Arlington Welcomes the World: City Guides Businesses on Permits and Preparation

As Arlington prepares to host nine matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™, City leaders are helping local businesses get ready to make the most of this global opportunity — while staying safe and compliant.
In the latest episode of “Arlington Welcomes the World,” City experts shared key guidance on permits, planning and business readiness ahead of the tournament.

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Arlington is getting ready to welcome the world, and for local businesses, that means big opportunities and important preparations. I'm Jay Warren, and in this episode of Arlington Welcomes the World, we're breaking down what you need to know about doing business during the FIFA World Cup 2026. From permits to planning, hear directly from city experts on how to get ready and make the most of this global moment. Joining us now are Ariel Worster, who's the assistant building official in planning development services, who helps ensure that projects meet safety and building standards, as well as Amy Rockhill, who is our health services manager, who oversees health-related permitting to keep our community safe and ready for visitors. And we appreciate you both being here with us today to talk about permitting and business-related items as we get ready for the World Cup. And Ariel, if you'll talk to us a little bit about the types of permits that businesses need to be thinking about as we go into the World Cup.

SPEAKER_03 1:05

So they would need to be thinking ahead of temporary outdoor event permits and special event permits as applicable and allowed outside of the restricted areas, just with any event structures, maybe that they're setting up tents, any sales of anything or potential crowds.

SPEAKER_01 1:20

You mentioned restrictions there. And are there restrictions we've placed specifically during the World Cup that we wouldn't normally have?

SPEAKER_03 1:28

Yes, we have. We had recently passed a resolution, and the restriction is specific to the entertainment district, roughly around the North Center, East Lamar area, the Stadium Drive, Ballparkway, and East Division. And just that would be before and during matches.

SPEAKER_01 1:45

And so what's the why why is the rationale? What's the rationale for that?

SPEAKER_03 1:49

So reasoning behind the restriction is to ensure that our critical city services such as fire, police, and public works can safely service those event permits during the World Cup.

SPEAKER_01 1:59

So if a business is planning an activation of some kind, um, what do they need to be thinking about?

SPEAKER_03 2:05

I would say they need to think ahead and just really plan ahead, speak to us, ask any questions just to ensure that they either need an event permit, if they're allowed to have the event permit, and what that looks like for them.

SPEAKER_01 2:16

And if a business has something that's falling on a restricted day of some kind or restricted area, what's the impact?

SPEAKER_03 2:24

The impact would be that we would need to assess and make sure that again, if they can have it based upon the restriction, and if they can't, that they speak to us to see about any alternative options.

SPEAKER_01 2:33

Okay, very good. Well, Amy, let me bring you into the conversation a little bit here as well. Um you deal with a lot of our health-related items. What should businesses be thinking about in that respect?

SPEAKER_02 2:45

So again, as Ariel mentioned, we really want businesses to focus on the planning, the pre-planning, thinking things through, coming and talking to us. We love creativity, we love ideas, we want to help those businesses successfully see um sort of their vision into reality, but we just need to make sure that that is done in accordance with all of our standards and rules.

SPEAKER_01 3:06

And that may mean larger quantities of food or other things. What would you recommend in the handling of that?

SPEAKER_02 3:11

Absolutely. So as we know we're gonna have a big influx of patrons and potential customers into Arlington. Um this is really our restaurant's time to shine on the world stage. So we want to make sure that we're establishing a strong food safety culture prior to the event, making sure that all of the food handlers and employees have their proper training. So food handlers and food managers training, making sure that the policies are in place that you can operate safely and successfully. Um, and then thinking about things ahead of time like buying your supplies that you may need in advance so you don't have delivery trucks coming in and out, or minimizing that at least, um, and making sure that you have a safe way of keeping food stored, um, especially perishable goods.

SPEAKER_01 3:56

And what would they expect to see during an inspection process during the World Cup, right?

SPEAKER_02 4:02

So our inspections are really unchanged from a routine food safety inspection. Our job is just really uh going out to ensure that public health is protected. So anytime that you have a larger group of people that is considered higher risk, and we're there just all about reducing risk. So when we come in and do the inspections, it's not going to be anything outside of the normal routine inspection that our partners are already used to. And we will try to be cognizant of minimizing impact or any disruption to the establishment as we do expect, you know, they're trying to deal with peak rushes.

SPEAKER_01 4:38

And I love that you mentioned you want the businesses to be creative. But where's the line between being creative but then that uh branching over into needing a permit or some type of uh other uh accreditation of some kind?

SPEAKER_02 4:51

So if they're operating within the structure of their existing footprint, they really aren't probably gonna need any additional permits. It's if they're trying to extend out into sidewalks, parking lots, right-of-way, um, adding food food trucks or food trailers, really expanding the scope and nature of the operation, that's when they really need to come talk to us about potentially other permits that may be right.

SPEAKER_01 5:16

And your best advice for staying compliant?

SPEAKER_02 5:19

My best advice is prepare, communicate to us, and make sure that you know the food code as it relates to your specific operation. Um, food safety is food safety is food safety. You know, whether it's a small uh business or a large business, whether you're serving 100 people or a thousand people. Um, those really core food safety elements just have to be maintained.

SPEAKER_01 5:41

And same thing at home as well, right? Yeah, absolutely. Um, Ariel, Amy mentioned, you know, if you're inside your business doing things, you're probably fine, don't need a permit, but you may need a permit if you're doing things outside your normal business structure. Uh so let's talk a little bit about if you're doing a pop-up or if you want to be out on a patio or do something outside. What type of permit might be needed then?

SPEAKER_03 6:01

Yeah, so anytime we have any outdoor activations or activities of that nature, so pop-ups or tents or temporary structures or even sales of merchandise, food, or beverage, we would need to see them come in with a temporary outdoor event permit or special event permit as applicable. And also those structures may trigger a building permit review.

SPEAKER_01 6:18

Right. Same question to you as I asked Amy, what is your best advice for staying compliant?

SPEAKER_03 6:24

It really echoes what Amy said. So, best advice is again communication, planning ahead in advance, and speaking to city staff if they have any questions, just ensuring that they're in line with everything and we are always there to help assist.

SPEAKER_01 6:36

And if someone wanted to look this information up online, where would you send them?

SPEAKER_03 6:41

I would suggest them navigating to the World Cup for Businesses page. We had just recently built that and it has kind of core information related to food permits, special event permits, and navigating those processes.

SPEAKER_01 6:53

Trying to make it as easy as we can for folks and stay compliant with all the rules and regulations. Well, we appreciate all the hard work that you and your teams are doing as we get ready for the World Cup. Thanks so much.

SPEAKER_03 7:02

Thank you. Thank you.

SPEAKER_00 7:59

Thank you. Thank you for having me.

SPEAKER_01 8:00

I know you created a document appropriately titled The Game Plan. What is that and how will it help our businesses?

SPEAKER_00 8:06

Well, the game plan is our way to make sure that businesses are not just aware that World Cup is coming, but that they are prepared to win when it comes. You know, we're about to welcome the world to Arlington. So with that, it creates an opportunity, but opportunity doesn't just immediately mean impact if the business is not prepared. So the game plan removes the guestwork out of uh, you know, out of everything for our businesses so that they are prepared to show up competitive and you know confident. Um so it's clear practical steps in the game plan.

SPEAKER_01 8:38

Yeah, I like that word practical because you're talking about things like inventory or staffing, recommendations on that type of thing in the game plan, right?

SPEAKER_00 8:45

Correct, correct. And so the thing is that businesses have to realize this is not business as usual, right? So they need to prepare for staffing, you know, levels um at at appropriate times. Demand is going to be different. So inventory is very important. And how do you control customer flow? How a customer enters, orders, and moves and exits your business. You know, the businesses that um focus on these things, they they win um typically when mega events come to town.

SPEAKER_01 9:15

I feel like they'll win if they're creating a welcoming environment, and this is gonna be a cultural experience for a lot of folks. What should businesses consider in that aspect from a payment perspective or other things that might be out of the norm for them?

SPEAKER_00 9:29

That's good. Well, it's a global event, so you have to think globally. So something as simple as accepting cash. As I've visited our businesses, a lot of them they do not accept cash. So international visitors rely heavily on cash. Um, even accepting Google and Apple Pay and making your menus and signage um more clear and trans, you know, translating in other languages is also important. Um it's an it's a global event.

SPEAKER_01 9:55

Yeah, absolutely. Are there any citywide initiatives or programs or promotions that businesses can enter into or take part in?

SPEAKER_00 10:04

Well, so the event is it's important that businesses don't operate in isolation, right? Um it's an opportunity for them to plug into all of the citywide efforts, marketing and partnerships that we are um using to drive traffic. It's important, the key is to stay informed and stay connected, and so you can make sure that you're able to benefit from all of this. So all of that is included in the game plan.

SPEAKER_01 10:25

Yeah, very good. So outside of the game plan, are there other programs or or or how is the EDC supporting our businesses?

SPEAKER_00 10:32

Great question. So the game plan is just one piece. Um, this is we are we are in the business of doing business and supporting business, right? And so on our website, um ArlingtonTXEDC.com is a list of you know opportunities for to connect to funding and resources, um, training, guidance beyond just the World Cup, but every day.

SPEAKER_01 10:52

Yeah, well that's great because I we really do want this to be a positive experience for our businesses. And we've got nine games coming, so there's a lot of opportunities. Great games. Absolutely. Um, what do you think the economic impact is going to be?

SPEAKER_00 11:06

Well, so so World Cup is not just a moment, right? It is a positioning opportunity for this for the city. It will allow us to introduce the city, our businesses, and our experiences to people all over the world. So if we do it right, we can benefit long term on the um economically um because it benefits us because repeat visitors, stronger businesses, and that equates to um a greater economy.

SPEAKER_01 11:32

Yeah. If there was a mind shift that you would suggest that businesses take now to be prepared for that, what would it be?

SPEAKER_00 11:40

Don't wait. Prepare now. Um, it has shown that the businesses that prepare early on are the ones that win um when great large events come to the city. And so preparing now and not waiting is going to be key. This is your opportunity to think big. So do it.

SPEAKER_01 11:57

Yeah, don't procrastinate, be a Boy Scout, be prepared.

SPEAKER_00 11:59

Absolutely, be prepared.

SPEAKER_01 12:00

Very good. Wonderful. Okay, thanks so much for all the hard work you and the EDC team are doing on this. We really do appreciate it and appreciate your time today.

SPEAKER_00 12:07

Thank you for having me, Jay.

SPEAKER_01 12:08

Absolutely, very good. And for the latest updates on the World Cup preparations, events, and what to expect in our community, visit Arlington TX.gov slash World Cup. We'll see you next time.