Seattle officials are planning major street closures in Pioneer Square during next summer’s FIFA World Cup matches, creating a large pedestrian-only zone around the stadiums to accommodate crowds expected to reach 100,000 people on match days.
SDOT says the temporary restrictions are intended to create safer, more walkable streets for visitors and residents during one of the region’s largest international events. The pedestrian zone will cover portions of Pioneer Square near the stadium district on select match days.
According to the city, the goals of the plan are to:
- Safety: Create a pedestrian zone around the stadium designed to keep people safe.
- Fan experience: Improve the experience for visitors and residents at a scale appropriate for a global event.
- Scale up businesses’ foot traffic: Support local businesses by encouraging foot traffic into shops, restaurants, and bars.
Officials are urging attendees to avoid driving into the area. Transit options to Pioneer Square during match days will include Link light rail, King County Metro buses, and the Seattle Streetcar. Note that the nearest streetcar stop will be closed; instead, use the stop at 5th and Jackson. Bikes and scooters will still be allowed in the area, but riders will be required to slow to 8 miles per hour and use designated parking areas.
Street closures are expected to begin roughly four hours before kickoff and remain in place until crowds disperse and cleanup operations are complete. On-street parking restrictions will begin at 2 a.m. on game days.
The currently planned Pioneer Square pedestrian-zone dates are:
- Monday, June 15: Belgium vs. Egypt, noon kickoff.
Anticipated closures: 8 a.m. until the event clears. - Friday, June 19: USA vs. Australia, noon kickoff, plus Mariners vs. Red Sox at 7:10 p.m.
Anticipated closures: 8 a.m. until first pitch. - Wednesday, June 24: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs. Qatar, noon kickoff.
Anticipated closures: 8 a.m. until the event clears. - Friday, June 26: Egypt vs. Iran, 8 p.m. kickoff.
Anticipated closures: 4 p.m. until the event clears.
Additional closures are planned for knockout-round matches on Wednesday, July 1, and Monday, July 6.
The approach mirrors Seattle’s ongoing efforts to reduce vehicle traffic in heavily visited areas. Pike Place Market has been trying out a car-free pilot program since last year and is expected to install temporary security bollards ahead of the World Cup.
Need to drive through the area on match days? You can see a map of the planned street closures on the SDOT website.
