With the start of the FIFA World Cup, downtown Lugano is preparing to welcome fans and enthusiasts with public screenings of matches on giant screens. This initiative is one of the most anticipated events of the summer sports season and directly involves some of the city's busiest areas.
The large screen installed in Piazza della Riforma allows the tournament matches to be followed in a shared space, transforming the heart of the city into a meeting point for residents and visitors. At the same time, the Municipality (Select) has decided to introduce extraordinary measures regarding the closing times of public establishments, so as to allow easier access to sporting events.
A city that lives the World Cup
World Cup matches are traditionally moments of intense social interaction. For this reason, Lugano has chosen to offer the opportunity to watch the matches live on the giant screen set up in the city center.
The presence of a public space dedicated to screenings allows everyone to follow the matches in a collective context, sharing emotions and participation throughout the tournament. The initiative also aims to enhance city life and support local businesses during a period characterized by significant attendance.
Timetables adapted to the needs of the matches
In a press release issued on June 11, 2026, the Municipality of Lugano explained that it had defined the calendar of public screenings by generally taking into account the normal closing times of public establishments.
However, the World Cup schedule presents some unique features that require a flexible approach. Some matches not yet scheduled may be played at times that are incompatible with the usual venue closures. Furthermore, there is the possibility that matches may extend beyond regulation time due to extra time, penalty shootouts, or other circumstances related to the match.
To prevent fans and businesses from finding themselves in uncertain situations, the city government has adopted an extraordinary measure valid for the entire duration of the competition.
Closing thirty minutes after the final whistle
The City Council's decision directly affects the public establishments located in Piazza della Riforma and Piazza Manzoni, the areas most affected by screenings and public attendance.
Bars, restaurants, and other authorized businesses will be able to automatically adjust their closing times up to thirty minutes after the end of the match broadcast on the giant screen. This measure will be effective regardless of the match's end time and will allow operators to gradually accommodate the crowds without having to interrupt service immediately after the match.
This solution aims to reconcile the organizational needs of exhibitors with those of spectators, while also providing greater clarity on how World Cup evenings are managed.
Exceptions are also possible in the rest of the city
The measure isn't limited to the two central squares. The City Council has also introduced the option for public establishments located in other areas of Lugano.
In these cases, there will be no automatic adjustment to opening hours, but operators will be able to submit specific requests for exemptions. Requests will be evaluated individually according to the procedures normally applied by the municipal administration.
This approach allows for the diverse realities present within the city to be taken into account, leaving room for flexibility where specific needs arise, such as broadcasting matches or the presence of customers interested in sporting events.
A summer of sports and socializing
The initiative confirms the City's desire to accompany one of the most followed international sporting events with measures that encourage public participation and the work of economic operators.
The giant screen set up in downtown Lugano is poised to become a key hub for football fans during the tournament weeks, while the extended opening hours offer a concrete response to the demands created by matches that can last until late at night.
The stated goal is to allow residents and visitors to experience the atmosphere of the World Cup in a peaceful and organized manner, while also promoting the vitality of the city squares and the businesses that operate there.
