Traffic Ahead

Dallas-Fort Worth World Cup traffic guide: What to expect and how to plan ahead

Planning ahead is key.

Getty Images

North Texas is preparing to welcome the world as Arlington hosts nine FIFA World Cup matches this summer, including a semifinal. While the tournament promises unforgettable moments on the field, it will also bring significant travel impacts across the Dallas-Fort Worth region. For residents, commuters, and visitors alike, a little preparation can go a long way.

What to expect on match days
World Cup matches will create concentrated traffic surges in the hours leading up to kickoff and immediately following each match. The heaviest congestion is expected along major corridors serving Arlington, particularly Interstate 30 and State Highway 360. Travelers should also anticipate longer travel times near entertainment districts and other World Cup-related venues.

North Texas will host a nine FIFA World Cup matches at Arlington Stadium, with seven remaining, including group-stage contests, knockout-round action, and a semifinal. Match dates are June 22, 25, 27, and 30. Next month, the dates are July 3, 6, and the semifinal on July 14.

Public transportation will be busier than usual as thousands of fans opt to avoid driving. The Trinity Railway Express (TRE) is expected to see a significant increase in ridership throughout the tournament.

How to plan your travel
If your schedule allows, consider adjusting your commute on match days. Working remotely, shifting work hours, carpooling, combining errands, or choosing alternate routes can help minimize delays and reduce congestion for everyone. These temporary changes can make a meaningful difference during peak travel periods.

North Central Texas Council of Governments, Getty Images Carpooling is a great idea during match days.Getty Images

Transit riders should build extra time into their trips, especially when transferring between services. Checking schedules and service alerts before leaving home can help avoid unexpected delays. The GoPass app can provide real-time transit information and trip-planning assistance.

Attending a match? Have a transportation plan
Fans heading to Arlington have several transportation options. One of the most heavily promoted alternatives to driving is taking the TRE from Dallas or Fort Worth to CentrePort Station, then connecting to charter buses that will transport ticket holders to the stadium area. Organizers expect public transit to play a larger role during the World Cup than at typical stadium events.

For those planning to drive, officials strongly recommend purchasing parking passes in advance. Pre-booked parking can simplify arrival and departure and may help drivers avoid last-minute complications around the busy entertainment district.

Why advance planning matters
World Cup travel demand will be concentrated into short windows, creating temporary pressure on roads, transit systems, and local infrastructure. By planning ahead, North Texans can help preserve reliable travel times, maintain access for essential trips, reduce vehicle emissions, and ensure visitors enjoy a positive experience in the region.

The World Cup may only last a few weeks, but the impact on daily travel will be significant. Whether you're attending a match or simply commuting to work, checking traffic conditions, allowing extra travel time, and adjusting plans when possible can help you navigate the tournament with less stress.

RIP Kelly

Beloved Dallas public relations maven Kelly Hunter dies at 58

Photo courtesy of Sunwest PR.

Kelly Hunter passed away on June 12.

A beloved Dallas media figure has died: Kelly Hunter, a public relations maven who helped restaurants and other small businesses thrive, passed away on June 12, following a brief illness; she was 58.

Hunter spent 35 years in the field of public relations, first at Shiroma Southwest, then at Sunwest Communications, where she served as Vice President, Lifestyle, Hospitality & Tech.

She played a key role in a creative alliance with the City of Addison, particularly its annual Kaboom Town 4th of July event. Other notable clients she promoted over the years include Galleria Dallas; the Statler Dallas hotel in downtown Dallas; Hotel Dax, the Statler sibling that recently opened in Addison; and the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Dallas Love Field.

A statement from Sunwest said that "Kelly’s unparalleled work ethic and encyclopedic knowledge of countless subjects were exceeded only by the passion she had for her job. She made an incredible impact on all she met. Kelly was a good friend, a great mom, and an even better wife to her husband, John."

Hunter was the consummate PR pro, embodying both the detail-oriented precision and the 24/7 responsiveness that the job calls for, along with a doting personal touch that was felt by her coworkers, clients, and members of the media. Hunter was beloved by her peers, as well — no small feat in the cut-throat world of Dallas media.

Chuck Steelman called her "amazing — one of the best public relations professionals I’ve ever worked with." Patricia Valderrama described her as "the warmest and kindest soul. Never saw her angry or upset ever." Allison Golden Tucker posted, "It always seemed like Kelly had more hours in the day than most. Her storytelling ability was second to none and she always had time for a quick word of advice."

Barbara Kovacevich highlighted Kelly's effectiveness, noting that "she elevated Addison events to national recognition. It’s hard to not link Kelly with Addison Kaboom Town. Kelly was driven to success and had a great heart for others."

Kelly was born in Dallas on June 28, 1967. Her parents were Joanne Washburn and John Alexander Jr., and she had a younger sister, Amy. She graduated from Plano Senior High School, going on to earn degrees in marketing and finance from the University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in marketing from the University of North Texas.

She and her husband, John, had two children, Chandler and Reagan, and the four were frequent travelers.

She was also a lifelong volunteer, from the PTA at her children’s elementary school, to Junior League of Collin County, Women’s Auxiliary for Children’s Health, Chamberlain Ballet, and the National Charity League. A culinary enthusiast in work and life, she was recently inducted into Les Dames d’Escoffier.

"Kelly did everything in life with a cheerful attitude and a warmth that made everyone feel special," the statement from Sunwest said. "Her network reaches every corner of the DFW metroplex and beyond as a talented storyteller, fabulous home chef, and a dedicated friend. She was loved and admired by all who knew her."

Services will be held on Saturday, June 27 at 11 am at Christ United Methodist Church in Plano. The service will be live-streamed at cumc.com/memorial.

deaths

Traffic Ahead

Dallas-Fort Worth World Cup traffic guide: What to expect and how to plan ahead

H-E-B's first Dallas County grocery store makes grand debut in Irving

Buzzy Palladino's Steak & Seafood debuts in Preston Hollow after NYC raves

Dallas soars to top 10 on new list of America's best cities

RIP Kelly

Beloved Dallas public relations maven Kelly Hunter dies at 58