Seattle, it's finally here.
After years of anticipation and months of preparation, the FIFA World Cup has arrived in our city. I'm excited to welcome fans, travelers, and visitors from around the globe to the Pacific Northwest.
On June 11, our newly redesigned C Concourse Expansion opened for business just in time for the games. Watch my Instagram Reel about the C Concourse Expansion.
The C Concourse Expansion is a transformative, passenger-centered addition to our Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with four new floors featuring ten dining and retail options, six SEA Sparks Incubator kiosks for emerging local businesses, and thoughtful amenities including a Sensory Room, Nursing Room, and Interfaith Prayer and Meditation Room. The design draws from the Pacific Northwest landscape, anchored by the stunning Tree at C rising into a 30-foot atrium. On track for LEED Platinum certification, it's all-electric, solar-powered, and built with family-wage union jobs and apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented workers. Read more about the C Concourse Expansion in our June 10 news release.
On June 1, I had the honor of helping kick off Seafair 2026 — one of our favorite summer traditions and a perfect reminder of what makes this city special: our energy, our community, and our pride in sharing Seattle with the world. Watch my Seafair opening remarks on behalf of the Port of Seattle.
And now, arriving travelers will immediately feel the spirit of the FIFA games. We celebrated with a kickoff event featuring drum and cheer performances and a soccer freestyle juggler — because if you're welcoming the world, do it with flair! Visit the Let’s Play SEA26 at SEA Airport webpage for tips on a smooth summer trip and all the soccer experiences you can enjoy throughout the airport.
If you're exploring the city, be sure to stop by the Port of Seattle headquarters at Pier 69 on the waterfront. The lobby features the region's largest official match ball — a great photo spot for fans of all ages. Be sure to tag @portofseattle when you post!
While you're there, take in the new public art on the building's exterior columns. Artist Shogo Ota, who created Seattle's official FIFA whale tail poster, brings his vibrant style to the waterfront. Artist Sanoe Stevenson-Egeland has transformed two more columns with designs inspired by Seattle's coastal heritage, native plants, and the connection between urban and natural landscapes.
At the airport, we've also collaborated with the Seattle Sounders and Reign to donate team artifacts cast in bronze by local artists, now part of SEA's permanent public art collection along the Arrivals and Departures drives — a lasting tribute to this historic summer, long after the matches end.
With visitors from around the world in town, the Port launched the Guided by Good campaign to inspire everyone, visitors and locals alike, to explore with intention. Support local businesses. Discover neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist spots. Embrace arts and culture. Support indigenous tribes. Use sustainable transportation. Small actions can have a meaningful impact on our communities and environment.
This is our moment to showcase the very best of Seattle and the Pacific Northwest. I hope everyone takes part and enjoys it.
All my best,
Toshiko Grace Hasegawa
Commissioner, Port of Seattle
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