The FIFA World Cup came to North America this year, with games hosted all over the continent. In the U.S., the MKA-designed Lumen Field and Levi’s Stadium (rebranded to “Seattle Stadium” and “San Francisco Bay Area Stadium” for the duration of the games) each held six matches. These stadiums weren’t the only structures affected by the massive crowds of soccer fans.
Here in Seattle, Pacific Place—a six-story retail, restaurant, and entertainment complex designed by MKA—boasted multiple floors packed with fans eager to watch the games on the giant ClearLED screen, reviewed by MKA with the World Cup in mind.
Pacific Place Soccer House with Multi-Story ClearLED Screen (Photos: Kirk Hostetter / Video: SeattleFWC26)
Just a few blocks away, Overlook Walk was so full of people watching the game from Pier 62 that the crowd spread onto the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion’s public rooftop garden, designed by MKA to integrate into Overlook Walk and maintain a continuous and accessible connection between the city and the waterfront. According to Seattle FIFA World Cup 26, over 500,000 people visited the park from June 11 through June 27.
Pier 62 Watch Party—Overflow Crowds Cheer on Team USA atop Overlook Walk and the Seattle Aquarium Ocean Pavilion! (Photos via Seattle Sounders)
No matter the size or use (like watching soccer instead of tropical fish), our designs are innovative, imaginative, and groundbreaking while being safe, reliable, and enduring. From cheering on Team USA at Levi’s Stadium to participating in the festivities at Overlook Walk, MKA is proud to create structures where people can gather, have fun, and build community—in Seattle and beyond.