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Colin Young | SHNS
The governor on Wednesday promised residents "a safe and secure and successful World Cup in Massachusetts" this summer, a day ahead of a preview game that will gauge the state's preparations.
Under the temporary name "Boston Stadium," the Foxborough stadium will host seven World Cup matches between June 13 and July 9 -- a large-scale international event that the state has been planning for for more than a year.
"It's been described as the equivalent of hosting seven Super Bowls in four weeks. It's a big deal, plus we've got the fan festival happening at Boston City Hall Plaza and watch parties happening across the state. This same time period coincides with the arrival of tall ships in Boston, as well as a spectacular Fourth of July celebration as we celebrate America 250. So it's going to be a big summer," Gov. Maura Healey said Wednesday after touring the State Police Homeland Security Operations Center in Framingham.
She continued, "But fortunately, we're no strangers to major events and we know what it takes. And that's why I just want to assure every family, resident and visitor, that no stone's been left unturned to make sure that this is a safe and secure and successful World Cup event." At another point, she said she "can promise you, that this is going to be a safe, secure and successful World Cup here in Massachusetts."
Healey announced "Match-Ready Massachusetts," an online hub that features information and resources on the World Cup and state public health and public safety preparations for it. The governor said the state has secured $76 million in federal money for World Cup security and preparedness, more than 70 agencies are involved in safety planning efforts, emergency management leaders in all 351 municipalities have been briefed, and five major rehearsals have been held.
The state has plans to get thousands of fans from Boston to the games in Foxborough via the commuter rail system, in particular the Franklin-Foxborough Line.
Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein explained the various things his department is working on ahead of the World Cup -- being ready to respond to any infectious disease outbreaks or food-borne illnesses, readying hospital capacity and medical surge capabilities for unexpected emergencies, and preparing for weather-related hazards like extreme heat. He said DPH will issue additional guidance in the coming weeks.
"As an infectious disease physician, I look at the World Cup through a very practical lens," Goldstein said. "We are about to welcome hundreds of thousands of people from every corner of the globe in the middle of a New England summer with all of the usual seasonal risk layered on top of the unique challenges of a global mass gathering event."
Colin Young is the deputy editor for State House News Service and State Affairs Pro Massachusetts.
