With just six days remaining until Seattle hosts its first FIFA World Cup match, local businesses near Seattle Stadium are preparing for what could be one of the busiest stretches in their history.
Juice Jones, owner of Occidental Hall, located just steps from the stadium’s north entrance, says the excitement surrounding the tournament is matched by a strong focus on safety and preparation.
“I’m excited that we’re bringing all this to Seattle,” Jones said. “It’s obviously a once-in-a-lifetime experience to have a World Cup here. Security is hugely important, and we want to make sure all of our guests, patrons, visitors, and everyone remains safe.”
As the city finalizes plans for the international event, Jones noted there has been discussion about expanding areas where fans can carry open containers, though Washington’s current alcohol service hours remain unchanged at 6 a.m. to 2 a.m.
For Occidental Hall, preparation centers on handling an expected surge in customers.
“Our primary focus is to provide the best service possible,” Jones said. “We’re going to have to staff up and extend our hours of operation. Beyond that, we’re really just making sure we’re ready to handle the volume and do what we do best.”
The increased security presence around the stadium could create longer wait times for visitors entering the area, but Jones believes fans can avoid frustration by planning ahead.
“There will be added security and a larger perimeter,” he said. “Things are just going to take longer. If you plan ahead and are prepared for that, you’re going to have a great experience.”
While it’s difficult to predict exactly how busy World Cup match days will be, Jones recalled one of the busiest days in the business’s history: a Seattle Seahawks playoff game during which the venue went through 60 kegs of beer.
Still, he believes the tournament’s impact will extend far beyond the six matches scheduled for Seattle.
“It’s not just the matches here,” Jones said. “There are going to be more soccer fans in Seattle throughout the entire World Cup. Casual fans will be coming out to watch U.S. matches and support their native countries. I think we’re going to see increased business throughout the whole tournament.”
The demand is already evident. Jones says reservation requests are pouring in for U.S. matches, while companies and international fan groups from countries including Argentina and Germany are booking watch parties.
With locations in Queen Anne, Occidental, and Moss Bay in Kirkland, Jones expects all of the company’s venues to be packed throughout the tournament.
As Seattle prepares to welcome fans from around the world, businesses like Occidental Hall are readying for what many expect will be a historic and economically significant event for the city.
