Greektown's main Street is reopening right as the World Cup begins

The 500 block of Monroe Street in Greektown is reopening this month, timing that lines up with the 2026 FIFA World Cup and gives downtown Detroit's most construction-battered entertainment strip its biggest break in over a year.

The Monroe Streetscape Project kicked off in March 2025, closing vehicle traffic on Monroe between Randolph and St. Antoine for a $20 million overhaul that replaced aging infrastructure, widened pedestrian walkways, and upgraded lighting throughout the district. Businesses stayed open throughout, with sidewalks kept passable, but the construction took a toll on foot traffic in a neighborhood where easy access matters. The Beaubien-Monroe intersection reopened in December. The 500 block follows in mid-June. The 400 block, between Brush and Beaubien, wraps up in August.

The Monroe reopening lands right as soccer fans are looking for a downtown spot. World Cup matches are running daily through mid-July, and Detroit's bar scene has lined up solid options.

The Old Shillelagh at 349 Monroe St. stayed open through the entire construction stretch and is hosting FIFA watch parties for USA matches, major rivalries, and every round through the final, with game-day food and drink specials. Admission varies; check ahead for watch party entry details. A few blocks away, Tin Roof is running no-cover watch parties for Team USA's three group stage games on June 12, June 19, and June 25, with the rooftop and outdoor patio open for match days.

McShane's Irish Pub and Whiskey Bar is hosting the Detroit chapter of the American Outlaws, the USA soccer supporters group, for the same three USA matches. Harry's Detroit has designated itself the city's FIFA World Cup 2026 headquarters and is airing every match with no cover charge.

The biggest free options are outside. Campus Martius Park is hosting public watch parties for the June 12 and June 19 USA matches. Detroit City Fieldhouse at 3401 E. Lafayette St. picks up the June 25 match. Both are free and open to all ages, but registration is required in advance.

Getting downtown doesn't require a car. The Detroit People Mover, DDOT and SMART buses, and the QLINE are all running. Sidewalks around active construction sites have been kept open throughout the project.

Detroit didn't land any group stage matches this summer, but the city's soccer fans haven't needed a home game to show up. The Monroe Street reopening means Greektown's in the mix at exactly the right moment.