Hosted at Rice University Stadium, this one-of-a-kind musical experience celebrates the passion and talent of IDD and autistic athletes from around the world like never before
Houston, 2025 - Candlelight®, the acclaimed global concert series by Fever, will set the stage for an unforgettable musical moment at the Genuine Cup 2025, the international soccer tournament celebrating players with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) and Autism.
On August 1st, music and football lovers are invited to an extraordinary evening at Rice University Stadium. The celebration begins at 5:30 PM with a fan fest and the semi-finals kick-off, followed by the finals at 7:00 PM. Then, at 8:45 PM, just before the final awards ceremony, the stadium will transform into a magical setting for an open-air concert, illuminated by the warm glow of thousands of candles.
The program will feature classical reinterpretations of Queen anthems like “We Are the Champions” and “Bohemian Rhapsody”, alongside Coldplay hits such as “A Sky Full of Stars” and “Something Just Like This.” The Listeso String Quartet will also deliver a powerful rendition of the UEFA Champions League Anthem, adding a stirring emotional note to a night that honors the spirit, talent, and determination of athletes from across the globe.
“We’re proud to bring the Candlelight experience to such a meaningful global event,” said Becca Malech, Team Lead at Fever. “Candlelight was created to make classical music more accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Through this performance, we aim to create a shared, uplifting experience that celebrates the spirit of the athletes and brings people together through the universal language of music.”
“All eyes will be on North America in 2026 with the FIFA World Cup,” said Ignacio Torras, founder of the Genuine Cup, “we aim to use the power of soccer — and Houston’s renowned hospitality and generosity — to lead the conversation on inclusion. Through this tournament, we’re promoting a global agenda focused on advocacy and employability for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.”
About Fever
Fever is the leading global live entertainment discovery platform, inspiring over 200 million people every month to discover the best experiences in more than 35 countries. With a mission to democratize access to culture and entertainment in real life, Fever inspires users to enjoy unique experiences and events, from immersive exhibitions, sports, interactive theatrical experiences to concerts and festivals, while empowering leading brands and creators with data and technology to develop and expand new experiences across the world.