Bob Mackin
Vancouver city council is expected to rubber-stamp Brand Live Management Group as the producer of the $20 million FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park during the 2026 World Cup.
A report to the Nov. 27 meeting of the Standing Committee on Policy and Strategic Priorities recommends the city negotiate with Brand Live a fixed-price of contract of almost $1.48 million plus a variable component of 7.5% for additional project planning and delivery costs.
The PNE’s Freedom Mobile Arch amphitheatre construction site in August 2024 (Mackin)
Brand Live’s credits include the Honda Celebration of Light fireworks, Canada Together Canada Day festival at Canada Place, events for the Whitecaps and Lions, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2015 Fan Zone at Larwill Park.
The report from the city’s chief procurement officer, Alexander Ralph, said that Brand Live offered the “best overall value” proposal after a two-stage process that began last spring.
Six companies were shortlisted from the 33 that responded. Brand Live and three others submitted proposals to the final stage by Sept. 4.
Second Dimension International Ltd., Patrick Roberge Productions Inc. and IMG were the unsuccessful bidders.
FIFA host cities are required to provide an official public viewing area during the tournament. The PNE grounds are expected to be open for all 39 days of the tournament and host watch parties for thousands of fans.
The festival’s centrepiece is expected to be the PNE’s $135 million Freedom Mobile Arch amphitheatre, a project that has more than doubled in price.
During the two-year term, Brand Live is expected to provide “a turnkey solution for the creative concept, programming content, infrastructure, equipment, mobilization/build, operational delivery and overall management of the FIFA Fan Festival.”
Vancouver is one of 16 host cities for the 48-nation tournament. Seven matches are scheduled for B.C. Place Stadium from June 13-July 7, 2026. The B.C. NDP government said last spring that it could cost taxpayers $581 million in operational and capital costs to subsidize FIFA, one of the world’s richest sporting organizations.
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