Afternoon kickoffs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, are forcing World Cup fans indoors as record June heat makes open seating unbearable, stadium staff reported Saturday.
Spectators have crowded concourses and shaded areas during first-half play, leaving large sections of sun-exposed seats empty despite sold-out attendance figures.
Medical teams treated multiple cases of heat exhaustion before halftime at recent matches, prompting organizers to extend water-station hours and broadcast safety reminders on video boards.
Meteorologists forecast continued triple-digit temperatures for upcoming daytime fixtures, raising questions about FIFA’s scheduling of West Coast afternoon games.
Fan groups urged late kickoffs for remaining group matches, arguing that extreme heat undermines both player safety and the spectator experience at the Bay Area venue.
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Sources:
https://www.sfgate.com/sports/article/fifa-world-cup-heat-avoid-22304081.php