PRESS RELEASE

A First-Ever Drone Scoreboard Debuts in Seattle for FIFA World Cup 26™

Visit Seattle creates a new fan experience with scoreboards in the sky for each of six hosted matches

SEATTLE – Visit Seattle, the official destination marketing organization for Seattle and King County, launched the world’s first drone scoreboard during the city’s six FIFA World Cup 26™ matches.

Developed to honor a once-in-a-generation sports moment, thousands of visiting fans and residents gathered to catch the futuristic scoreboard in the sky next to the iconic Space Needle. The nightly scoreboard, which broadcast each team’s final score along with their country’s flag, aimed to showcase the city’s culture of innovation and fandom to the world, driving visitation for years to come. All shows were free and open to the public.

Visuals here (credit listed in each file name)

The scoreboard paid homage to Seattle’s history of innovation, strong sports fandom, and iconic skyline. Scoreboards took place at the Space Needle in Seattle Center, the hub of Seattle’s Fan Celebration activities and a short distance from the downtown core. The scoreboard could also be viewed from several neighborhoods around the city.

“This idea embodies what makes Seattle special to visitors and residents alike. Within one of the world’s most beautiful destinations, you have a place where a passionate sports fandom and a deep spirit of innovation and technology thrive,” said Stephanie Byington, chief marketing officer for Visit Seattle. “In welcoming the world to FIFA World Cup 26™, we’re proud to extend that spirit through our celebration at Seattle Center and the Space Needle, a futuristic landmark born from the 1962 World’s Fair. The drone scoreboard is something we hope will leave a lasting impression on fans visiting our city, and those watching from afar.”

This was the first time a same-day score was implemented as part of a drone show. Shows were 12 minutes long and featured 400 drones. In addition to the scoreboard, the show displayed elements evoking Seattle, like the city skyline and the signature SeattleFWC26 “whale tail” inspired by Northwest artist Shogo Ota’s World Cup poster design.

The drone scoreboard coincided with Seattle’s six World Cup matches:

• June 15 Group G Match: Belgium vs Egypt (1-1)
• June 19 Group D Match: USA vs Australia (2-0)
• June 24 Group B Match: Bosnia-Herzegovina vs Qatar (3-1)
• June 26 Group G Match: Egypt vs. Iran (1-1)
• July 1 Round of 32 Match: Belgium vs Senegal (3-2)
• July 6 Round of 16 Match: Belgium vs USA (1-4)

The scoreboard delighted fans locally and watching from afar – receiving international media recognition over its duration.

More in Seattle during FIFA

The drone scoreboard was one of the Emerald City’s many differentiators as a World Cup host city. The city’s stadium was ranked number one by The New York Times’ The Athletic, in a comparison of the 16 2026 World Cup host cities. Seattle was also ranked the No. 1 U.S. host city for FIFA World Cup 2026™ fans by Action Network’s Fan Experience Index.

Seattle is among the most walkable of World Cup destinations, with the option to walk or roll between the Stadium and fan zones from downtown hotels. The city also offers unparalleled access to nature and is home to a strong soccer fandom (the region has among the highest rates of soccer participation in the United States).

Fans who came to Seattle for the matches could also check out Seattle Fan Celebrations, a collection of experiences, viewing parties and celebrations all along the Unity Loop, a physical and digital experience designed to connect residents and visitors with the best of Seattle through culture, food, art, parks, small businesses, and community spaces.

Other experiences:

• Fans can check out the first-ever “floating pitch” as the Seattle Sounders FC and Reign FC bring a floating soccer field to the waterfront during Seattle’s hosting. Pier 62, 1951 Alaskan Wy, Seattle, WA
• Located in the downtown core, Seattle Soccer House at Pacific Place features a four-level screen, transforming the retail center into an immersive soccer viewing experience. 600 Pine St., Seattle, WA
• Victory Hall in SODO hosts Seattle Match Day Live, where people can watch World Cup matches on a 23-foot screen while enjoying food and beverage for purchase. 1201 1st Avenue South, Seattle, WA

Learn More about the Drone Scoreboard

The drone scoreboard was produced by drone show provider Sky Elements, with support from Seattle Center, SeattleFWC26 (the local organizing committee for Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™), Seattle-based advertising agency Copacino Fujikado and Seattle-based PR agency C+C.

To learn more about the drone scoreboard and other exciting soccer happenings in Seattle, visit https://visitseattle.org/sea26/.

About Visit Seattle:

Visit Seattle has served as the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for Seattle and King County for more than 50 years. A 501(c)(6) organization, Visit Seattle enhances the economic prosperity of the region through global destination branding along with competitive programs and campaigns in leisure travel marketing, convention sales, and overseas tourism development. Visit visitseattle.org.

About Seattle FIFA World Cup 26™ Local Organizing Committee:

SeattleFWC26 is the local organizing committee for Seattle’s participation as one of the 16 Host Cities selected for the FIFA World Cup 26™. As a not-for-profit organization, SeattleFWC26’s vision is to foster a lasting legacy for our region, guided by the spirit of soccer, innovation, and inclusion. To keep up to date on the latest news and involvement opportunities with SeattleFWC26, please visit www.seattlefwc26.org.