400 Texas Students Prep Arlington for World Cup Crowds

Four hundred college students are trading textbooks for trail mulch to help their community shine on the world stage.

The University of Texas at Arlington is sending students, staff and faculty to 16 locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area on April 18 as part of "The Big Event," an annual day of service. This year's mission has special urgency: preparing the region for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Arlington's AT&T Stadium will host nine matches.

"It's just a chance to really slow down and give back to the community that we spend so much time in throughout the academic year," said Kristine Cross, assistant director at the Fallout Student Leadership Center.

From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., volunteers will split across multiple sites. Some will mulch trails and clean the Nature School deck at River Legacy Nature Center, ensuring the outdoor spaces look their best for international guests. Others will cook meals and bag products at the Tarrant Area Food Bank, addressing food insecurity as the region braces for an influx of visitors.

Additional project sites include Randol Mill Park, the Perot Museum, La Frontera Homeowners Association and the Salvation Army Arlington-Mansfield. The City of Arlington partnered with the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee to coordinate the massive volunteer effort.

The region expects 3.8 million visitors for the 2026 tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Arlington secured five group stage matches and four knockout games, putting the Texas city squarely in the global spotlight.

The Ripple Effect

This story shows how major sporting events can inspire community action beyond game day. The 400 Mavericks volunteering aren't just landscaping and serving meals. They're building the kind of community pride that lasts long after the final whistle blows.

Their work will touch vulnerable populations through food bank support, enhance public spaces for locals to enjoy year-round, and create a welcoming face for millions of international visitors. When those tourists arrive in June 2026, they'll experience a region that came together, not just to host matches, but to strengthen itself from the inside out.

One day of service, 16 locations, and 400 caring hands preparing North Texas to welcome the world.