Score Big: How Burien Businesses Can Benefit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup
29 Oct 2024
News
The FIFA World Cup, the most-watched sporting event on the planet, is making its way to Seattle in 2026, with six electrifying matches just minutes from Burien. While Lumen Field will host 68,000 fans, countless others will be looking for the perfect place to experience the excitement beyond the stadium—and Burien is poised to be a top fan zone destination.
Burien, WA's vibrant, welcoming atmosphere offers a refreshing alternative to the city's hustle. It's where football fans can relax and immerse themselves in the global spectacle while enjoying lively viewing parties, cultural events, and a community of like-minded supporters. With over a million football (soccer) fans across the Pacific Northwest and the potential for 200 million global viewers per match, Burien businesses have a golden opportunity to establish the city as a top destination for fans eager to get in on the World Cup action.
Burien Economic Development is launching a business roundtable to brainstorm strategies for capturing the World Cup spirit and driving economic growth. Whether through themed events, special promotions, or creating fan zones, Burien can become a hub where the world's game meets local charm. If you are interested in participating in these discussions and creating meaningful experiences for football fans across the globe in Burien, reach out to learn more.
Why Fans Should Come to Burien, WA, to Watch Their Favorite Team
Proximity to the Action
With Seattle hosting six thrilling World Cup matches in 2026, including a USA game, Burien's location makes it a convenient spot for fans who want to experience the excitement without the chaos and costs of the city center. Just a short ride away, Burien offers visitors a more relaxed setting to enjoy everything from festive viewing parties to a family-friendly atmosphere.
A Cultural Hotspot
Burien is home to a growing number of Mexican and Central American restaurants and businesses. Fans can find many familiar flavors and atmospheres as they cheer for their home teams in Burien. Local eateries can create special menus or host culturally themed events to attract these fans, offering an authentic taste of the World Cup right here in the Pacific Northwest.
Like-Minded Football Fans
World Cup games bring people from around the globe together. By creating communal spaces where fans can celebrate victories or commiserate over near misses, Burien businesses can offer something unique: togetherness. Whether through outdoor screenings or themed social events, local restaurants, cafes, and bars can be the heart of the fan experience.
World Cup 2026 Economic Opportunities for Burien Businesses
Themed Events and Special Promotions
In early conversations with local businesses, the Burien Economic Development team sees the potential for collaborations to host special events and increase sport-based tourism. Hosting World Cup-themed nights, offering match-day deals, and decorating venues in national team colors can draw crowds. Restaurants and bars can screen live games while providing food and drink specials tied to participating countries.
Tap into Proximity Watchers
Only a fraction of football fans traveling to Seattle will actually make it into the stadium for the matches. Many will look for lively spots to watch the game with fellow supporters. Burien businesses can position themselves as the perfect alternative for these proximity watchers, offering the World Cup buzz without the hassle. Businesses can promote themselves as the go-to spots for those who want to enjoy a festive atmosphere without the stadium lines.
Attracting Tourists and Visitors
Burien's location may be appealing for out-of-town visitors who can't attend the games. There are nearby accommodations in surrounding cities, while local businesses provide convenient dining and shopping options. The Burien community can work together to create a lively fan zone to ensure the entire visitor experience, from transit to entertainment, is seamless and enjoyable.
Long-Term Benefits for Attracting World Cup Fans
Beyond the short-term influx of visitors, the World Cup presents a chance to elevate the Pacific Northwest and Burien's profile on an international scale. Successfully hosting events and catering to global fans could lead to repeat visitors and sustained tourism beyond 2026. Transportation, accommodation, and marketing investments could turn Burien into a permanent Seattle-area destination for tourists and locals who visit for the World Cup.
As the games approach, Burien businesses should consider starting to plan and gear up for how they'll score big from this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Whether it's attracting proximity watchers, hosting themed nights, or offering a piece of home to international fans, the 2026 World Cup will put Burien on the map—businesses just need to be ready to take the shot.