SEATTLE – The Port of Seattle is ready to welcome the world, celebrating with a special kickoff today at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). Travelers and airport employees alike were surprised by drum and cheer performances and a soccer freestyle juggler as a way to mark the Port’s excitement for a summer of soccer. Port staff, tenants, and partners have been gearing up for months both operationally and with ways to enjoy the spirit of the games.
“The moment is finally here!” said Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho. “We’ve been preparing Port-wide for this global celebration. From strategic partnerships throughout the region, to operational readiness that ensures safe and smooth passage through all of our facilities, we are ready. We can't wait to showcase the best of the Pacific Northwest by supporting the region’s efforts to drive opportunity from being on the world stage. Our goal is to reach visitors and locals alike as summer travel really kicks into high gear.”
The Port’s priority remains safety and ensuring the public has the resources for navigating the airport, cruise terminals, and other maritime properties. From coordinating with other West Coast airports and partner airlines to additional wayfinding signage and staffing, there is preparation at every level. SEA actively recruited hundreds of additional volunteers to support travelers at SEA. Look for ambassadors in dark green for customer support and check out this know-before-you-go page for everything you need at SEA during the tournament period.
“We're thrilled to welcome the games to our region,” said SEA Airport Managing Director Wendy Reiter. “SEA is ready to be the first impression to many of those following their favorite team during the tournament, and we’re prepared as always for our busiest season of the year. We’re working closely with all of our partners to ensure travelers have a great experience when they arrive, connect, and depart from SEA.”
Upgrades to Welcome the World
Several of the major public-facing Upgrade SEA projects are wrapping up just in time for the games. These upgrades are elevating SEA’s status as a global gateway, including the new C Concourse Expansion project opening soon with four new floors, new dining and retail options, more seating, and more amenities throughout. A key part of getting from gate to game includes the newly renovated Ground Transportation Information Center and rideshare lot improvements on the third floor of the parking garage.
Getting in the Spirit with Spectator Game Zones, Selfie Stations, and more
As the region starts to dress itself in Let’s Play SEA 26 energy, travelers passing through the airport will get a taste of it too. Look for:
- Temporary themed banners, decals, and digital signage in the International Arrivals Hall, gate areas, entrances, Link light rail walkway, and more
- A Big Screen Spectator Zone in Central Terminal, where you can catch every match
- Sports-themed games at a specialty Game Zone in N Concourse
- A virtual reality soccer experience near Gates A8/A9
- Photo opportunities in A Concourse, including specialty Juneteenth SEA letters
- Official merch options throughout the terminal at Hudson, Emerald City Market, and FIFA vending machines
- A roving cart with swag and goodies staffed by Port employees, and musicians stationed around the terminal to showcase our talented local music scene
If you’re looking for the perfect selfie moment, head to the Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69, home to the region’s largest official match ball, displayed in the public lobby. While you’re there, grab a limited-edition sticker, strike your best goal celebration pose, and tag @portofseattle on social media. It’s a matchday must-visit for fans looking to score a memorable photo op.
Temporary and Permanent Public Art
With art and music being some of the defining features of our region, the Port is proud to incorporate some beautiful new art pieces into the fan experience! At Pier 69, artist Shogo Ota put his unique twist on two of the columns outside the Port’s headquarters. Ota is the creator of Seattle’s official whale tail poster for the games, and now his vibrant style can be found along the waterfront. Artist Sanoe Stevenson-Egeland has transformed the two other columns with designs inspired by Seattle’s coastal heritage, native flora, and the relationship between the city’s urban and natural landscapes.
We’ve also partnered with the Seattle Sounders and Seattle Reign to have donated team artifacts cast in bronze by local artists. These items will become part of the SEA public art program’s permanent collection. Catch them curbside on top of the security bollards along the Arrivals and Departures drives. At Baggage Claim, you'll see a series of temporary pieces from artists representing some of the nations that are playing in this year’s competition or that have played in previous ones.
Guided by Good
With the prospect of so many new visitors to the region, the Port is excited to launch a Guided by Good campaign. The campaign inspires visitors to explore our region with intention, enjoy unique experiences, and preserve our destination for the travelers who will follow. Travelers will see Guided by Good information throughout SEA, including a link to a new virtual assistant that will inspire them to discover all our communities have to offer.
Let’s Play...Without Waste
More people means more waste, and the Port is committed to keeping our environment clean and reducing impacts across our facilities. We partnered with Seattle Public Utilities to create the Let’s Play...Without Waste campaign. You’ll see bins wrapped and signage around the region designed to help people properly sort their waste. Help promote this message by downloading the designs and materials.
Go-To Travel Tips
It’s going to be a busy summer in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. For those looking to explore locally, there are plenty of ways to get in the game and get from gate to game. If you’re heading out through SEA, remember these basic travel tips:
- Be matchday ready and arrive two hours ahead of a domestic flight and three for international.
- Consider all of your transportation options.
- Fast-track your way through security with SEA Spot Saver and other services like TSA Precheck and CLEAR. Remember, all checkpoints lead to all gates.
- On select days, SEA Spot Saver will add early morning capacity, but will be unavailable from 6 to 10 a.m.: June 12, 14, 15, 17-22, 25, 26, 28, 29 and July 5, 6, 9, and 10.
- Use your airline app to check in before you arrive, and have your boarding pass ready in the security line. Limit your items going through the checkpoint to two items. Learn more ways to help you get through security efficiently.
- Returning home from abroad? Use Mobile Passport Control.
- Download the flySEA app for maps, checkpoint wait times, dining and retail options, and more.
