With the 2026 FIFA World Cup beginning June 11 and matches starting in Houston three days later, Harris County Department of Education (HCDE) Chief of Staff Danielle Bartz and Education Foundation and Partnerships Director Trina Silva were given the opportunity for a behind-the-scenes tour of the local site and attended a mural unveiling to celebrate the world’s largest sporting event.

Bartz and Silva joined fellow Hoston East End Chamber of Commerce members on June 2 for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of NRG Stadium (renamed Houston Stadium for the World Cup). Led by Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation, the group saw different areas in the stadium while learning the infrastructure enhancements and innovative technologies implemented, in addition to gaining insight into the planning and coordination to host a global event.

Later that evening, Bartz and Silva were on hand to unveil a World Cup-inspired mural created by local artist Alex Roman, known as Donkeeboy Art. The piece is displayed at Space City Credit Union (3103 Harrisburg Blvd.) and depicts six hands holding a Houston sign with the city skyline and a soccer ball in the background.