Seattle Leaders Unite to Celebrate Pride and Community Impact

Tribal, sports, business, arts, and LGBTQ+ leaders showcase how Seattle is hosting the tournament and creating meaningful and lasting community impact beyond the stadium.

SEATTLE, WA (June 25, 2026) – Tribal leaders, athletes, artists, business advocates, LGBTQ+ organizations, and community leaders gathered today at the Seattle International Media Center (SIMC) to share Pride Match Day celebrations planned across the Seattle region. Friday’s match at Seattle Stadium will follow the standard FIFA World Cup 2026^TM format, with fans experiencing the same high-quality matchday atmosphere Seattle has delivered throughout its first three Group Stage matches.

Hosted by Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26), the press briefing brought together voices from across Washington to discuss inclusion, belonging, storytelling, small business support, sports, and global community engagement. The event marks the beginning of four days of community programming taking place outside of the stadium between June 25–28.

"Our efforts around Pride match day reflect what makes Seattle special," said Hedda McLendon, Senior Vice President of Legacy for SeattleFWC26. "As we welcome the world, we have an opportunity to showcase not only our passion for sport, but also our commitment to creating communities where everyone feels seen, valued, and welcome."

Throughout the briefing, speakers emphasized Seattle's longstanding commitment to inclusion, the importance of honoring Indigenous communities, the economic and cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ businesses, and the power of sports to build understanding and connection across cultures. Puyallup Tribal Council Member Annette Bryan spoke about the significance of welcoming visitors to Coast Salish lands and recognizing the Indigenous history that has shaped the region.  

Seattle Pride Executive Director Patti Hearn reflected on the history and evolution of Pride in Seattle and the importance of creating spaces where LGBTQ+ communities can gather, celebrate, and be visible. "Pride is both a celebration and a commitment—a commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ people are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. As Seattle welcomes visitors from around the globe, Pride Match Day and the Seattle Pride Parade offer an opportunity to share the values of inclusion, joy, and community that have long defined our city.”

GSBA President and CEO Ilona Lohrey highlighted the impact of LGBTQ+-owned businesses and the role they play in strengthening neighborhoods, supporting local economies, and fostering vibrant communities throughout the region. "LGBTQ+-owned businesses are essential to the fabric of our communities,” said Lohrey. “Pride month is an opportunity to celebrate their contributions while demonstrating how global events like FIFA World Cup 2026™ can create lasting economic opportunities and strengthen our local economy."

The briefing also featured a screening of Welcome to Seattle. This Is How We Pride; a statewide video campaign created in partnership with the SeattleFWC26 Pride + Matchday Impact Council. The campaign features more than 50 voices from across Washington sharing personal reflections on identity, belonging, allyship, and community. "One of the things we discovered throughout this project is that there is no single way to Pride," said filmmakers Maggie and Lacy Kirkland. "Every story was different, but together they paint a picture of a region that values authenticity, compassion, and connection."

Sports leaders including Jess Fishlock and Everett Fitzhugh also shared perspectives on the importance of representation and creating welcoming environments for athletes, fans, and future generations.

Bookda Gheisar, Senior Director of the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion at the Port of Seattle, spoke about the power of global events to foster connection across cultures and identities while creating opportunities for people to feel a deeper sense of belonging.

“FIFA World Cup 2026™ is more than a global sporting event, it is an opportunity to showcase who we are as a region,” said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. “Through our work across Seattle’s communities, we are lifting up and amplifying what is already happening in this city, building a legacy of inclusion and connection that will outlast the tournament itself.”

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

Friday, June 26 – Community Celebrations and Watch Parties

SeattleFWC26 and community partners will host a weekend of Pride celebrations outside the stadium and across the Seattle region, featuring FIFA World Cup™ watch parties, cultural programming, and community events that showcase Seattle's inclusive spirit and vibrant LGBTQ+ community.

• ‍Ballard Regnbue Pride Festival and Watch Party: live entertainment, community programming, local vendors, family-friendly activities, and a watch party. visitballard.com/pride ‍
• Seattle Soccer House at Pacific Place: a downtown Seattle fan destination featuring match viewing, fan activations, interactive experiences, cultural programming, and Pride Match Day celebrations. seattlefwc26.org/seattle-soccer-house ‍
• Stoup Capitol Hill Pride Match Day Watch Party (1158 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122): community programming, and Pride-themed activations. Stoup Capitol Hill - Brewery & Beer Hall ‍
• White Center Gather for Goals Pride Match Day Watch Party: local businesses, food and music, Pride-themed activities, and community gathering spaces. whitecenterpride.org

Saturday, June 27 – Seattle Storm Pride Night

The Seattle Storm will host Pride Night at 6:00 p.m. as the team takes on the Atlanta Dream at Climate Pledge Arena (334 First Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109). Media tickets are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Sunday, June 28 – Seattle Pride Celebrations

• Space Needle Pride Flag Raising Ceremony (8:00–9:00 a.m.) – A beloved Seattle Pride tradition celebrating visibility, inclusion, and community as the Pride flag is raised high above the Seattle skyline. Media may view and photograph the ceremony from the plaza below. ‍
• Seattle Pride Parade (11:00 a.m.) – The parade travels north along 4th Avenue from Union Street to Denny Way and regularly draws more than 300,000 attendees. Media and spectators are encouraged to arrive early. ‍
• PrideFest Seattle Center – Following the parade, celebrations continue at Seattle Center with a free festival featuring hundreds of vendors, food and beverage options, and live entertainment across multiple stages.

Video Resources:
Welcome to Seattle, This is How We Pride - How We Pride Series- YouTube Playlist

Know Before You Go to a FIFA World Cup 2026™ match at Seattle Stadium

On match days, downtown Seattle will be one of the most transit-rich environments in the city’s history, and Seattle Stadium will be easiest to reach by light rail, bus, foot, bike, and water. Seattle Fan Celebrations and match day transportation plans—including light rail stations, shuttle routes, street closure windows, and rideshare zone maps—are available at Seattlefwc26.org/transportation.  Learn more about the Stadium Code of Conduct, prohibited items, and other important pre-game information regarding Seattle Stadium. 

 
Fans are encouraged to join the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Official Fan Info WhatsApp Channel for Seattle to receive real-time updates, travel guidance, and match day information curated by FIFA and SeattleFWC26 before and during the tournament.

About Seattle FIFA World Cup 2026™ Local Organizing Committee

SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 Host Cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 2026™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please visit https://www.seattlefwc26.org.

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