Heat is not a game: Miami-Dade County urges fans, athletes and employees to beat the heat during the World Cup

As thousands of soccer fans are expected to gather across Miami-Dade County for World Cup festivities, including Fan Fest and the region's first match next week, Miami-Dade County reminds residents and visitors to make heat safety a top priority.

Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) are working closely with Miami Stadium and Fan Fest organizers to ensure that fans, employees, and volunteers, have access to cooling sites with air conditioning and hydration stations with free water in key areas. The County will also rollout awareness messages under the slogan “Heat is Not a Game” on social media and in major transportation hubs to remind residents and visitors to stay safe during the event. 

"Miami-Dade is proud to welcome the world to our County to celebrate this historic moment, and we want every resident and visitor to enjoy the experience safely," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Heat is not a game — and in Miami-Dade, we know it. Staying hydrated, seeking shade, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illness can make all the difference."

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Young children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with certain medical conditions are especially vulnerable. The National Weather Service forecasts an elevated risk of extreme heat across Florida next week, which can create dangerous conditions, particularly during outdoor events where attendees may spend extended periods in the sun.

Miami-Dade County is working with partners to ensure fans, employees, and volunteers at World Cup related events have access to shade, air conditioning, and water before and during the matches:

• Cooling stations at Miami Stadium: Miami-Dade County is installing five (4) cooling stations where fans and employees can access air condition to cool down.  
• Cooling sites countywide: Miami-Dade County has a network of 60 libraries, parks and government buildings that offer indoor, air-conditioned areas for residents and visitors to cool down during hot days. The cooling sites will be open to the public throughout the World Cup and can be safety points when located close to outdoors watch parties and other fan-related activities throughout the county.  A full list and map of cooling sites and operating hours.
• Hydration stations: Miami-Dade County is installing two (2) Miami-Dade Water trailers outside Miami Stadium and eight new free cool-water HydroStations™ at public transit stops along the Metrorail and Metromover corridor in the Downtown Miami area, in partnership with HOPE Hydration, so fans can refill their water bottles and stay hydrated. 

County officials also urge everyone attending or working at the stadium, Fan Fest activities, watch parties, and other celebrations, to take simple precautions to protect themselves and those around them. 

• Drink water every 20 minutes, even if you do not feel thirsty. 
• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces throughout the day. 
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen. 
• Check on family members, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness. 
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms become severe. 

Visitors are also encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing transportation options, event information, and weather forecasts before heading to venues and fan activities. Miami-Dade County is installing a WeatherSTEM community weather station in Miami Gardens that will provide real-time weather information like the heat index to fans. Attendees can access the information online via Welcome to WeatherSTEM or through the WeatherSTEM app.  

County departments and partner agencies will continue sharing heat safety information throughout the tournament to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

For heat safety tips, cooling center information, and additional resources, visit Miami-Dade County's Extreme Heat webpage.