47.9-foot world’s – Massport says Guinness World Records has confirmed its 47.9-foot soccer ball as the world’s largest, installed at East Boston’s Piers Park II through June 18, with plans to donate 100 soccer balls afterward.
For days, East Boston residents and World Cup visitors have been able to look up and see it—an enormous soccer ball planted in the middle of Piers Park II. Now, it has earned an official place in the Guinness World Records book.
Massport announced that Guinness officials handed over the title of World’s Largest Soccer Ball on Friday, recognizing the nearly 50-foot ball at 47.9 feet. The port authority said the giant soccer ball will remain installed in Piers Park II in East Boston for viewing until June 18.
Mayor Wu said in a statement, “We thank Massport and our partner agencies for leading this effort and helping amplify what Boston is all about.”
Massport framed the display as more than a feat of scale. In a press release, it said the soccer ball is meant to serve as a larger-than-life celebration of the FIFA World Cup, helping build excitement and community pride as Boston prepares to welcome visitors from around the world.
The record Massport unseated was set in Doha, Qatar in 2013, measuring 38 feet and 11.8 inches.
The work behind the ball was built off-site in Ohio. Massport said the soccer ball was created by Britten, Inc. and Creative Inflatables in Ohio, then measured in the facility building by “professional surveyors” before being shipped to Boston for inflation.
When the viewing period ends and the ball comes down. Massport said it plans to reuse and recycle as much of the ball as possible. The port authority also said it would partner with Soccer Without Boarder—Massachusetts to donate 100 smaller. otherwise identical soccer balls to youth groups and community organizations across the state as part of the celebration.
After the official record was delivered, Massport emphasized that it sees the project as a continuation of its World Cup hosting role—one that ends not just with a photo-op, but with a plan to put the celebration back into communities across Massachusetts.
Massport Guinness World Records largest soccer ball Piers Park II East Boston FIFA World Cup Mayor Wu Soccer Without Boarder-Massachusetts Britten Inc. Creative Inflatables
47.9 feet?? That’s bigger than my whole backyard lol.
So they’re telling me it’s the world’s biggest but only by like 10 feet from Qatar? Seems kinda made up. Still cool though, I guess.
Does anyone know if it’s actually gonna be there forever or if it pops like those party inflatables? I saw something about “inflation” and immediately thought it’ll deflate by accident.
Love the World Cup stuff but why is Guinness involved with a soccer ball on a pier… like couldn’t they just measure it themselves? Also “recycle” sounds nice but those things are probably just junk after. Wish they’d donate the big one too.