Bellingham offers grants for World Cup fan zones this summer

Faced with a tight budget and unable fund major projects next year, the city of Bellingham is scaling back its plans for the 2026 World Cup and instead offering $180,000 in financial aid for local businesses or organizations to host soccer-themed events.

Bellingham is one of nine Washington cities that are official World Cup “fan zones.” The city hoped to host events that would capitalize on the games, which are scheduled for June and July in 16 cities across North America, including Seattle and Vancouver, B.C. That changed, however, as Bellingham saw decreasing tax revenue and increasing costs that led to a $10 million deficit for next year, forcing layoffs and other austerity measures.

“Fan zone organizers were asked to consider hosting large community watch parties for each of the six soccer matches to be held in Seattle. Yet, after initial planning and feasibility analysis, the cost for large-scale events proved prohibitive in light of tightening budgets,” Bellingham spokeswoman Melissa Morin said Tuesday in a statement announcing the fan zone grants.

Tara Sundin, community development manager and a lead fan zone organizer, said the city had big dreams “that didn’t pencil out” to host large events for the 2026 World Cup.

“We knew we’d need to scale back if we wanted this to be an accessible, inclusive event that wasn’t cost-prohibitive for families, people on a budget and the city,” Sundin said in the city’s statement.

Tuesday’s announcement seeks proposals for “celebrations to enhance the Bellingham fan zone.” Proposals are being sought in four categories: community watch parties, designated fan zone venues, downtown business readiness, and family-friendly soccer-themed activities.

Funding for the fan zone program comes from a $50,000 Department of Commerce grant to the Downtown Bellingham Partnership, and lodging taxes collected on overnight stays at hotels and motels, Mayor Kim Lund said.

“We’re going to celebrate the summer of soccer Bellingham-style. Investing our resources to showcase the best of Bellingham and support the businesses, venues, community groups, and activities we love — that’s how we want to put Bellingham on the global stage,” Lund said.

Details about the program and applications are at the city’s website. Applications can be made through Dec. 10.

“These are the tough choices we have to make as we face a lean budget year. We had to make the responsible choice to right-size our approach. We knew something on a larger scale would require additional funds, and we don’t have the city resources to make more investments in 2026,” Lund said.

“This shift opens the door for us to support local businesses and organizations, putting the money into our community and creating meaningful celebrations,” she said.