
Philly bets on World Cup with cheap transit and 39 days of free fan festivals
Philadelphia is positioning itself as a World Cup hub by offering a $2.90 round-trip SEPTA fare, 39 days of free World Cup fan festivals at Lemon Hill Park, and police body cameras to help interact with visitors in 50+ languages; officials say these moves showcase accessibility and could spur a $770 million local economic boost, with investments in hospitality hubs and neighborhood outreach, though some residents question how broadly the benefits will be felt beyond downtown and tourism.