SEATTLE \u2014 Are you ready for some floating football?<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The project, called \u201cSeattle Soccer Celebration powered by Lenovo,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Club officials described the effort as both a global showcase for Seattle and a lasting community investment tied to the city\u2019s role as a FIFA World Cup 2026 host.<\/p>\n
RELATED | Seattle to create pedestrian zone in Pioneer Square for 6 World Cup match days<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n This is a defining moment for our city and our clubs,\u201d said Hugh Weber, president of business operations for Seattle\u2019s professional soccer clubs, in a prepared statement. \u201cSeattle Soccer Celebration is more than a fan experience, it\u2019s a global expression of who we are and what we believe sport can do.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The event is being developed in partnership with the RAVE Foundation<\/a> and Friends of Waterfront Park<\/a>. Organizers say the floating pitch will serve as the symbolic 52nd field in RAVE Foundation\u2019s statewide initiative to build 52 free mini-pitches in underserved communities ahead of the World Cup.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 52 Fields initiative is about creating access, joy and opportunity for every child, in every community,\u201d said Ashley Fosberg, chief impact and fan engagement officer for Sounders FC and Reign FC.<\/p>\n Friends of Waterfront Park also announced the waterfront will serve as one of Seattle\u2019s official free FIFA World Cup fan celebration sites.<\/p>\n