Lumen Field Sustainability Programs Shine During FIFA Visit

Photo Courtesy: Corky Trewin

Seattle, WA. — A team of international and North America-based FIFA experts leading key operational areas toured Lumen Field Thursday. It was part of their operational tour across all 16 host cities in preparation for the biggest sporting event in history. FIFA World Cup 26™ will see 48 teams compete across three countries for the largest prize and honor in world football in the summer of 2026. 

All elements from transportation to stadium operations to hospitality and pitch management were discussed, but highlighting the tour was Lumen Field’s designation as an innovator and environmentally sustainable venue, including the forward-thinking efforts of bringing a Hydrogen Hub to Washington State.   

“What I love about our current programs at Lumen Field, is that most of them have been our always programs. We were an innovator from the start with Green Sports Alliance and that has really set the stage for what sustainability can be at a sports venue in the United States,” explained David Young, the Chief Operating Officer of the Seattle Seahawks, First & Goal and a SeattleFWC26 Board Member. 

Lumen Field strives to set the standard for entertainment venues. An average of 90 -95% of waste created at Lumen Field is diverted from the landfill through recycling, composting and donations categorizing Lumen Field by some definitions as a zero-waste facility. 

Photo Courtesy: Corky Trewin

“We were really pleased when we saw everything that FIFA does for the World Cup and what they require,” said Young. “We looked through their sustainability requirements and plans, and the great thing is that here in the Pacific Northwest we already do a lot of that work. So, we are going to be able to be a model for the other 15 stadiums across North America to show what is possible with FIFA and how you can accommodate all their requirements and do so in a way that really puts on a great match day.”  

Young credits the incredible staff at Lumen Field for the way they have bought into the sustainability programs from the beginning. Saying the stadium shows fans what is possible on a large scale but also reinforces these efforts can be made at home. 

“What I think is going to be really neat about the World Cup showcasing Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and our culture is that it will showcase who we are and specifically our desire to do the right thing in the world when it comes to sustainability. We will be able to demonstrate how this whole region is a leader through the focal point of soccer at Lumen Field.” 

The noteworthy FIFA operations tour included scheduled visits to all 16 host cities across Canada, Mexico and the United States.