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KOMO 4: Can Seattle turn World Cup success into lasting downtown revitalization?
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This story was originally published by KOMO 4 on July 18, 2026.
By Claire Weber
SEATTLE — Nearly two weeks after Seattle’s World Cup hosting duties finished, the pressure is on to keep foot traffic up in the city’s downtown core.
Recently published data from the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) revealed over three million people visited downtown Seattle on the six days of local FIFA games, which is a 17% increase in foot traffic compared to the same six days in 2025.
So, now that the global tournament has ended in Seattle, can the city continue to build on its momentum?
“We need something to draw people back to downtown; it’s been quiet the last couple years,” said lifelong Seattle resident, Taz Donaldson. “I think the World Cup was amazing in reminding people why Seattle is amazing.”
DSA President and CEO Jon Scholes said the millions of documented visitors prove people want to find community and share experiences in the City of Seattle, even beyond having a ticket to a specific sporting game or event, like one of the World Cup matches. He believes the city should look to more free, outdoor activations to encourage people to spend time downtown.
“This should be the standard,” Scholes continued, “this should be the way we do things in Seattle.”
Nordstrom’s second annual “Downtown Summer Block Party,” paired with its anniversary sale, may be a prime example of that.
On Saturday, roads were blocked off around Westlake Park for people to walk, stop at local booths, shop, take photos, and more.
While it didn’t draw millions as the World Cup did, it filled downtown streets with a bustling crowd, and residents believe more events of the like would help revitalization efforts.
“I would like to see a lot more down here,” Joan Wellman said Saturday. “You can see right now, people are enjoying. If you add more to it, there’ll be even more people here.”
Conversations between DSA and city leaders about utilizing some of the same World Cup strategies post-tournament are happening, Scholes said.
“…to create more pedestrian zones and experiences in and around major events that are taking place,” he explained, “whether it’s at Climate Pledge Arena or at Lumen Field or at T-Mobile Park.”
DSA’s data also revealed a positive trend before Seattle hosted its first World Cup match. Consumers spent nearly $140 million in May 2026, which is up by 8.6% from the month before, according to the data.
Sound Transit saw a record 5.4 million transit boardings in the month of June, DSA also noted.