• Seattle artist unveils 8-story mural celebrating city's global soccer role
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    Seattle artist unveils 8-story mural celebrating city’s global soccer role

    May 28, 2026 - By 

    Seattle artist Ernesto Ybarra unveiled “The Hostess,” a banner installation at the 9th & Thomas building, celebrating the city’s role in hosting the FIFA World Cup. SEATTLE — A new eight-story banner installation designed by Seattle artist Ernesto Ybarra now stretches across the east façade of the 9th & Thomas building in South Lake Union, bringing large-scale public art to the neighborhood ahead of a major summer of global soccer in the city. The installation, titled “The Hostess,” was commissioned by 9th & Thomas and unveiled at 234 Ninth Ave. N. The artwork spans 36 feet by 111 feet and…

  • FIFA’s payday, Seattle’s bill? The money behind the city’s World Cup preparations
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    FIFA’s payday, Seattle’s bill? The money behind the city’s World Cup preparations

    May 25, 2026 - By 

    Seattle is spending nearly $32 million to host six World Cup matches. Experts question how much money the city gets back. SEATTLE — The World Cup is weeks away from arriving in Seattle, and the city is already paying the price to host it. Seattle is spending nearly $32 million to prepare for six matches at Lumen Field this summer. The money covers public costs tied to security, transportation, cleanup, emergency planning and other city services needed to handle World Cup-sized crowds. This story continues below. The tournament is expected to bring global attention and visitors to…