SHILLONG, JUN 25: Shillong’s Polo area will become the city’s football nerve centre from Friday as the Meghalaya government launches the ‘Chief Minister’s Football Fan-Park’ to screen FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live for fans.
Set up at the S.R.G.T Parking Lot, the fan park will be inaugurated on June 26.
Entry is free, and the government said the venue is meant to bring together sports lovers for a shared match-day experience that mirrors stadium energy.
To suit local timings, only fixtures kicking off at 9:30 PM, 10:30 PM and 12:30 AM will be screened on the big screen.
The state is pairing football with live music. Match days will feature performances by artists under the Chief Minister’s Meghalaya Grassroots Music Program (CM-MGMP), turning the park into a month-long mix of sport and entertainment.
Officials said the initiative is part of a larger push to build community spaces around sports and local talent.
“This reflects our commitment to create dynamic public spaces that celebrate football, music and unity,” the Department of Tourism said in a statement.
The fan park also ties into the state’s plan to build what it aims will be the country’s largest football stadium at Mawkhnau.
By converting a public parking area into a World Cup viewing hub, the government hopes to fuel Meghalaya’s football fervour and make the global tournament accessible to citizens and visitors without ticket barriers.
Fans are invited to turn up from June 26 and be part of Shillong’s state-led World Cup celebration.
By Our Reporter
