Lumen Field getting upgrades ahead of 2026 World Cup
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Lumen Field is set to host six World Cup matches in 2026. Photo: Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images
Seattle's Lumen Field is getting a makeover ahead of next summer's 2026 FIFA World Cup, including seating upgrades, a new playing pitch and a temporary name change.
Why it matters: Some changes are needed to comply with rules set by FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, so that Lumen remains in line to host six men's World Cup matches next year, Zach Hensley, the stadium's vice president of operations and general manager, told Axios.
The big picture: The upgrades could also boost Lumen's chances to host future international events, such as the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2031 and upcoming Rugby World Cup matches in 2031 and 2033, Hensley said.
Catch up quick: Washington's Legislature approved $19.4 million for the Lumen Field upgrades in the state capital budget, which Gov. Bob Ferguson signed last week.
Zoom in: One of the biggest FIFA-mandated changes will involve replacing Lumen's artificial turf with grass.
- That will require a new irrigation and ventilation system, along with grow lights and maintenance equipment, Hensley said.
- Other changes are designed to create more space for media, such as by removing some of the stadium's corner seating.
- FIFA requires all seats to have backs, which means upgrading the bleacher-style seating in the Hawks Nest, located at the north end zone.
- The stadium will also install turnstiles and other security upgrades, such as new bollards, lighting and cameras.
Between the lines: Lumen Field is set to be called Seattle Stadium during the World Cup matches next June and July because FIFA doesn't allow the use of corporate-branded stadium names, unless the companies are official FIFA sponsors.
- That will mean stripping or covering all signage that reads "Lumen Field," as well as other corporate advertisements — something Hensley called "a very large task."
The fine print: State lawmakers also approved money to help local governments with security; improve local transit ahead of the matches; and upgrade facilities at Gonzaga University and the University of Washington.
What they're saying: "Getting ready to welcome the world requires a massive public and private partnership," April Putney, the chief strategy officer for the local World Cup organizing committee, said in a written statement to Axios.
- "We're incredibly appreciative of the Legislature's support."
What's next: Some of the Lumen Field work, including replacing the playing surface, won't begin until after the Seahawks conclude their 2025 NFL season in early 2026, Hensley said.
- Many of those improvements are expected to wrap up by May, Hensley said, although some may not be finished until closer to when the games start in mid-June.
- The stadium plans to reinstall artificial turf after the FIFA matches are over.