FIFA Fan Festival cancelled Thursday due to lightning risk
The City of Toronto evacuated fans watching Mexico vs. South Africa screening at Fort York after weather created unsafe conditions during the World Cup's opening day.
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The FIFA Fan Festival at Fort York was evacuated and closed Thursday afternoon due to lightning risk during the Mexico vs. South Africa match screening, disappointing fans who had gathered for the World Cup's opening.
The City of Toronto said public safety took priority after weather conditions deteriorated. Fans told reporters they were disappointed to leave before the game ended, though most understood the reasoning.
One attendee named Diego called the cancellation a "downer," saying "these are all the biggest fans who want to watch the game, and we can't watch it." Two other fans who had travelled two hours to support Mexico said they were hoping to find a nearby venue screening the match instead.
The city said the festival would remain closed for the rest of the evening as it prioritized public safety ahead of Toronto's first World Cup match Friday. The festival remained available for future match screenings throughout the tournament.