As the final whistle blew on the FIFA World Cup here in Houston, I found myself reflecting on what an extraordinary few weeks it has been for our city…and for my family as well.
Like so many Houstonians, I have always enjoyed the excitement that comes with international sporting events, but this one felt especially meaningful. Soccer has been a part of our family’s story for years. My daughter, Crystin, played competitively from childhood all the way through college, and now watching my granddaughter, Harper, continue that same passion made this World Cup even more special for me and our family. It reminded me, when our family was lucky enough to attended games together, just how powerful sports can be in bringing generations together.
There were also many fun happenings that we will always remember about being part of this World Cup live! We’ve placed some of these special ______ in our collage of memories below. Here are a few we’ll share…..Crystin was there and took part in the Netherlands’ ‘orange wave’ from our neighboring Rice U. Campus to the stadium. If watching the ‘rowers’ of Norway wasn’t enough, our entire family became fans of Erling Holland, key player from Norway whose fashion touch, with those amazing hair ties (they are on order!). The Japanese who cleaned up our stadiums and of course, getting to know Mauricio Pochettino, our USA Team Coach who just also happened to be an Italian from Argentina. Lastly, we were fortunate enough to get to see Soccer Superstars, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo play their final games in World Cup history.(hopeful that we will get past all of the current controversy on sponsorships, etc. will get resolved and we will have many years going forward of the World Cup as we have known it!)
Of course, one of the greatest joys was watching Houston welcome the world with open arms.
For weeks, our city was filled with visitors from every corner of the globe. Downtown and my ‘hood…Rice, Rice Village, Hermann Park, particularly came alive with fans proudly wearing their country’s colors, restaurants were filled with new faces, and the excitement was contagious wherever you went. The FIFA Fan Festival became a destination all on its own, welcoming hundreds of thousands of visitors with live match broadcasts, music, local food, interactive experiences, and plenty of Houston hospitality.
One of my favorite things about Houston has always been our diversity, and during the World Cup it truly took center stage. Different languages, cultures, traditions, and celebrations all blended together, reminding us exactly why Houston is such a remarkable international city. As someone who spends so much time highlighting our local restaurants, museums, boutiques, and events, it was wonderful to see so many Houston businesses embrace the excitement.
Restaurants like our family’s Nash D’Amicos in neighboring Rice Village told the story of how his entire restaurant went orange, when Netherland’s fans took a break from their Rice U. stadium march. Nash said, “I even brought in Ranch Dressing, not exactly on our Italian menu but we’re here to please!” Many restaurants and bars, city-wide like Exilio, created special menus hosted watch parties, hotels like Hotel Zaza welcomed visitors and players from around the world, Museums opened their doors to new audiences, Hermann Park hosted a weekend campaign they tagged, Kicking It At Hermann Park and neighborhoods throughout the city found creative ways to celebrate. It was so exciting to watch Houston’s hospitality industry shine on such a global stage!
Nash and Brina D’Amico
Over the past month I had the opportunity to experience several of those celebrations myself, from wonderful restaurant events and watch parties to cultural gatherings that brought people together over food, conversation, and of course…. soccer! Every event had its own personality, but they all shared one thing in common: an incredible sense of community.
Houston also proved what so many of us already know…we know how to host! Years of planning resulted in an unforgettable experience that welcomed more than one million visitors, featured seven World Cup matches, and created memories that will stay with our city long after the tournament is over. The fan walks, international supporters, and the incredible energy throughout Houston showed the world exactly who we are.
Looking back through these photos, I am reminded that this wasn’t just about soccer. It was about families gathering together. Friends making memories. Businesses welcoming new faces. Visitors discovering Houston. And a city proudly showing the world everything that makes it so special.
Thank you, Houston, to its many supporters and to Chris Canetti and his FIFA Houston Host Committee and staff for reminding us once again why there is truly no place quite like ‘our’ home.
Until next time…⚽️❤️
