As the summer approaches and the FIFA World Cup clamor builds around Western Washington, you are going to start hearing about “activations” or “activation sites.” Some of them, like the ones discussed below, involve local breweries. In this case, Stoup Brewing and Métier Brewing.
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to Seattle this summer, it will include what they’re calling activations or activation sites across the state. These public party zones will feature things like street closures, park takeovers, live music, watch parties, and, in some cases, local beer. Some are happening in expanded alcohol service areas, which are now allowed under recently enacted/okayed temporary changes to the state’s liquor laws. Some, but not all, are official functions of the SeattleFWC26.
Stoup Brewing and Métier Brewing Anchoring SeaTac’s World Cup Activations
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. The City of SeaTac will host a couple of party zones, or activation sites. One involves Stoup Brewing. The other, at a different location, involves Métier Brewing.
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 City of SeaTac beer-involved activations is at 18400 International Boulevard and will take place in what they refer to as the Old Bank Building. 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.”
Métier Brewing and the Bullpen at Angle Lake
SeaTac’s World Cup activations include at least one more beer-focused location: The Bullpen at Angle Lake, which will partner 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.
Why the name? For a long time, The Bullpen was an infamous dive bar at the location. It was recently demolished; otherwise, it will be very soon. Either way, that’s the activation site. We will have more details about these activations, especially those involving local breweries, as the information becomes available.
What is an Activation?
To be honest, it’s all a little confusing. Some of the fan zones and activation sites are more official than others. No doubt, being officially partnered with FIFA is not cheap. In Seattle, the initial plan was to have one big central FIFA Fan Fest with substantial funds going to FIFA, but it has evolved into something different, with numerous experiences and locations. Whatever you call these fan experiences, however they are licensed, and however they end up looking, there’s going to be a lot of stuff happening around Seattle because of the World Cup. If those things involve local beer and breweries, you’ll read about it on the Washington Beer Blog.
Loosening the Regulations
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 loosened the rules, allowing for expanded alcohol service in certain places. Again, some of these party zones fall into that realm while others do not.
Official WA LCB Fan Zones
FIFA World Cup 2026: Fan Zones and Host Cities
These cities MAY request expanded indoor and/or outdoor alcohol sales and services for a single or multiple-day event in June and/or July of 2026. The fee for a fan zone event is $3,900. World Cup Local Organizing Committee (SeattleFWC26) designated fan zone locations include:
- Bellingham
- Bremerton
- Everett
- Olympia/Lacey
- Tri-Cities (Pasco/Richland/Kennewick)
- Spokane
- Tacoma
- Vancouver
- Yakima
- Seattle (Host City)
Visiting Seattle for the World Cup matches? See our Guide to Seattle Beer and Breweries for FIFA World Cup Fans.
