Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone came to a close with a celebration of Pride Month and the screening of two 2026 FIFA World Cup matches for the hundreds of people in attendance on Friday evening, June 26.
Guests received special pride posters, pride stickers and face paint. There were soccer related activities for fans of all ages, who gathered to watch Uruguay vs. Spain and Egypt vs. Iran at Port Plaza at Port of Olympia.
FIFA World Cup co-sponsor Bank Of America gave away free fan bands to attendees. Vendors provided food and drinks during the final event through food trucks and a beer garden, while the Three Magnets Brewing Co. of Olympia was the featured brewer.
DJ Pooji and MC Lauren O’ Neill kept the crowd engaged with entertainment throughout Friday evening. There was also special performance by The Scrunchies, an 80’s cover band, in between the two matches.
“I’m just really proud to be a part of this event and I’m so happy that so many different people from our community came out to enjoy,” O’ Neill said.
Jennie Foglia-Jones, Project Coordinator for the Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone, was delighted with the success of all four fan zone events.
“I definitely thought they were successful, bringing the community together and creating a space where everyone could celebrate together,” said Foglia-Jones of the events which attracted approximately 7,700 people to Port Plaza.
The fan zone also received positive feedback from attendees, who watched matches on LED screens attached to the viewing tower at Port Plaza.
“I think this fan zone in Olympia is awesome. It brings a good energy to the boardwalk, which otherwise isn't as busy throughout the year. So it’s nice to see everybody come down and enjoy the Port Of Olympia,” said spectator Mason Ludwig.
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Boatyarddog
COME ON! I'd love to see a breakdown of the Costs to bring this Event to The Port. Attendance was Minimal. The Port continues to tout Events like this bring people to Olympia.
Rubbish, and is A preposterous Notion, as is An Amphitheater. You'll get little business with that. There are Many OTHER VENUES, to enjoy concerts and Music in Olympia. The PORT is Not one of them.
Wednesday, July 1 Report this
OlyBlues
I agree with Boatydog, let's see the actual data on this. I predicted this would be a total waste of tax dollars when this idea was being explored but this is next level. Where are the attendance numbers per day? Where is the amount of grant $$ wasted on this? This was a total distraction and waste of tax dollars.
Thursday, July 2 Report this
wolfmanner
Enough of this Pride BS. Even the Olympia police had 2 cops holding a pride flag next to them and a police car.
Friday, July 3 Report this
wolfmanner
https://www.facebook.com/olympiapolice/posts/happy-pride-month-olympia-especially-to-our-lgbtqia-community-capital-city-pride/863888596791851/
Friday, July 3 Report this
CobraCommander
wolfmanner - Those are some really big feelings. Have you tried keeping your opinion to yourself?
Friday, July 3 Report this
wolfmanner
Cobra Commander... First your no "Commander". Your a loud mouth wannabe. Go and sit with ya Antifa buddies.
Saturday, July 4 Report this
CobraCommander
Wolfmanner - it's you're, not your. Work on that grammar, kiddo.
Antifascism is a family tradition. Both of my grandfathers killed lots of nazis during WWII.
Which side are you on?
Tuesday, July 7 Report this
Schnauzer
Enough of this Pride month. This is disgraceful, especially when OUR Military get a couple days a Year. Shame on the United States
Tuesday, July 7 Report this
CobraCommander
Schnauzer- Military service is a thankless job; you would know that if you had served.
Pride Month doesn't affect you.
Friday, July 10 Report this