Title
Special Recognition - FIFA World Cup 2026 Olympia-Lacey Fanzone
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Receive an update on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Olympia-Lacey Fanzone.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive an update on the FIFA World Cup 2026 Olympia-Lacey Fanzone.
Staff Contact:
Susan Grisham, Assistant to the City Manager, 360.753.8441
Presenter(s):
Jennie Foglia-Jones, JFJ Strategies
Background and Analysis:
The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone is coming to Port Plaza as part of the global celebration of the FIFA World Cup 2026. This regional activation will bring together residents and visitors from across Thurston County and beyond to enjoy live match broadcasts, entertainment, food, and community programming in a festive, family-friendly outdoor setting.
The Fan Zone will be open for four match days in June 2026, featuring key World Cup matchups including U.S. national team games and internationally featured matches.
Each event day will feature large-scale outdoor screen viewing of matches alongside live entertainment, music, interactive soccer activities, local food and beverage vendors, and family-friendly programming. Programming will vary by match day, with both daytime and evening events planned to create a festival atmosphere.
The Fan Zone experience will also showcase regional partnerships and community participation, including local businesses, cultural organizations, tribal partners, and regional sponsors. These collaborations help ensure the event reflects a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.
The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone is part of Washington State’s broader FIFA World Cup 2026 regional activation strategy and is intended to serve as a community gathering space where people can come together to celebrate sport, culture, and international connection.
The City of Olympia has contributed $75,000 toward Fan Zone operations and has worked collaboratively with event organizers on permitting, public safety planning, communications support, and grant administration. The City also submitted a FEMA Safety and Security grant application to support eligible event-related security costs.
Attachments:
None