06/12/2026
What a moment for Philadelphia — and what a moment for Alison Grove.
For years, we've watched the planning, partnerships, and preparation that made this day possible. Yesterday, it all came to life at the Grand Opening of the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill.
We're incredibly proud of Alison's leadership with Philadelphia Soccer 2026 and the thousands of volunteers who are helping welcome the world to our city.
In Alison's words:
"What a day, month, year — six (!) years, in fact — it has been. And here we are.
The Grand Opening of the FIFA Fan Festival at Lemon Hill was filled with spirit, joy, and soccer.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to work with Philadelphia Soccer. Some of us have been here from the beginning, others joined along the way, and together we've built an incredible team. I am honored and proud to be your colleague.
I am equally proud of our FIFA Volunteer Team Philadelphia — 3,000 strong. As FIFA says, you truly are the heart of this event.
Let's continue to show the world what Philadelphia does best over the next 38 days: warm welcomes, competitive spirit, love of all sports, and the grit that keeps us going.
And I would be remiss if I didn't thank my business partner, Melissa Grimm, for holding down the fort at Grimm & Grove Communications. It takes a village — and in Philly, we have so much more than that."
Congratulations, Alison. We couldn't be prouder.