The World Cup party got off to a brutal start in Houston.
Twenty-two people were treated for heat-related illnesses Thursday during the first day of the FIFA Fan Festival, with four taken to hospitals, according to FOX 26 Houston.
At least two of the cases involved heatstroke, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo said, as fans dealt with sweltering conditions in the Texas heat.
Temperatures climbed into the 90s across the Houston area, with humidity making it feel even more uncomfortable for those spending hours outside. More hot weather was expected Friday, with heat index values likely pushing above 100 at times.
The early heat scare has raised questions over conditions at the outdoor fan event, with Hidalgo saying more shade may be needed and pointing to limited air-conditioned areas. She said Houston Hall and the “NASA bubble” were among the few spots with air conditioning, and also questioned whether fans could easily find hydration stations.
Juan Garcia, chair of the Houston Sports Authority, said water stations, misting stations, air-conditioned areas and medical personnel were available on site, but warned visitors need to prepare for the realities of an outdoor event in Houston’s June heat.
The incidents come with Texas set to play a major role in the World Cup, with games scheduled in both Houston and Dallas/Arlington during the tournament.
That could put extra focus on how organizers manage heat, humidity and large crowds as thousands of visiting fans arrive for matches and events.
Officials urged fans to hydrate, take breaks and watch for signs of heat illness, particularly with many out-of-town visitors expected during the tournament.
The message from Houston’s opening fan festival is clear: the World Cup may be here, but so is the Texas heat.
