Journalists from Latin America, Europe, Asia, and around the world are arriving in North Texas to cover the FIFA World Cup, with a large media center ready to support thousands of credentialed journalists and photographers.

North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee

The committee said it is working to make the experience memorable for international visitors. “You know one of the things that was important for us is for the media to be able to experience our region, and why people who live here love living here,” said Monica Paul, president of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee.

Some visitors are still getting used to North Texas — including the weather. “I came here late afternoon yesterday, so I didn’t see much of the city yet, but it’s alright. It’s a little bit hot to be honest, it will be hotter for the players, I guess,” said Matthijs Van Dam, a journalist from the Netherlands.

Organizers also said they want to make sure journalists have what they need to do their jobs. “Our commitment is to create the conditions for you to succeed, to give you the space, to give you the tools, to give you the collaboration to do what you do best, and that is tell the story of the World Cup,” Nina Vaca, co-chair of the North Texas FIFA World Cup Organizing Committee, said.

Van Dam said he is still finding his way around the media hub, but one thing has already stood out: Texans’ willingness to help. “I think people are friendly here and open. I don’t know if you know the stereotypes of Dutch people. We’re very cold and direct, I would say. So I have to adapt a little bit, but it’s fun to experience,” Matthijs said.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.