With the FIFA World Cup coming to Seattle June 11 through July 19, the city of Bellevue is organizing a slate of public events and business resources tied to the 39-day tournament.
Local organizations are planning watch parties and public celebrations near Bellevue’s light rail stations on Seattle game days, with support from the city.
The city has contracted four groups: the Bellevue Downtown Association, Visit Bellevue Washington, BelRed Arts District, and the Spring District Authority, to create community programming for residents, workers, and visitors. Additional events are being funded through the city’s Community Programming Fund.
Bellevue is Washington’s second-largest hotel market and expects roughly 15,000 overnight visitors from around the world during the tournament.
Light rail stations are set to host live music, pop-up art, food trucks, and multilingual signage, to draw activity into surrounding neighborhoods before and after matches.
For businesses and event organizers, the city is offering marketing resources and permitting guidance through its economic development office. Visit Bellevue, Washington, is accepting event submissions for its official calendar, which will be displayed on hotel lobby kiosks and translated into five languages. Businesses can also join Visit Bellevue’s tourism network at no cost through its partner portal.
Further planning resources are available through the Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 organizing committee and the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, which have published event playbooks. The nonprofit Community Business Connector is offering free one-on-one business advising as well.
