The city announced several street closures in favor of a car-free pedestrian zone to accommodate an estimated 100,000 people each match day.
SEATTLE — The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is turning Pioneer Square into a car-free pedestrian zone on each of the city’s six World Cup match days this summer.
SDOT released a map outlining the plan, which includes several street closures and parking restrictions beginning at 2 a.m.
The first match at Lumen Field, temporarily renamed Seattle Stadium by soccer governing body FIFA, will be held June 15, when Belgium plays Egypt.
“Logistically, we’re in a waiting pattern for what streets will be closed and how everything is going to work as we get closer,” said Gary Szeredy, co-owner of The Hall on Occidental.
The bar, located directly across from the stadium’s northwest corner, opened just before the Mariners’ 2025 playoff run and is often one of the first stops for fans leaving T-Mobile Park and Lumen Field after major events.
“This is different. It’s soccer, right? It’s a different crowd, so we don’t know what to expect,” Szeredy said. “I don’t think it will be normal, but I do think we’ll be prepared and ready for it.”
Another bar owner, who declined to be identified, told KING 5 they have received very little guidance from the city on navigating vehicle restrictions, including for delivery drivers.
Szeredy said he is more confident.
“The city has been very cooperative and really making sure we know the specifics of getting deliveries. I’m not worried about that,” he said. “For me, it’s important to present our city well.”
Uncertainty for residents
Jim Knauff lives near Second Avenue and James Street, at the edge of SDOT’s pedestrian zone.
He said the restrictions will force him out of his usual parking spot.
“It’s hard to decipher what it really means,” Knauff said. “Of course it blocks cars and everything, but there are a lot of tenants down here, and we can’t figure out why we don’t have access to the parking we need.”
“They’re even restricting scooters. Everything!” he added.
The city said bicycles and electric scooters will be allowed inside the car-free zone but limited to 8 mph.
“I’m going to hide out,” Knauff joked. “I’ll park several blocks away and enjoy the crowd.”
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