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.

• 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.

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 signs that read "Lumen Field," as well as other corporate advertisements — something Hensley called "a very large task."

The fine print: State lawmakers also approved money to 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.

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.

Go deeper

A burst of early-season heat will push temperatures well above normal across the Seattle area, peaking midweek and returning for an encore over the weekend.

Why it matters: The National Weather Service warns of moderate heat risk, especially for people more vulnerable to heat stress — including kids, seniors, and people who work outdoors.

By the numbers: How hot are we talking?

• Expect a high of 85 in Seattle today, Kirby Cook, a meteorologist with the weather station in Seattle, tells Axios.
• It could hit the low 90s farther inland, away from the cooling influence of the water.
• For comparison, typical highs this time of year are in the upper 60s, Cook said.

The big picture: While warm days in May are not unheard of, per Cook, it is a bit unusual to see highs running 15 to 20 degrees above normal.

What's next: A marine breeze will bring some relief tomorrow, but highs are expected to bounce back into the 80s by Friday and Saturday, Cook said.

Pass it on

🛗 The Space Needle last week unveiled the Skyliner — one of the world's first all-glass, double-deck outdoor elevators — as part of a $100 million private upgrade adding 176 tons of glass to the landmark. (KING 5)

⚖️ Former Seattle Sonics star Shawn Kemp pleaded guilty to second-degree assault yesterday in connection with a 2023 shooting.

• Prosecutors said Kemp shot at two people in the Tacoma Mall parking lot, although no one was injured. (KIRO 7)

📉 Tesla sales have taken a hit in Washington since January, with 18% fewer new Tesla registrations recorded in the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. (Seattle Times)

🪧 A Christian group that espouses anti-trans views protested outside Seattle City Hall yesterday, drawing pro-LGBTQ+ counterprotesters for the second time in a week. The dueling protests downtown last night led to street closures and at least eight arrests. (KING 5)

Seattle and the Puget Sound region will see some of the lowest tides of the year today and tomorrow around 1pm, according to NOAA tide predictions.

Why it matters: The receding waters offer a unique opportunity for beachcombing and tide pooling, exposing marine life like sea stars, moon snails and anemones that are typically hidden under the surface.

State of play: The Seattle Aquarium's Beach Naturalist program will be holding guided tours at Dash Point, Golden Gardens and Seahurst parks today, and at Olympic Sculpture Park tomorrow.

Between the lines: These extreme low tides — known as syzygy tides — occur when the Earth, Moon and Sun align during new and full Moon phases, amplifying gravitational pull and leading to higher high tides and lower low tides, per NOAA.

The bottom line: Tread lightly to protect marine habitats during exploration.

Tell a beachcomber

👋 Melissa here. This stained glass art caught my eye when walking around the city a few weeks ago.

Tell us where it is and we'll know you're a true expert on Emerald City landmarks!

• Just hit reply or email us to submit your guess.