December 2025 Topic of the Month: Preparing Seattle for FIFA 26 - Lighting the Way for Global Fans
The final draw is just three days away, and next summer, Seattle will welcome visitors from across the globe.
Upgrades in our city are underway, from transportation planning to refreshed public spaces. We are preparing to host and guide large crowds. This big event gives us a powerful opportunity to connect visitors with our local businesses and create experiences they’ll remember long after they leave. Clear, visually striking signage helps guests feel oriented, excited, and safe as they explore.
When you’re in an unfamiliar place that’s meant to feel like a temporary home away from home, every detail matters. With FIFA fans arriving from all over the world, Seattle is about to be bursting at the seams. Keeping our own piece of the puzzle in place, ready to connect with the ones around us, will ensure guests can focus on the games while also discovering our city’s vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods. Together, we can complete the picture of an unforgettable visit.
Few things are more comforting than realizing someone has thought of you. When potential customers can feel that care and attention, they’re not only more likely to be drawn to your business, they’ll also be more appreciative of the environment you have set up with them in mind.
Energy flows where energy goes. If we invest our time and thought into preparation, the results will reflect that effort. That’s why planning ahead matters. Waiting until the last minute, often leads to rushed actions, missed opportunities, and a domino effect of stress.
The questions we should ask ourselves to get planning are:
How can I help new visitors find me?
How do I fit into their FIFA experience?
What can I do to help them proudly remember and share a special memory they had with my brand for years to come?
A few ideas from us to keep the productive thoughts going:
Take inventory of your space. Is there anything that needs a deep clean, upgrade, replacement, or revamp? Start those projects now rather than later.
Get custom signage. Think banners, window graphics, sandwich boards, and new eye-catching visuals to greet and guide customers in multiple languages. Don’t forget practical signs for restrooms, multilingual menus, and other helpful details that make guests feel cared for.
Collaborate with your neighbors. Work with nearby businesses to design a cohesive feel and enhance cross-promotion. Consider a themed street guide that highlights special offers, dishes, or service packages connected to the FIFA spirit.
Design a photo opportunity. Set up a customized, shareable photo op for your business that fans will want to post on their stories.
All signage and small details we plan and put into place will be the first handshake our businesses extend to the crowds to come. Every clear direction, welcoming message, every artistic touchpoint tells visitors they’re in a city that thought of them.
Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With 40 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!