Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Tumwater City Council is standing behind local events for fans during the FIFA World Cup.
The governing body authorized Mayor Leatta Dahlhoff to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the coordination of the Olympia-Lacey FIFA World Cup Fan Zone at a meeting on Tuesday, March 3.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams told the council the MOU outlines roles and responsibilities of participating jurisdictions, the structure of events and contingency plans.
Parties involved in the MOU include Olympia, Lacey, Thurston County and the Port of Olympia, with the support of Thurston County Chamber of Commerce as the lead planning entity.
Intercity Transit, Experience Olympia & Beyond, Thurston Economic Development Council and Olympia Downtown Alliance are also involved.
To support the event, Tumwater has agreed to contribute $7,500 in lodging tax funds.
Consultant Jennie Foglia-Jones said the fan zone will feature a large LED screen to broadcast the games, live entertainment, cultural programming, food vendors, a beer garden and soccer-themed activities. General admission tickets are $10, with premium VIP tickets available.
The fan zone will be activated during four matches on June 19, 24, 25 and 26, with the events taking place at Port of Olympia’s NorthPoint site. Foglia-Jones said the fan zone is expected to draw between 2,500 and 5,000 attendees per match.
Before the council voted to pass the MOU, council members expressed support for the fan zone.
Council member Kelly Von Holtz noted while factors surrounding the event may be beyond the control of FIFA or local organizers, the fan activities still give the community something to look forward to and celebrate.
Council member Angela Jefferson asked whether there is enough local enthusiasm to draw large crowds to the fan zone. Foglia-Jones said she believes there is enough support for the fan zone.
Council member Peter Agabi was the only member to express skepticism about the fan zone concept.
Agabi noted that many overseas fans might not be able to attend due to visa requirements. Foglia-Jones acknowledged his concern but assured him there is overall excitement for the World Cup, sharing that she personally knows people planning to travel to the area for the games.
Agabi also asked about the expected attendance for June 26, which is when Egypt and Iran are scheduled to face off. It is not clear whether Iran will participate in the World Cup .
Foglia-Jones said the match is expected to draw significant interest due to Egyptian star Mohamed Salah. She added that there is close coordination with Seattle FIFA.
Adams said local businesses around the area would not need to be a vendor within the fan zone to benefit from it.
On March 18, the Thurston Economic Development Council will provide training to help local businesses host FIFA-compliant viewing parties. The chamber will also provide training to help businesses attract visiting fans and highlight opportunities connected to the fan zone.
Foglia-Jones also mentioned Seattle FIFA’s “Sea & Win” app, which debuts on Friday, March 6.
The app features a series of walking tours designed to encourage people to explore local communities. Stops featured in Tumwater include Brewery Park and Craft District.
Users can visit participating businesses along the route, and once they enter a geofenced area, the app unlocks trivia games related to local businesses, the host city, Washington state and soccer. Players earn tickets by answering questions and can redeem the tickets for World Cup-themed prizes at Wembley Soccer Shop in Olympia.
The chamber is also planning promotions to get more people to use the app. On March 27-28, users who complete the local tours and redeem their tickets will be eligible for prizes, with one participant getting a chance to win tickets for a World Cup match in Seattle.
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Olyrkrgrrl
Has the world gone mad? Why does everyone think it's a good idea to participate in a corrupt organization..oh well we have a corrupt president, I guess everyone wants to get in line. How sad. Meanwhile, the waterfront will be off limits for locals who just want to go enjoy the summer in their home town.
Friday, March 6 Report this
Boatyarddog
@Olyrkrgrrl SO True. Meanwhile the Dioxins flow freely all Along the beautiful Man made HOT ZONES.
POO. smells like it always has.
Friday, March 6 Report this
Snevets
@Olyrkrgrrl 100%!!
Council member Kelly Von Holtz noted while factors surrounding the event may be beyond the control of FIFA or local organizers, the fan activities still give the community something to look forward to and celebrate.
Does Council member Kelly Von Holtz mean the potential for ICE to show up when she said "factors surrounding the event may be beyond the control of FIFA or local organizers"??
Saturday, March 7 Report this
BillString
I hope this crashes and burns. Another "amazing" idea to waste money, time and resources for some nitwit's half-baked plan.
Saturday, March 7 Report this
Boatyarddog
@Snevets
In ANY case if Transparency isn't there, proactive caution is Warrented.
I see nothing but lack of Transparency wiyh tje Port, same as ALWAYS.
Monday, March 9 Report this