Jesse Canedo, Chief Economic Development Officer for the City of Bellevue, has his eye on the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026 matches coming to Seattle this summer. In addition to his position with Bellevue, he serves as a Commissioner with the Seattle Sports Commission, which “connects and empowers the vibrant sports community in Greater Seattle. We champion our region as a world-class sports destination that drives positive economic impact and creates a lasting legacy in our community." (seattlesports.org ) Canedo is helping the city invest in improvements that will serve World Cup visitors, and all people spending time in Bellevue for years to come.
Given the global attention that the games will bring to Seattle and the surrounding area, Bellevue is committing to ongoing capacity building, permitting reform, public safety initiatives, and ensuring downtown shines as a welcoming space for visitors and residents alike. Bellevue is the second largest hotel market in the state, with 5500 rooms and these hotels already run at 80-85% occupancy in the summer. While the city anticipates an increase in visitors while the World Cup matches are happening, it won’t be a huge influx.
Matt King, Director of Sales & Marketing for the InterContinental Hotel in Bellevue, says, “We are very excited about the positive momentum the Seattle FIFA World Cup matches will bring to the greater Bellevue market. We see the World Cup as a meaningful opportunity to showcase Bellevue and InterContinental Seattle Bellevue specifically as a premier luxury destination for global travelers.”
Outside of lodgings, restaurants and retail storefronts are expected to see an uptick in out-of-town customers. Amenities like the BellHop – Bellevue's electric, on-demand, and free shuttle service – and improved wayfinding and signage will allow guests to easily navigate the city, and the light rail East Link Extension, otherwise known as the 2 Line, lets passengers flow between the Eastside and Seattle without having to worry about sitting in traffic and parking. Bellevue’s signature downtown placemaking program, the Grand Connection, “functions as a series of cohesive, connected and memorable spaces and pedestrian-focused experiences and initiatives through Bellevue’s thriving central business district,” (bellevuewa.gov) and serves as part of the infrastructure that makes Bellevue so welcoming to visitors.
For those who aren’t able to score tickets to the any of the six World Cup matches in Seattle, Bellevue’s hometown pre-professional soccer team Midlakes United represents the Eastside in the USL League Two. Team founder and General Manager Treencee Russell says, “Watching the World Cup is the pinnacle of soccer fandom. To have the World Cup in my city is…well, it’s hard to find the words! Pinnacle? Once in a lifetime? Glorious? Unforgettable? It’s all those things. If you want to see what all the fuss is about, join us at a Midlakes United game. We have four home games before the World Cup kicks off. See soccer up-close and personal, featuring collegiate players from our backyard. We’re family-friendly and affordable – and our parking is easy to navigate.” Midlakes United will be hosting soccer trivia nights at various places on the Eastside through April and May to help the community learn more about soccer.
“We’re using a cooperative approach with other cities in the region,” says Canedo, “with a focus on a lasting legacy. All of the investments in permitting reform, building capacity and public safety are about making things easier and better for the public.”
To have the World Cup in my city is…well, it’s hard to find the words! Pinnacle? Once in a lifetime? Glorious? Unforgettable? It’s all those things.