Live sites were hugely popular during the last World Cup when unprecedented numbers of Aussie fans turned up in the middle of the night in winter to see the Socceroos and other nations compete.

The venues did a roaring trade. Now organisers of the Sydney International FIFA Fan Fest say that more than being a live site, Darling Harbour will be more like a "festival" with music, themed entertainment and all World Cup games shown live and on replay.

It means the tourist spot, located in front of the city's CBD will become a daily hub for fans to congregate and partake in activities in and around the games being shown live.

Furthermore, it's understood pitches set up so various supporter and community groups can play football - possibly on a barge floating in front of Darling Harbour.

"Darling Harbour is beautiful at night and  it won't be like a live site as we've seen it before, it's more like a festival atmosphere," project director Matt Morecom told au.fourfourtwo.com at Sunday's launch of the Hyundai Goodwill Ball.

Organisers will also be looking to add extra public transport services to ensure fans can get into the precinct during the small hours.  

Morecom added: "Many of the venues at Darling Harbour will potentially be looking to run promotions for people who want to move indoors because of course it is outdoors and its winter.

"But football fans are a hardy bunch and they'll be out there rain, hail or shine."

For more info, head to www.fifa.com and click on the organisation tab.