Renton outlines summer program for new Legacy Square, including FIFA watch parties and concerts
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Summary
City economic-development staff told the Committee of the Whole they plan 15 FIFA watch parties (June 11–July 19), a June 6 opening celebration and a summer calendar of movie nights, concerts and market activations funded in part by LTAC and a Port of Seattle grant.
Amanda Free, Renton economic development director, told the Committee of the Whole the city will activate Legacy Square with a slate of FIFA watch parties, a June 6 opening celebration and a summer program of concerts, movie nights and market activations to draw people downtown.
Free said the FIFA watch parties are planned for June 11 through July 19, with a stage and screen in the northwest corner of Legacy Square, food trucks, a beverage area and a proposed host or referee persona to keep events running smoothly. "We envision, Legacy Square as an arts and culture hub for Renton," Free said during the presentation.
Why it matters: The program is intended to use new downtown infrastructure, support local businesses and create a regional draw. Staff said the activation year is experimental and intended to produce a template for future seasons.
Details: Free said the city is proposing 15 watch parties chosen for favorable start times (mostly Thursday–Sunday). The opening celebration is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, and the Seattle Sounders have agreed to partner on that kickoff day. The city plans a family-oriented Friday-night movie series July 31–Sept. 4 (six nights) and five Saturday concerts Aug. 1–Sept. 5, with the goal of closing by 10 p.m. to comply with noise restrictions.
Business outreach: Economic development staff reported 47 responses to a request for information, ranging from single events to series, live theater, fitness events and night markets. Free said the city will start monthly hybrid business outreach meetings in February and run them through May to coordinate programming and construction updates.
Funding and operations: Free said activation funding comes from multiple sources: staff named an LTAC grant of $600,000 and a Port of Seattle grant of $60,000. In the presentation Free also stated the city "received $4,500,000 in grants for this heart Block area and 1.5 for this Legacy Square." Staff did not specify what the "1.5" figure represented in the slide; LTAC and Port grants were identified explicitly. The consultant the city contracted in September will provide on-site management and event staffing; the city plans to hire a summer intern to act as an on-site point person.
Logistics and schedule: Staff said they will finalize the full program and dates by Jan. 30 and aim to confirm partners and talent by Feb. 12. Officials are exploring portable restroom-trailer options to avoid repeated rentals and are coordinating with Parks & Recreation to ensure events complement, not displace, neighborhood programming.
Quotes: "We envision, Legacy Square as an arts and culture hub for Renton," Free said. On funding, Free said the activation budget covers consultants, staffing, restrooms, trash pickup and talent: "The $600,000 is was allocated for the activation of Legacy Square, which does include our consultants and their planning and managing, but it also includes their staffing, includes the restrooms, it includes trash pickup."
What’s next: Staff will continue consultant budgeting and coordination with parks and police, hold business outreach meetings starting in February, and return with updates. Council members asked staff to provide further operational details by email and to arrange a site visit before the ribbon cutting.
