Renton Ready to Play Business Hub

The world's most recognized soccer tournament is coming to the Puget Sound region in summer 2026! Projections show the region will welcome nearly 750,000 visitors -- and this means there's a lot of opportunities for Renton businesses. Below are links to resources, guides and materials available from the City of Renton to help businesses prepare, including the Seattle match schedule, simple rules for signs and events, and guidance to keep customers safe and welcome.

If you have an idea and aren't sure where to start, contact the City's Small Business Liaison for one-on-one guidance. Our goal is to help you understand rules and guidelines, serve customers well, and make the most of this opportunity for your business and your neighborhood.

What is the FIFA World Cup 2026?

The FIFA World Cup is the world’s most watched international soccer tournament, held every four years. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 national teams playing 104 matches across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament window is June 11 to July 19, 2026.

The official draw will take place December 5, 2025, at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., beginning at 12 p.m. ET (5 p.m. GMT).It will determine the 12 groups of four for the expanded 48-team tournament and where each team will play. Renton is in the running to host a team.

Seattle match days

Seattle’s Lumen Field will host six matches. Plan your operations and promotions around these dates:

Monday, June 15, 2026 – Group stage
Friday, June 19, 2026 – Group stage featuring the United States
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 – Group stage
Friday, June 26, 2026 – Group stage
Wednesday, July 1, 2026 – Round of 32
Monday, July 6, 2026 – Round of 16

Tickets and hospitality

Register your interest for ticket phases at FIFA.com/tickets.
Explore hospitality packages at Hospitality.FIFA.com.

How is Renton preparing?

The city is coordinating with internal and regional partners to ensure visitors and residents have a smooth experience on match and non‑match days. Our focus areas include business readiness, visitor information, transportation coordination, safety, and neighborhood impacts.

Renton Business Information Sessions every 1st Thursdays of the month, February-June 2026

This is a monthly information session hosted by the City of Renton to update businesses on the FIFA World Cup 2026, Legacy Square, the Pavilion, and upcoming opportunities for local business participation. Sessions provide updates, key timelines, and an opportunity for businesses to ask questions and stay informed. They are held on the first Thursday of each month from February through June 2026, from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Renton Library, with in person and virtual options available.

Renton Business Information Sessions

Think Tank Series Thursdays, Oct. 16th through Nov. 6th 2025

The City of Renton and the Renton Chamber of Commerce are launching Game Ready Think Tanks; a series of neighborhood roundtables open to all Renton businesses. These sessions businesses a place to share how they want to be supported and activated before and during FIFA 2026. Each week we will focus on a different quadrant of the city. These meetings are open conversations where businesses can discuss the support they need, opportunities they see, and the challenges they anticipate.

Legacy Square

Legacy Square is a visionary project designed to create a dynamic and inclusive hub in downtown Renton. Launching in conjunction with the World Cup 2026 in Seattle the space will host watch parties, arts activities, play, events, and more. This initiative is committed to accessibility for all, regardless of financial means, demographics, or backgrounds. We also thank the RAVE Foundation for their partnership and contribution of the soccer mini-pitch. Follow the progress, share your ideas on the project webpage.

Learn about Legacy Square

Visit Renton

Visit Renton will launch a refreshed logo, community calendar, and a mobile app to highlight citywide activities and promotions. This includes a Summer 2026 campaign directing visitors to local businesses.

Explore Visit Renton

Permits and license

Before you promote an event, sign, pop-up, or patio expansion, review city requirements and timelines.

Special or temporary events

When you need it: Any gathering that uses public space, affects streets or sidewalks, or needs City services or safety planning.
Apply:

Temporary signs

When you need it: Short campaigns, grand openings, or event signs.
Apply:

Temporary uses and pop-ups

When you need it: Short-term retail booths, seasonal displays, or added structures on private property.
Apply:

Noise and amplified sound

When you need it: If your activity could exceed allowed sound levels.
Apply:

Business licenses and peddlers

When you need it: All businesses operating in Renton, and door-to-door sales.
Apply and manage:

Temporary food service for events

When you need it: Any temporary food service at an event.
Apply: Public Health – Seattle and King County, Food Business Permits.

Watch party licensing

Thinking about hosting a game viewing at your small business? Check out the Watch Party Playbook from the Seattle Sports Commission. It covers match dates, licensing requirements, and promotion guidelines—including marketing dos and don’ts for event names, emblems, and the Host City mark—plus helpful tips to make your watch party a success.

Marketing do's and don'ts

FIFA and its partners protect official names and logos. Visit FIFA brand protection overview for more information.

Grants and support

Businesses and nonprofits planning activities that draw visitors may qualify for funding or direct help from the city and partners.

Funding opportunities

Arts and culture grants

Support for public arts, cultural events, and creative placemaking.

Apply to arts and culture grants

City support to request

Small Business Liaison
Personalized help with permits, brand-safe promotions, events, and connections to city and partner services.

Connect with the Small Business Liaison

Permitting concierge
One-on-one help to scope permits, timelines, and common pitfalls.

Contact the permitting center

Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED)
Basic safety review with a short list of fixes. Information on any available funds will follow.

Learn about CPTED

Waste and cleanliness
Contacts and lead times for extra garbage and recycling service near activity clusters.

Waste and cleanliness coordination