SeattleFWC26 and Partners Expand World Cup Fan Celebrations Across Seattle

New distributed model to bring free fan experiences to Seattle Center, Pacific Place, Waterfront Park, and SODO

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SEATTLE, WA – Today, the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26), in partnership with the City of Seattle, Seattle Center, Friends of Waterfront Park, Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC, RAVE Foundation, Seattle Mariners, and BH Properties announced an expanded approach to fan celebrations for FIFA World Cup 2026™.  

Beginning June 11, fans will be able to experience FIFA World Cup 2026™ excitement at multiple locations along Seattle's Unity Loop, including Seattle Center, Waterfront Park, Pacific Place, and Victory Hall in SODO. All fan experiences in this new distributed model will be free and open to the public.

"In just over 100 days, Seattle will be buzzing as fans from all over flood our city for an unforgettable summer," said Peter Tomozawa, CEO of SeattleFWC26. “Our amazing partners have created a network of free celebrations that meet people where they live, work, and gather. This approach reflects who we are: innovative, inclusive, and community driven. We're not just hosting a tournament; we're bringing the game to everyone."

"Soccer brings people together," said Katie B. Wilson, Mayor of Seattle. "I'm so excited to be welcoming people from around the world to an incredible FIFA World Cup this year, and I can't wait to make the whole city part of the celebration."

Fan Celebration Locations

The distributed model includes:

• Seattle Center: Seattle Center, Seattle Kraken and Climate Pledge Arena will provide a free, large, family-friendly, vibrant gathering place at the heart of the city’s celebration with the Let’s Play SEA ’26 – World Soccer Fan Celebration. The Armory will serve as the Center’s primary hub, featuring a large-format indoor screen and a comfortable, all-weather gathering space with food, seating, and amenities. Additional free fan experiences will take place across campus, including the Mural Amphitheatre with views of the Space Needle and Pacific Science Center arches. The International Fountain will feature DJs and artists from Seattle and around the world. Cultural programming, public art, Festál activations, food vendors, kid-friendly play areas, and immersive fan experiences will animate the campus throughout the tournament, alongside Seattle Center’s must-see attractions, partner organizations, and previously scheduled festivals and events.

• Pacific Place: Experience the excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ at Seattle Soccer House at Pacific Place, featuring a recently completed spectacular 4-story, high resolution, interior LED screen constructed within a 5-story interior mall. Surrounded by fellow fans, interactive activations, and information booths, the space transforms into a vibrant soccer hub at the heart of the city complete with convenient direct access parking. This celebration is hosted by SeattleFWC26 and BH Properties and will provide fan experiences daily through the last Seattle match on July 6.

• Waterfront Park: Meet Me at Waterfront Park — Seattle’s newest iconic civic space, programmed and activated by Friends of Waterfront Park as a year-round gathering place for connection and celebration. During the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Friends will activate the full 20-acre park with free public programming that reflects the spirit and diversity of Seattle, while partnering with Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle Reign FC, and RAVE Foundation to host FIFA World Cup fan experiences on Pier 62.

• SODO (Victory Hall): The Seattle Mariners are hosting Seattle Matchday Live at Victory Hall where fans can hear the roar of the stadium while enjoying FIFA World Cup 2026™ energy and a 23-foot screen throughout the tournament at Victory Hall. This celebration will be open every day of the tournament.

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“Seattle Center is where our city comes together for moments that matter,” said Diamatris Winston, Interim Director of Seattle Center. “The Let’s Play Fan Celebration builds on that role—creating a welcoming, accessible gathering place where residents and visitors can share the excitement of world soccer while experiencing the arts, culture, and community that define Seattle.”

"Waterfront Park was created to be Seattle’s place to gather — to celebrate moments big and small,” said Joy Shigaki, President & CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park. “The FIFA World Cup is a global celebration, and we’re proud to help cement Waterfront Park as one of our city’s defining civic spaces. Through free, public programming and activations across the 20 acres, fans can come together to experience the energy of the game and get a true taste of Seattle’s rich culture and natural beauty along our shoreline."

“This moment represents nearly a decade of belief, collaboration and hard work that began with Seattle’s FIFA World Cup bid in 2017 and is now coming to life as the biggest sporting event in the world arrives in just four months,” said Taylor Graham, Chief Integration Officer for Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC. “The FIFA World Cup is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create lasting legacy. By bringing the world’s game to everyone across the city and partnering with Friends of Waterfront Park, we’re helping to realize a historic chapter in Seattle’s story. One that reflects who we are as a city: inclusive, connected and proud to welcome the world.”

“The Mariners have long believed in the power of sports to bring people together, and we are pleased to join so many of Seattle's top organizations in creating incredible FIFA World Cup experiences across our city,” said Kevin Martinez, Seattle Mariners President of Business Operations. “Seattle Matchday Live at Victory Hall will give fans from around the world a place to come together to share the excitement of the tournament, creating moments that capture both Seattle’s spirit and the FIFA World Cup’s global energy.”

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Most celebration locations intend to be open for the majority of the tournament, not just the six Seattle matches. Capacity across the four venues will vary depending on match day, with the highest capacity planned for Seattle matches which remains around 15,000 people at any one time.

To keep up-to-date with all Fan Celebrations, please visit www.seattlefwc26.org/seattle-fan-celebrations.

All celebration locations are positioned along the Unity Loop and accessible by public transportation, including Sound Transit Link Light Rail, King County Metro, the Seattle Monorail, ferries, water taxis, bicycles, and walking.  

The distributed model spreads economic benefits across more Seattle neighborhoods, creating opportunities for local vendors and small businesses at multiple locations rather than concentrating activity at a single site. SeattleFWC26 remains committed to ensuring small and BIPOC-owned businesses share in the economic benefits of the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM coming to Seattle.

The Downtown Seattle Association will also be activating in Westlake, as well as several other parks and public spaces it manages across the downtown core with fun, interactive, soccer-themed programming. Additional sites across Seattle will be added throughout the spring, including in the Chinatown-International District and the Central District.  

Stay in the loop on local FIFA World Cup 2026™ related events, please visit https://www.seattlefwc26.org/event-calendar.

As other fan events get finalized, businesses, community groups, and cities are encouraged to submit the details to the new SeattleFWC26 Community Calendar – fans one-stop shop to see what World Cup-related events are happening around the city, region, and state.  

Additional Fan Zones Across Washington

In partnership with local jurisdictions, business associations, chambers of commerce, and other community partners, there are also nine official SeattleFWC26 fan zones across the state so that residents and visitors throughout Washington can enjoy the collective thrill of the FIFA World Cup 2026^TM. Updates about the fan zone activities planned in Bellingham, Bremerton, Everett, Olympia/Lacey, Spokane, Tacoma, Tri-Cities, Vancouver, and Yakima will be released in the days ahead.  

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‍About SeattleFWC26

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 sign up at http://www.seattlefwc26.org.

About FIFA World Cup 2026™

FIFA World Cup 2026™ will be the largest international sporting event ever staged, with three Host Countries, 16 Host Cities, 48 teams and 104 matches uniting an entire continent to showcase a momentous new tournament format. With more countries, cities, teams, and games, FIFA World Cup 2026™ will also be the most inclusive tournament ever, engaging millions of fans across 16 unique stadiums and billions worldwide. The tournament will take place in June and July 2026. For the latest FIFA World Cup 2026™ information please visit the FIFA World Cup 2026™ website.

About Seattle Center  

Connect to the extraordinary at Seattle Center — a 74-acre civic, arts, and cultural gathering place in the heart of Seattle and home to more than 30 resident and partner organizations, including Climate Pledge Arena, KEXP, MOPOP, Pacific Northwest Ballet, Seattle Opera, Pacific Science Center, SIFF, and many others. Anchored by world-class attractions, historic venues, public art, and a dynamic calendar of free and affordable events centered around the iconic International Fountain, Seattle Center serves residents and visitors of all ages year-round. As a department of the City of Seattle and anchor of the Uptown Arts & Cultural District, Seattle Center is an inclusive destination where community comes together through arts, culture, sports, and public life. In partnership with Friends of Waterfront Seattle, Seattle Center also manages Waterfront Park, providing cultural programming, operations, and civic care along Seattle’s downtown waterfront. Seattle Center is the #1 most-visited arts and cultural destination in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more at www.seattlecenter.com.  

About Waterfront Park

Waterfront Park is a transformative civic space in Seattle, representing nearly two decades of community vision and innovation. Situated along the city’s iconic shoreline, the 20-acre park reimagines the area once occupied by the Alaskan Way Viaduct, creating green spaces and cultural hubs that reconnect people with the water, mountains, and each other. Waterfront Park stretches from Belltown to Pioneer Square, serving as a dynamic cultural anchor for downtown Seattle.    

Waterfront Park is an asset owned by the City of Seattle and stewarded through a unique public-private partnership. Friends of Waterfront Park is a non-profit that resources and manages the Park experience, programming, and community partnerships; Seattle Center operates and maintains the Park’s physical spaces and leads public safety efforts. Together, this partnership ensures that Waterfront Park remains vibrant, well cared for, and welcoming to all.  

About Friends of Waterfront Park  
Friends of Waterfront Park is the nonprofit entrusted to bring Seattle’s 20-acre Waterfront Park to life—now and for generations to come. Founded in 2012, Friends manages the Park experience year-round: stewarding public spaces; curating hundreds of free programs and cultural activations; advancing a welcoming, safe environment; and building deep community partnerships that reflect Seattle’s diversity and creativity. In September 2025, Friends produced the Grand Opening Celebration, welcoming more than 50,000 visitors to experience the waterfront’s new era as a vibrant civic space. For more information about Waterfront Park and Friends programming, visit www.waterfrontparkseattle.org.    

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