In this episode, Emily and Kyle connect two big parts of summer 2026: the deep soccer history that makes Western Washington one of the strongest soccer regions in the country, and the real transit planning needed to move people through a major international soccer summer.

First, we hear from Peter Hattrup, former pro, longtime coach, and one of the people who has lived Seattle soccer history from the inside. He explains how the original Sounders, local legends, and decades of player development helped build a lasting soccer culture across the region.

Then they talk with Alex Ko from Sound Transit about what it takes to move hundreds of thousands of people safely and reliably during a global event. From special Sounder trains to four-minute light rail service and station planning, this episode gives listeners a practical look at how to prepare now.

Takeaways

• Western Washington did not suddenly become a soccer region. It has been building this culture for decades.
• Summer 2026 will feel bigger than a game. For many people, it will feel more like a regional festival.
• Transit will be a major part of the experience, especially for riders coming from Snohomish County.
• Planning early will make June much easier, whether you are going to a match, a fan zone, or just moving through the region.

In this episode

• Why Seattle and the Puget Sound already have deep soccer roots
• How the original Sounders helped shape the region’s soccer culture
• Why the 1990 and 1994 tournaments were major turning points for soccer in the United States
• What the 2026 soccer tournament may feel like for fans, visitors, and local communities
• How Sound Transit is preparing for six Seattle matches
• What Snohomish County riders should know about Sounder, Link, and station planning
• Why this event is as much a regional operations challenge as it is a sports event

Transit resource

• Sound Transit Soccer Tournament Resource

Call for listeners

Know someone who still thinks this tournament will not really affect Snohomish County? Send them this episode. And if you are still deciding how you want to take part, this is your reminder: you do not need a match ticket to be part of the experience. Try a watch party, a fan zone, or a trip into the city just to take in the atmosphere.

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Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Overview
In this episode, Emily and Kyle tackle two practical questions for summer 2026: how local businesses can prepare for increased visitor traffic, and what new soccer fans need to know to enjoy a match without feeling lost.

First, Emily talks with Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, about why businesses across Snohomish County should start planning now. They cover watch parties, soccer-themed specials, how visitors may spread north of Seattle, and an important marketing rule: avoid using FIFA World Cup branding in titles or promotions unless you are an official sponsor.

Then Kyle walks Emily through beginner-friendly soccer basics, including the pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, player roles, and common formations. It is a useful primer for anyone who wants to follow the action with more confidence before June arrives.

Takeaways

• Businesses do not need to reinvent themselves to participate. Restaurants, breweries, and sports-friendly venues can start with simple watch parties and themed specials.
• Start planning now. Even if no one knows exact visitor numbers yet, early preparation gives businesses more flexibility.
• In marketing, avoid using FIFA World Cup or World Cup 26 in titles if you are not an official sponsor.
• New fans do not need to know everything. Learning a few basic soccer terms now will make summer matches a lot more fun.

In this episode

• Why Snohomish County businesses should be paying attention now
• How sports tourism can bring visitors into hotels, restaurants, shops, and local attractions
• Easy ways restaurants, breweries, and similar businesses can host watch parties
• What businesses can and cannot say in soccer-related marketing
• Where to find business playbooks and local resources
• Soccer basics: pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, and player roles
• A quick intro to formations like 4-4-2 and 3-4-3

Business resources mentioned

• Snohomish County Sports Commission World Cup resources at Snohomish County Sports Commission
• Seattle match resources and business guidance through SeattleFWC26
• Small business planning support through Seattle Metro Chamber
• Visitor-facing resources and messaging support through Visit Seattle
• Snohomish County Tourism toolkit and local messaging ideas

Soccer basics mentioned in this episode

• Soccer Field Guidelines
• Beginner's Guide to Soccer
• Soccer Terms

Call for listeners
If you have a beginner soccer question, or if your business is planning something around the summer matches, send it our way. If you want help getting connected to the right resource, or if you want to promote your event or business, reach out.

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.

First, Emily and Kyle set the scene: Everett is about to host four big waterfront watch parties in June 2026 — and the goal is bigger than “put up a screen.” It’s about creating a place you can land, eat, explore, and watch soccer on the waterfront.

Then Kyle zooms out and tells the origin story of soccer in Snohomish County: early youth-soccer organizing, a real-life example of inclusivity and rule-making, and the unglamorous (but essential) infrastructure that turns soccer from a moment into a community.

Finally, you’ll hear clips from Everett’s 2026 State of the City address, where Mayor Cassie Franklin lays out what the waterfront fan zone experience will look like, who’s partnering to make it happen, and the long-game vision for an Outdoor Event Center that could bring USL men’s and women’s soccer to Everett.

Takeaways

• Everett isn’t “just north of Seattle” — it’s building a full-day waterfront fan zone experience for June 2026.
• Hosting is a team sport: city staff, the Port, county partners, tourism, and community groups are all involved.
• Snohomish County’s soccer story is deeper than people think — it’s been organizing, adapting, and building for decades.
• If you’re planning to attend watch parties, start tracking dates now and watch for official updates as details drop.

In this episode:

• Everett’s 2026 waterfront watch parties: what they are and why they matter
• How Snohomish County helped organize youth soccer early (1966)
• A story of inclusivity: a rules exception that helped a teen play safely (1978)
• The “governance” side of soccer growth: facilities, leagues, and places to play
• Everett Soccer Arena history (including ties to Sounders leadership)
• A local referee honored for officiating 40,000+ matches
• Everett’s State of the City clips: partners, logistics, and the long-game vision

Featured clips (Everett 2026 State of the City)

• Everett is an official FIFA World Cup fan zone
• Four waterfront community watch parties: June 11, 12, 18, and 19
• Festival-like setup: giant outdoor screen, family-friendly activities, local food and drinks
• A free shuttle to keep things moving
• Countywide partners (including the Tulalip Tribes) hosting additional watch parties
• The Everett Outdoor Event Center: a future home for AquaSocks + USL men’s and women’s soccer

If you’re planning to attend

• Official Everett Fan Zone page: https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone
• Get updates + sign up for the From Pitch to Puget Sound newsletter: https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound

Call for listeners
Have a Snohomish County soccer memory (an old team name, a field you remember, a tournament that felt like a big deal, a coach everyone still talks about)? Or a story about Everett Soccer Arena or local watch parties?

Send it in — we want to collect these “you had to be there” moments and feature them.

Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app.

Sign up for our newsletter with important links from the show.

Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network.

History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer.

2026 Everett State of the City address from City of Everett Website

Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup.

Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce.