Sounders, Reign to host first-of-its-kind ‘floating pitch’ on Elliott Bay during World Cup

by Chris Daniels,KOMONewsSeniorReporter

Wed, May 13, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Updated Wed, May 13, 2026 at 11:12 AM

SEATTLE — Are you ready for some floating football?

On Wednesday, the Sounders and Reign FC announced an ambitious plan to turn the waterfront into a floating soccer field during the World Cup, as part of an activation for the global event.

The project, called “Seattle Soccer Celebration powered by Lenovo,” will center around a custom-built soccer field atop a maritime vessel docked near Pier 62 at Waterfront Park. Organizers say the floating venue will host fan events, cultural programming, match-watch parties, and community soccer activities throughout the tournament.

Club officials described the effort as both a global showcase for Seattle and a lasting community investment tied to the city’s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host.

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This is a defining moment for our city and our clubs,” said Hugh Weber, president of business operations for Seattle’s professional soccer clubs, in a prepared statement. “Seattle Soccer Celebration is more than a fan experience, it’s a global expression of who we are and what we believe sport can do.

The event is being developed in partnership with the RAVE Foundation and Friends of Waterfront Park. Organizers say the floating pitch will serve as the symbolic 52nd field in RAVE Foundation’s statewide initiative to build 52 free mini-pitches in underserved communities ahead of the World Cup.

“The 52 Fields initiative is about creating access, joy and opportunity for every child, in every community,” said Ashley Fosberg, chief impact and fan engagement officer for Sounders FC and Reign FC.

Friends of Waterfront Park also announced the waterfront will serve as one of Seattle’s official free FIFA World Cup fan celebration sites.

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Joy Shigaki, president and CEO of Friends of Waterfront Park, said the project is intended to transform Pier 62 into a gathering place for both residents and international visitors.

Organizers say the broader waterfront festival will include free public programming, youth soccer events, entertainment and cultural experiences. The floating barge will also feature premium ticketed spaces and corporate activations, including partnerships with companies such as Edward Jones and Starbucks, according to a release.

The floating venue could host 100,000 fans over multiple weeks, the Sounders said.

The barge is scheduled for most of the 26 days of World Cup viewing between June 11 and July 6.