Gearing up for Seattle's FIFA World Cup appearance

Controversy off the field. Drama that’s sure to unfold on the pitch. The stakes are rarely higher than they will be when Lumen Field hosts six matches between June 15 and July 6 at the upcoming FIFA World Cup. On top of the sporting spectacle, there’s plenty to get excited about for the city of Seattle and our region as a whole. 

Here are some ways to experience the occasion and join visiting fans in exploring the Pacific Northwest.

If you weren’t one of the lucky (or shall we say, deep-pocketed) people to secure a ticket to watch a match in person, there are lots of ways to gather with fellow fans and celebrate the highs and lows of the beautiful game together.

The original plan to feature one fan fest at Seattle Center has now been adapted to include sites at Waterfront Park, Pacific Place, and SODO’s Victory Hall, in order to maximize accessibility as well as the impact for local small businesses. These free events will feature huge projector screens, food, merch and other activities like soccer skills drills.

For those that can’t make the trip to Seattle, there will also be nine fan zones hosted across the state, in Bellingham, Everett, Bremerton,Tacoma, Olympia, Vancouver, Yakima, the Tri-Cities and Spokane. 

To make it easier to navigate all the offerings, Seattle’s World Cup organizing body has released an app called Sea&Win. Users can discover interactive walking loops and themed tours, play trivia games and earn points toward rewards, like the chance at winning tickets for two to attend a match.

Want the ultimate photo-op? Head to downtown Renton to find a 70-foot-long mural version of the official Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 poster created by artist Shogo Ota. Fans will also have a chance to pose with the FIFA World Cup trophy when it stops in Portland (April 4) and Seattle (April 5-6) on its tour across North America.

Cheering on your country, or as is World Cup tradition, the plucky underdog nation that’s never won a game at this level, is truly hungry work. To dive deep into global flavors, head to the World Table District — more than 30 restaurants, cafes, and markets along SeaTac’s International Boulevard. You’ll find Mexican pastries at Las Delicias Panaderia Y Antojitos, enjoy East African cuisine at Zain Restaurant & Bakery Café, or slurp up tom kha gai at Mango Thai Cuisine & Bar (it’s walkable from the airport).

Recently opened Flight Club Seattle stokes the spirit of competition, offering pints and bites in a Victorian fairground atmosphere, as well as darts games with instant scoring and tracking technology built in.

Of course, for an authentic taste of the Pacific Northwest, seafood reigns supreme. Luckily, the World Cup coincides with Copper River salmon season, and as the Alaskan-caught delicacy lands on menus at restaurants like Anthony’s across the region, guests are in for a treat. Not only will they get a great meal and stunning waterfront vistas, Anthony’s locations at Pier 66 in Seattle, in Olympia and in Bremerton are right next to fan zones.

While the World Cup will only come to Seattle for about a month, leaders are looking to convert that into lasting cultural and economic impact. More than 750,000 visitors are expected in the city, with an estimated $929 million influx for King County and the creation of 20,762 full-time and part-time jobs. Legacy projects like the Unity Loop — a choose-your-own-adventure walking trail connecting Seattle Center and Lumen Field, as well as other highlights — and other arts and infrastructure upgrades are a particular point of emphasis in the lead up.

Even if you’re not a business owner, there are opportunities to earn some cash. Airbnb is partnering with the World Cup and giving a special incentive for new participants who offer up their entire home for rent, now through July 31. On top of the revenue that you’ll bring in during a higher-demand period, the company will throw in a $750 bonus for hosting your first “stay.”

Header photo by SounderBruce