This year feels so very different for so very many reasons. Especially here in my home region of the Pacific NW where we are hosting the FIFA world cup, the energy has been over the top. The fans from all over the world have become our new best friends. The city put up multiple viewing sites, the public transit has run none stop and at near full capacity, the weather has been near perfect and we the people have been as hospitable as any city folks can be. Many towns had their own viewing parties, as did bigger cities from Bellingham WA to Portland OR. FIFA chose Seattle because of our strong soccer presence and because the Seattle Stadium is so assessable to the city itself.
One more unique thing about Seattle is Pride Week, which was set for the last week in June. That same week Iran/Egypt played here. Iran made it clear it wanted no pride anything displayed. People were respectful but still came decked out in rainbows. The Space Needle has a giant Pride Flag that is hoisted up each year. It wasn’t an issue. The 40th anniversary Fremont District Solstice Pride Parade is a favorite, and had more in attendance this year to maybe see the infamous naked bike riders. Quite fun & calm 🙂
This viewing spot, on our brand new waterfront park, was a favorite of fans. It replaced a double decker highway with a tunnel and gave our waterfront a brand new life. Pike Place Market is on the upper part and the newly remodeled aquarium is adjoining the park. And during games the complete space, all levels, was full of thousands watching the game on Giant screens. Quite a site.
Many have extended their stays and are taking in the 4th of July celebrations, with Seattle being a top spot for a fireworks and drone show extravaganza over the Space Needle. I am dang proud of my city which shows why we are the “soccer city” of the USA. Some FIFA fans took in Mariner Games and just did what tourists do, saw the sights, ate amazing foods, and appreciated their host city. We done good. #1 FIFA city as voted by fans and FIFA. Next up, our last FIFA game on July 6th, when the USA plays Belgium at the Seattle Stadium. It’s been a great tournament.
The first time Belgium played in Seattle their entire entourage marched from the waterfront, through Pioneer Square, to the stadium singing and chanting and drumming. That was an epic happening and Seattle says Monday they will close adjoining streets earlier. Six months ago Seattle celebrated a Super Bowl win with nearly a million at that parade. This is beyond anything the city has ever seen. And it is Awesome. Then there are the Scots who just like a good party and good beer, which some places ran out of. Truly, we’ve never seen anything like it before.
And it’s exactly what I needed this 4th of July. My local community had lots more people at our town parade of kids & their wheels…and street fair. It’s still going on until the fireworks at 10:30 with music and dancing. A family day. It’s awesome. It’s a Patriot town next to JBLM.
AND being celebrated by the people of the world for seeing us for who we are and who we aren’t! This post was HOPE in action!
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