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Pasco explores hosting FIFA 2026 fan zone; staff estimates about $90,000 to stage six match days
Summary
Pasco staff proposed pursuing a FIFA 2026 fan zone in the Tri‑Cities area and estimated roughly $15,000 per match (six match days, about $90,000) for staging, with Visit Tri Cities and state security funds expected to help offset costs.
City staff asked the council whether Pasco should pursue hosting a FIFA 2026 fan zone for matches during the 2026 World Cup after FIFA and Visit Tri Cities identified the Tri‑Cities as a potential statewide fan‑zone location.
Director Rice said a FIFA fan zone is an official public space with big screens, stage, concessions, music and cultural programming where fans gather to watch live matches; the Tri‑Cities selection would require city resources and planning because there are six match days to stage. Rice estimated a rough budget of about $15,000 per game (roughly $90,000 total) based on a similar local event (the Fiery Foods festival) and said Visit Tri Cities indicated available funding to offset some costs. Rice also said Washington legislators have allocated roughly $2.7 million statewide for security that would flow to local law enforcement to help cover security costs for fan‑zone events.
Potential venues Rice mentioned include Burton Soccer Complex and Geiser Stadium; Geiser Stadium would be ideal but the stadium’s general manager cannot confirm availability until the fall game‑selection process. Rice said Visit Tri Cities and Kennewick Parks & Recreation indicated potential staffing and funding support; she asked for council direction before pursuing commitments and sponsor outreach.
Mayor Serrano, Councilmember Zabel and others expressed support and offered to help pursue sponsors and outreach. Council asked staff to report back on fundraising, sponsorships and venue availability; Rice said she would contact FIFA 2026 and Visit Tri Cities and start gathering budget and sponsorship detail. No formal commitment vote was taken at the workshop.
