Netherlands Face Japan in Arlington Opener as Host City Defends $8.5 Million World Cup Bill
Updated
Updated · POLITICO · Jun 14
Netherlands Face Japan in Arlington Opener as Host City Defends $8.5 Million World Cup Bill
3 articles · Updated · POLITICO · Jun 14
Summary
Six group-stage matches begin in Arlington on Sunday with Netherlands vs. Japan, the first test of the Texas city’s World Cup operations.
Mayor Jim Ross said Arlington has already logged $8.5 million in tournament-related costs but expects state and federal reimbursement, arguing AT&T Stadium generates $324 million a year for local businesses.
Transportation remains a weak point: Arlington, a city of 400,000 and the largest in the U.S. without mass transit, is relying on commuter rail, buses and ride-share links while parking runs into the hundreds of dollars.
Security planning also centers on international fan traditions, with Ross saying officials coordinated with Dutch organizers for a fan march expected to draw tens of thousands before the match.
The opener lands amid broader criticism from U.S. host cities over public costs and high ticket prices that many local residents say put World Cup matches out of reach.