The broadcast hub for the upcoming World Cup is officially operational in downtown Dallas, with the opening of the International Broadcast Center inside the city’s convention center. The center will serve as the home for hundreds of journalists from around the globe when matches begin in 10 days. It will also operate and control camera feeds from each of the 16 venues across Mexico, Canada and the U.S. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended Monday’s opening ceremony as hundreds of monitors were activated. “You are in this IBC, exactly at the heart – at the epicenter of this wave,” said Infantino. “A big big thank you for making it possible to the world to share these emotions and this experience with all of us,” said Gianni Infantino. Dallas city manager Kim Tolbert said the opening reflects years of work. “This facility represents years of vision, planning, partnership and collaboration,” Tolbert said. The IBC is not the only unique presence in Dallas. Spot, a robot patrol dog, also drew attention during the event. FIFA says Spot is being used for “asset protection at the IBC and at the New York / New Jersey stadium to identify and report physical security threats and risks for human intervention.” The International Broadcast Center will remain open around the clock through the World Cup final on July 19. Infantino said he plans to return to Dallas soon. “I need to get my cowboy boots, for when I come to the games in Dallas,” Infantino said. Tolbert said Dallas is prepared for its role on the global stage. “And as the world gets ready – just know – Dallas is ready,” Tolbert said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less