World Cup fever hits local fans despite severe weather and tournament skepticism

As we’ve been hearing for months, the world’s largest sporting event got under way Thursday in Mexico, but the start of the World Cup didn’t go so well here in Ontario. Fans are expected to crowd into the fan zones in Toronto to watch the games on TV. The World Cup opener with Mexico and South Africa playing in Mexico City started earlier Thursday afternoon. Unfortunately, the Toronto watch party was a rainout — officials had to evacuate the fan zone because of fears of lightning. At the same time, an expert in sports management says these huge sports events may not be the economic boom some people are hoping for. At the little taste of Mexico on Hamilton’s James Street North, the World Cup excitement has been building.