lightning evacuation serves as a reminder to prepare for unpredictable summer weather. The tournament runs until July 19, with six games scheduled in Toronto and seven in Vancouver.
This year’s World Cup is jointly hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico. It is the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, with international fans descending on host cities across North America.
Throughout the tournament, Toronto’s fan festival will feature artists such as Alessia Cara and French Montana, while Vancouver will welcome Motley Crue and Kaytranada among others.
The World Cup has drawn some criticism over high ticket prices, with one fan saying he paid about $1,000 for a single match ticket but calling it a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Despite the opening day weather setback, excitement continues to build across the Greater Toronto Area and Durham Region as Canada prepares for its first match on home soil.
