BridgeWay Station Welcomes Record Crowds for FIFA World Cup Celebration

BridgeWay Station became a premier Upstate South Carolina destination for FIFA World Cup excitement this summer, welcoming thousands of soccer fans from across the region to experience the world’s biggest sporting event together in an electric community atmosphere.

Throughout the tournament, BridgeWay officials saw families, friends, and passionate supporters packed in BridgeWay Station’s plaza to cheer on their favorite nations, creating an atmosphere filled with energy, celebration, and international camaraderie. The World Cup viewing experience solidified BridgeWay Station as a vibrant destination where visitors can enjoy restaurants, shops, and entertainment all in one place. The event brought together soccer enthusiasts of all ages and backgrounds from across the Upstate and beyond. Guests traveled from communities throughout South Carolina, and staff even met visitors who made the drive from Asheville, North Carolina, to be part of the World Cup atmosphere specifically at BridgeWay. The regional turnout highlighted BridgeWay Station’s emergence as a regional gathering place for community celebrations.

The excitement comes at an especially meaningful time for the community, as the recently opened GE Vernova Park continues to establish Mauldin as a destination for soccer. GE Vernova Park hosted three watch parties for the USA matches within the stadium, and for seven of the World Cup matches, the Greenville Triumph hosted Watch Parties in the plaza at BridgeWay, complete with giveaways and activations. The overwhelming turnout demonstrated the region’s enthusiasm for the sport and its appetite for shared community experiences.

“BridgeWay Station has become known for bringing the community together through signature events like our Fourth of July celebration, Christmas at BridgeWay, and the Prisma Health Thursday Market. Even against that history, the energy we felt during the World Cup was something special,” said Rivers Hughes, VP of Development at Hughes Investments, Inc., owner of BridgeWay Station. “The plaza welcomed some of the largest crowds we’ve ever seen, with thousands of families and fans from across the Upstate. For a few unforgettable weeks, BridgeWay became a true town square. It was incredible to watch so many people come together and celebrate.”

As BridgeWay Station continues to grow as a premier Upstate mixed-use destination, the success of the World Cup screenings reinforces its mission of creating memorable experiences that bring the community together through sports, entertainment, dining, and special events.

BridgeWay Station celebrated its Grand Opening as the Upstate’s first New Town Center in April 2024. Retail tenants at BridgeWay Station include BridgeWay Brewing Co., Cabanas Rooftop Cantina, City Market Food Hall, Cocbowlz, Jeremiah’s Italian Ice, Le Chic Nails Lounge, Lili + Koko Boutique + Bubbles, Mercato Café, Nixtamal Mexican Kitchen, Old Europe Desserts, Plum: A Lifestyle Boutique, Restaurant Rocco, Rôtie by Stella’s, Tavola Italian, The Junkyard, The Plank, and The Worx at BridgeWay Station, and Mountain High Outfitters will open Fall 2026. There are 190 residences at BridgeWay Station. Office and institutional users include Dodge Bearings and Power Transmission, GREEN Charter Upstate High School, Jackson Marketing, Motorsports & Events, Spectrum, and GE Vernova Park, which opened on June 3, 2026.