As the summer approaches and the FIFA World Cup clamor builds around Western Washington, you are going to start hearing about “activations.” Some of them, like the one discussed below, will involve local breweries. In this case, Stoup Brewing.
What is an Activation?
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Seattle this summer, it will include what they’re calling activations. Think of it as a fan zone. These public party zones will feature things like street closures, park takeovers, live music, watch parties, and beer. All happening in expanded alcohol service areas, which were recently created/okayed by an act of the Washington legislature that modified the state’s liquor laws.
The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) calls them Fan Zones and defines them as expanded indoor and/or outdoor areas that allow alcohol sales and services during a single or multiday event in June and or July of 2026. Recent legislation allows for expanded alcohol service in certain places. In Seattle, there will be two World Cup activations: Pioneer Square and Waterfront Park. The City of SeaTac will also host a couple of activations, one of which is discussed below and involves Stoup Brewing.
Stoup Brewing Anchoring One of SeaTac’s World Cup Activations
Stoup Brewing recently announced its partnership with the City of SeaTac as an official operator of one of the city’s key activation sites for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Stoup SeaTac City. In a press release, Stoup Brewing said, “As the Seattle region prepares to host matches beginning June 15, SeaTac is emerging as a vibrant hub for fans, residents, and visitors—and Stoup is excited to help bring that vision to life.”
The site of the first of two SeaTac activations is at 18400 International Boulevard and will take place in what they refer to as the Old Bank Building, which I think was most recently a Bank of America. It’s right across the street from the airport, very near the light rail station, and just north of the DoubleTree Hotel. The site will officially open on June 1st and operate daily through at least July 19, with the potential to extend operations through the end of 2026.
Stoup SeaTac City will be open every day and serve as SeaTac’s Friday and Saturday hub during the World Cup period. In partnership with Stoup Brewing and Por Vida NW, the site will offer food, Stoup beers and other beverages, entertainment, and community programming with a capacity of about 250 people. All of the games will be shown on the big screen. Hours of operation: 9 am to 9 pm.
“Being part of this moment for SeaTac—and for the broader region—is incredibly meaningful to us,” said Co-Owners Brad Benson, Lara Zahaba, and Robyn Schumacher. “We’re honored to create a space where community, culture, and soccer intersect in a way that reflects the spirit of this global event.”
The Bullpen at Angle Lake
The broader effort by the City of SeaTac involves activating public spaces, supporting local businesses, and welcoming international World Cup fans to the city with food, entertainment, community events, and local beer. This includes at least one other activation: The Bullpen at Angle Lake, which will involve a partnership with Métier Brewing Company. That second fan zone will take over the corner of S. 200th Street and International Boulevard, just steps away from the Angle Lake light rail station.
We will have more details about these activations, especially those involving local breweries, as the information becomes available. This information will be released by the City of SeaTac in the coming weeks.
Visiting Seattle for the World Cup matches? See our Guide to Seattle Beer and Breweries for FIFA World Cup Fans.
