Seattle's World Cup party starts now
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Thumbs-up for World Cup. Photo: Dirk Waem/Belga/AFP via Getty Images
Seattle won't host its first FIFA World Cup match until Monday, but the city's monthlong soccer celebration starts now.
The big picture: You don't need a ticket to be part of the fun: Seattle organizers opted to replace the traditional single FIFA fan festival being used in other World Cup cities with a network of free fan zones and watch parties stretching across downtown.
Multiple fan hubs opened this week and are free and open to the public, screening games and hosting celebrations throughout Seattle's six-match World Cup run.
- Seattle Center organizers are promising giant screens, DJs, cultural programming and family-friendly activities spread across the campus.
- Pacific Place is becoming "Seattle Soccer House," featuring a four-story, high-resolution LED screen inside the five-story mall.
- Victory Hall, right next to the stadiums, is screening World Cup matches almost daily through the tournament's end.
Plus: The waterfront touts what may be the most uniquely Seattle attraction, the Seattle Soccer Celebration.
- Described by organizers as one-of-a-kind, the 286-by-76-foot floating soccer barge anchored off Pier 62 has a mini soccer pitch, giant video screens and room for about 500 fans at a time.
- Ticketed watch parties on the barge are available (about $52 for adults).
- Pier 62 is also hosting free watch parties, but you need to get on the waitlist.
What's next: Seattle's biggest draw is likely to be the U.S.-Australia match on June 19, featuring hometown favorite Cristian Roldan from the Sounders.