Local Exec Gene Hallman shares experience from World Cup Final

“They did a superb job!”

That’s how Gene Hallman, President of Eventive, Alabama Sports Hall of Famer and organizer of countless sporting events across the country described the logistics for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final between Spain and Argentina. 

Hallman, who brought the opening ceremony and game of the 1996 Olympics soccer competition to Birmingham, attended Sunday’s game in New Jersey.   

He effusively praised how well the event was executed, which ended with Spain winning 1-0 over Argentina.

“It exceeded my expectations by a wide margin.

“As an event professional, having gone to the Masters, the Olympics, the U.S. Open tennis, this was as good as it gets. I would put it right there with the Masters in terms of organization and attention to detail.”

Gene Hallman, President, Eventive

World Cup event: Flawless execution

Joining Hallman at the game were his children Ella and Marshall, who are following their dad’s footsteps studying sports event management in college.

Hallman noted the massive logistics job it takes to ensure the security of the President of the United States and the fans in front of the largest television audience in the history of mankind with well over a billion people watching.

“It was flawless-from the shuttles to the concessions, merchandise, the stadium experience. It was just extremely well organized. We  got back to the hotel in downtown Manhattan from the stadium in 35 minutes.

“The fan village was unlike anything I’ve ever seen.” 

Gene Hallman, President Eventive

All the entertainment before the game and at halftime were wonderful too, Hallman added.

With a chuckle, he said after Jennifer Hudson’s beautiful rendition of the national anthem, the flyover was about 10 seconds late.

Others tidbits about the game: Hallman said about 80% of the fans were rooting for Argentina, including his family who were donning the iconic blue and white jerseys. And as expected, the halftime show with Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS, did go a little over.

Remembering 1996 Olympic Soccer in Birmingham

The World Cup Final did bring back a flood of memories for Hallman, who helped 30 years ago make Birmingham the soccer epicenter of the world by hosting the opening game of the Olympics Soccer competition with a game between the U.S. and Argentina in front of 83,000 fans at Historic Legion Field. 

That game happened today, July 20, 1996.

“That opening ceremony’s date is imprinted in my mind. I was sitting there in the stands (in New Jersey/New York’s Met Life Stadium), and I went, Wait a second, that’s 30 years ago and it was Argentina of all teams! The U.S. went up one to nothing in the first minute. It was the loudest roar I’ve ever heard at the stadium for any sporting event ever.”

Gene Hallman, President Eventive