1 00:00:12,278 --> 00:00:14,647 - Thank you everyone for getting ahead of winter, 2 00:00:14,647 --> 00:00:17,684 coming back and getting in here in time to not have to wear a jacket. 3 00:00:18,685 --> 00:00:19,953 My name is Art Thiel. 4 00:00:19,953 --> 00:00:20,687 I was a, 5 00:00:20,687 --> 00:00:23,990 sports columnist for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and later sports Press, 6 00:00:25,025 --> 00:00:26,359 northwest. 7 00:00:26,359 --> 00:00:29,629 And, as a part of my adventure, 8 00:00:29,629 --> 00:00:33,566 I was assigned to cover nine Olympics. 9 00:00:34,834 --> 00:00:36,469 This is my first World Cup. 10 00:00:36,469 --> 00:00:39,873 But I will mention to you, at the at the start, 11 00:00:40,340 --> 00:00:43,009 there's going to be, 12 00:00:43,009 --> 00:00:45,912 in the ether about the the World Cup. 13 00:00:45,912 --> 00:00:48,481 Lots of talk of politics. 14 00:00:48,481 --> 00:00:50,817 And I can guarantee you that that's what happens 15 00:00:50,817 --> 00:00:53,820 at every single Olympics. 16 00:00:53,820 --> 00:00:56,656 It happens at every single World Cup. 17 00:00:56,656 --> 00:00:59,692 And so do keep that in mind that, 18 00:01:00,360 --> 00:01:04,064 this is the first experience for Seattle in this particular event. 19 00:01:04,064 --> 00:01:07,867 But there's been a lot of stuff, not only in Seattle but everywhere else 20 00:01:07,867 --> 00:01:11,504 that has these major international global events. 21 00:01:12,005 --> 00:01:16,609 And so, it's it's okay to be a little concerned, 22 00:01:16,609 --> 00:01:20,146 but I don't think that there's anything unique or unusual going on. 23 00:01:20,146 --> 00:01:23,183 This is how it works in major global events like this. 24 00:01:23,583 --> 00:01:26,986 So I'm going to start with Beth Knox, Seattle Sports Commission. 25 00:01:27,720 --> 00:01:30,890 Because I think Beth has a great overview, 26 00:01:31,157 --> 00:01:34,160 because she's helped bring so many events to this town. 27 00:01:34,160 --> 00:01:38,531 And I just wanted to list a few that we've had in, in Seattle and, 28 00:01:38,598 --> 00:01:42,302 and talked a little bit about the history and what's next for, 29 00:01:43,536 --> 00:01:44,604 for the town. 30 00:01:44,604 --> 00:01:47,607 Seattle's hosted, 31 00:01:47,707 --> 00:01:50,877 the Alaska Yukon Pacific Exposition in 19. 32 00:01:50,877 --> 00:01:53,379 I was totally responsible. You were just a kid. 33 00:01:53,379 --> 00:01:56,382 You're a kid, right? 34 00:01:56,816 --> 00:01:58,318 And, I was a kid 35 00:01:58,318 --> 00:02:01,321 at the Seattle World's Fair in 1962. 36 00:02:01,354 --> 00:02:05,225 I was at the P-i with the Goodwill Games in 1990. 37 00:02:05,291 --> 00:02:08,261 And, I think maybe all of us were there 38 00:02:08,261 --> 00:02:12,165 for the World Trade Organization in 1999, 39 00:02:12,165 --> 00:02:16,069 which we're not going to cover tonight, but, feel free to cringe among yourselves. 40 00:02:17,036 --> 00:02:20,039 And then Beth had the Special Olympics in 2018. 41 00:02:20,039 --> 00:02:23,309 You, had a great command National game and well executed. 42 00:02:24,244 --> 00:02:27,147 So, and we've also had 43 00:02:27,147 --> 00:02:30,583 three final, men's basketball final four championships. 44 00:02:30,583 --> 00:02:32,385 We've had, 45 00:02:32,385 --> 00:02:35,088 three baseball All-Star games 46 00:02:35,088 --> 00:02:37,724 and several other NCAA championships. 47 00:02:37,724 --> 00:02:41,294 But there's been nothing quite like this event. 48 00:02:41,928 --> 00:02:43,696 We're not going to have an Olympics. 49 00:02:43,696 --> 00:02:45,532 And maybe we'll have a world Series. 50 00:02:45,532 --> 00:02:47,500 Wink wink, nudge nudge. 51 00:02:47,500 --> 00:02:51,070 And, Beth, I wanted you to just take an overview of 52 00:02:52,038 --> 00:02:54,073 how different this is and 53 00:02:54,073 --> 00:02:58,478 how large an impact you estimate this to be on Seattle. 54 00:02:59,445 --> 00:03:01,981 - Yeah. I mean, you've all heard it. 55 00:03:01,981 --> 00:03:05,418 The FIFA World Cup is the largest event on the planet. 56 00:03:05,785 --> 00:03:11,491 So, what is unique about, this particular one and 26 57 00:03:11,491 --> 00:03:16,262 is that it's not in a single location or a single, even country. 58 00:03:16,829 --> 00:03:20,567 So it'll be amongst the three countries, but nonetheless, 59 00:03:20,567 --> 00:03:23,570 the the impact is significant. 60 00:03:23,570 --> 00:03:27,073 And it will be the largest event that Seattle has ever hosted. 61 00:03:27,073 --> 00:03:28,608 Certainly. 62 00:03:28,608 --> 00:03:33,046 And I think what is most exciting to me about the place 63 00:03:33,046 --> 00:03:36,883 that we're in right now, in, hosting sporting events 64 00:03:37,350 --> 00:03:41,321 is that, you know, in 2023, we had the MLB All-Star game. 65 00:03:41,321 --> 00:03:44,324 That was really the first big one. 66 00:03:44,557 --> 00:03:47,560 Downtown Seattle that we'd had in 20 years. 67 00:03:48,428 --> 00:03:51,064 And, and then since then, we've hosted 68 00:03:51,064 --> 00:03:54,300 a number of events the NHL Winter classic, 69 00:03:55,702 --> 00:03:56,803 as I said, men's 70 00:03:56,803 --> 00:04:00,573 basketball, women's, the NCAA women's super regional, 71 00:04:01,374 --> 00:04:05,878 and and then there's that little parade that we just hosted, a few weeks ago. 72 00:04:06,179 --> 00:04:10,149 And that was actually a really cool, pivotal moment, 73 00:04:10,783 --> 00:04:14,287 because I was part of the team that planned that, 74 00:04:14,887 --> 00:04:19,525 along with, my colleagues at Seafair and of course, all the city agencies. 75 00:04:20,093 --> 00:04:22,895 And to watch that come together 76 00:04:22,895 --> 00:04:26,432 in such a short amount of time and then to host 77 00:04:27,634 --> 00:04:29,435 half 1 million to 1 million 78 00:04:29,435 --> 00:04:32,438 people downtown on one day, 79 00:04:33,106 --> 00:04:35,975 successfully, no incidences. 80 00:04:35,975 --> 00:04:37,844 I mean, it was really remarkable. 81 00:04:37,844 --> 00:04:41,514 And that just gave everyone a lot of relief 82 00:04:41,714 --> 00:04:45,818 because even with the World Cup, we won't have that many people 83 00:04:46,185 --> 00:04:51,124 in, and one day we'll have it spread out over, over a period of time and have more, 84 00:04:52,125 --> 00:04:52,492 but it 85 00:04:52,492 --> 00:04:55,995 just really gave us a lot of confidence in our hosting abilities. 86 00:04:56,329 --> 00:04:59,866 And it gives confidence to other conferences, leagues, 87 00:05:00,466 --> 00:05:02,869 governing bodies of these sporting events. 88 00:05:02,869 --> 00:05:05,872 And, when they are looking to select 89 00:05:05,938 --> 00:05:11,511 what city should be selected for, to host some of these future 90 00:05:11,511 --> 00:05:15,014 events, they look at that history and that reputation. 91 00:05:15,615 --> 00:05:20,019 Are they good at welcoming visitors and, and giving a great experience? 92 00:05:20,153 --> 00:05:25,224 Can they keep them safe and, and not have, crazy things happening? 93 00:05:25,425 --> 00:05:28,961 So we've already proven ourselves to that to that point. 94 00:05:30,263 --> 00:05:33,700 And, and we're going to I know that the, the team that you see up here 95 00:05:33,700 --> 00:05:38,037 and then so many more that will be executing on, hosting 96 00:05:38,237 --> 00:05:41,708 the World Cup, visitors in Seattle will do a remarkable job. 97 00:05:42,041 --> 00:05:47,013 But the, the impact as far as the numbers, and I think just the scope of it, 98 00:05:47,013 --> 00:05:50,016 I know some of you have heard these numbers before, 99 00:05:50,183 --> 00:05:53,186 but, and, Leo, you have to help me out. 100 00:05:53,386 --> 00:05:55,955 Super Bowl, how many viewers? 101 00:05:55,955 --> 00:05:58,124 125 million, I think is what it is. 102 00:05:58,124 --> 00:06:01,761 The most recent recently were 125 million people watched. 103 00:06:01,761 --> 00:06:05,998 And then the most watched Super Bowl ever international audience was 183 million. 104 00:06:06,432 --> 00:06:06,766 Right. 105 00:06:06,766 --> 00:06:12,305 So then World Cup just in Seattle, our television viewers, 106 00:06:13,005 --> 00:06:15,575 it will be 2 billion. 107 00:06:15,575 --> 00:06:18,044 So that's about 250 million, I think 108 00:06:18,044 --> 00:06:21,047 200 million per the group stage matches. 109 00:06:21,581 --> 00:06:25,585 And then, 400 million for the round of 30 or, 110 00:06:25,785 --> 00:06:29,655 yeah, 232 and then 600 million for the round of 16. 111 00:06:29,822 --> 00:06:33,059 So, I mean, it eclipses a 112 00:06:33,059 --> 00:06:37,463 I think it's like 16 Super Bowls, if I'm not mistaken, that that equates to. 113 00:06:37,764 --> 00:06:40,767 So just by scope, alone. 114 00:06:41,234 --> 00:06:43,870 This is, this is an enormous event that we're hosting. 115 00:06:45,004 --> 00:06:45,671 - And Erin 116 00:06:45,671 --> 00:06:49,575 Goodman, I wanted to find out from you about, SODO 117 00:06:49,575 --> 00:06:53,012 and the neighborhood most immediately impacted both from, 118 00:06:54,647 --> 00:06:56,549 volume and, 119 00:06:56,549 --> 00:06:59,552 and, and party central as it may be. 120 00:07:00,153 --> 00:07:05,124 - Well, SODO was very familiar with hosting sporting events. 121 00:07:05,925 --> 00:07:08,561 This is something we know how to do. 122 00:07:08,561 --> 00:07:12,098 But like that said, this is a different magnitude, 123 00:07:12,465 --> 00:07:17,670 and I want to say that the IOC has been very proactive. 124 00:07:17,670 --> 00:07:22,875 We met with members of the LOC a week after MLB All-Star. 125 00:07:23,176 --> 00:07:26,412 They wanted to know what worked, what didn't work. 126 00:07:26,679 --> 00:07:30,550 And we have been actively engaged with the LOC 127 00:07:30,550 --> 00:07:34,587 and with the two other directly adjacent neighborhoods, 128 00:07:34,587 --> 00:07:38,624 which is the CID in Pioneer Square from the very beginning. 129 00:07:38,858 --> 00:07:39,225 Bick. 130 00:07:39,225 --> 00:07:43,095 And but we're a little different, you know, Pioneer Square 131 00:07:43,095 --> 00:07:46,966 and the CID a lot of the conversation around MLB was 132 00:07:47,900 --> 00:07:49,235 we didn't get any benefit. 133 00:07:49,235 --> 00:07:50,703 They didn't come to our restaurants. 134 00:07:50,703 --> 00:07:52,605 They didn't come to our stores. 135 00:07:52,605 --> 00:07:56,175 In Soto, we have only a small percentage 136 00:07:56,542 --> 00:08:01,214 of businesses that are looking to capitalize on fans. 137 00:08:01,447 --> 00:08:05,518 A vast majority of our businesses are B TO B. 138 00:08:05,518 --> 00:08:10,189 They are the commercial bakeries that are serving the stadium. 139 00:08:10,389 --> 00:08:13,926 They are the food distributors that are making sure 140 00:08:13,926 --> 00:08:18,431 that all of the restaurants throughout Seattle have food in their restaurants. 141 00:08:18,431 --> 00:08:22,001 So in SODO, we look at this a little bit differently 142 00:08:22,001 --> 00:08:27,840 because our businesses are just trying to survive this. 143 00:08:28,074 --> 00:08:29,742 And they love sports. 144 00:08:29,742 --> 00:08:34,046 They know this process, but this one's going to be a little different. 145 00:08:34,347 --> 00:08:39,118 The containment zone and the streets that are closed is a little different. 146 00:08:39,385 --> 00:08:41,988 The amount of time is a little different. 147 00:08:41,988 --> 00:08:46,392 So our organization is working really closely with the LOC 148 00:08:46,659 --> 00:08:51,030 to make sure that the information is out as early as possible, 149 00:08:51,297 --> 00:08:54,767 because right now, the questions we're hearing is, how are my employees 150 00:08:54,767 --> 00:08:58,170 going to get to work and how are we going to function? 151 00:08:58,170 --> 00:09:01,173 How are we going to get trucks to the Pike Place Market? 152 00:09:01,173 --> 00:09:04,277 A lot of our businesses deliver there every day. 153 00:09:04,277 --> 00:09:06,979 And how is that all going to work? 154 00:09:06,979 --> 00:09:10,616 And and people are super excited. 155 00:09:10,616 --> 00:09:14,587 I mean, you know, SODO businesses love sports. 156 00:09:14,921 --> 00:09:18,357 And so we're sort of trying to navigate that 157 00:09:18,925 --> 00:09:24,363 middle ground of we're excited and we still want to operate. And, 158 00:09:25,665 --> 00:09:28,301 - Kylie, Gerry, Kylie, you the representative 159 00:09:28,301 --> 00:09:30,136 from the mayor's office on this. 160 00:09:30,136 --> 00:09:33,105 And so you've been involved in, 161 00:09:35,207 --> 00:09:36,742 trying to manage 162 00:09:36,742 --> 00:09:40,746 some of this enterprise because it is layered and complex with, 163 00:09:41,614 --> 00:09:45,585 with, security, hospitality, all the, issues, 164 00:09:45,585 --> 00:09:50,523 I'm sure that come across your desk and one of the, hiccups in this been 165 00:09:50,556 --> 00:09:54,293 has been just recently resolved, which was that there was, 166 00:09:55,528 --> 00:09:58,030 federal money supposed to be delivered 167 00:09:58,030 --> 00:10:01,033 to the 11 host cities in the U.S., 168 00:10:01,934 --> 00:10:04,937 ostensibly for security purposes, 169 00:10:05,438 --> 00:10:08,441 but it got hung up in the, partial, 170 00:10:10,276 --> 00:10:11,444 government shutdown. 171 00:10:11,444 --> 00:10:14,714 And, DHS just this week released that money. 172 00:10:15,081 --> 00:10:18,084 So I was I wanted to ask you about, 173 00:10:18,417 --> 00:10:20,052 did the delay have impact? 174 00:10:20,052 --> 00:10:22,888 And where is that money destined to go? 175 00:10:22,888 --> 00:10:24,323 And hopefully not. 176 00:10:24,323 --> 00:10:27,460 It's not too late to get everything where you need it to be. 177 00:10:28,094 --> 00:10:29,495 - Yeah. No, and you're right. 178 00:10:29,495 --> 00:10:32,498 I mean, it definitely is. Is not too late. 179 00:10:32,732 --> 00:10:37,470 And in terms of impact, I think, obviously any time you, 180 00:10:38,571 --> 00:10:39,305 introduce a 181 00:10:39,305 --> 00:10:43,309 level of uncertainty, into a planning process, 182 00:10:43,309 --> 00:10:46,312 particularly this late in the game, 183 00:10:46,679 --> 00:10:48,914 it's going to cause some anxiety. 184 00:10:48,914 --> 00:10:54,086 But the good news is that we have such dedicated 185 00:10:54,086 --> 00:10:57,590 public servants at the city of Seattle that have been thinking about this 186 00:10:57,590 --> 00:11:00,593 and planning this for years, long before 187 00:11:00,760 --> 00:11:03,696 I even came on the scene. 188 00:11:03,696 --> 00:11:07,967 And so, so no, it didn't affect it didn't slow down or affect 189 00:11:07,967 --> 00:11:11,570 any of our safety and security planning at all. 190 00:11:12,772 --> 00:11:15,574 I think now that we have more certainty 191 00:11:15,574 --> 00:11:19,545 that we that we will actually be able to fund, all of these plans, 192 00:11:19,545 --> 00:11:23,616 there is, a sense of relief, but but no, I think, 193 00:11:24,784 --> 00:11:27,486 it was just, 194 00:11:27,486 --> 00:11:30,423 you know, again, for all of our experts, they've been working on this for years. 195 00:11:30,423 --> 00:11:34,026 It was just stay laser focused on continuing 196 00:11:34,026 --> 00:11:37,430 to finalize, the, the the planning here. 197 00:11:37,430 --> 00:11:41,333 And, and I mean, I think, you know, honestly, the, the bigger 198 00:11:41,534 --> 00:11:45,104 kind of uncertainty around all of this is just as you 199 00:11:45,104 --> 00:11:47,006 both said, we've never done this before. 200 00:11:47,006 --> 00:11:49,508 Seattle knows how to put on events. 201 00:11:49,508 --> 00:11:52,044 We know how to put on major events and major sporting events, I think, 202 00:11:54,513 --> 00:11:55,815 but part of I think 203 00:11:55,815 --> 00:11:58,951 the challenge at the city and for city folks 204 00:11:58,951 --> 00:12:02,722 who have been working on this is, you know, to kind of not get 205 00:12:02,922 --> 00:12:06,525 so caught up in, oh my God, this is going to be the biggest thing ever. 206 00:12:06,525 --> 00:12:09,462 And like, stick to what we know how to do. 207 00:12:09,462 --> 00:12:11,197 Yes, it's going to be a different scope 208 00:12:11,197 --> 00:12:14,567 and a different scale and things are going to to, to change. 209 00:12:14,567 --> 00:12:16,602 But you know, we know how to do this. 210 00:12:16,602 --> 00:12:19,605 And I think for a lot of our city employees, we do feel 211 00:12:19,972 --> 00:12:21,741 an immense responsibility. 212 00:12:21,741 --> 00:12:25,511 As Beth spoke to you of, you know, this is us on the world stage 213 00:12:25,511 --> 00:12:28,514 and this is going to have consequences, 214 00:12:28,647 --> 00:12:32,151 for the for for the types of events that we're able to attract on the road. 215 00:12:32,151 --> 00:12:36,689 So, there is kind of an, an immense level of responsibility. 216 00:12:36,689 --> 00:12:38,958 I think that that folks, feel. 217 00:12:38,958 --> 00:12:41,460 But luckily we are all in this together. 218 00:12:41,460 --> 00:12:42,695 I mean, all of us up here 219 00:12:42,695 --> 00:12:45,765 and many more have been working together for years on this. 220 00:12:46,365 --> 00:12:51,137 We each, while we kind of own separate and distinct lanes, 221 00:12:51,437 --> 00:12:55,040 are all very intermixed and intertwined. 222 00:12:55,040 --> 00:12:57,009 And I think you'll, as you'll hear, 223 00:12:58,377 --> 00:13:00,045 as the conversation goes on, 224 00:13:00,045 --> 00:13:03,916 you know, one of the things from the city perspective that is, I think, unique 225 00:13:03,916 --> 00:13:07,219 from what Emilio and his team are thinking about is, 226 00:13:07,753 --> 00:13:10,756 you know, how are we fostering 227 00:13:11,023 --> 00:13:14,026 civic pride and celebration? 228 00:13:14,226 --> 00:13:18,964 Outside of the stadium areas or even the downtown core? 229 00:13:19,498 --> 00:13:22,501 So we put into place some pretty cool programs to, 230 00:13:22,968 --> 00:13:27,373 city sponsored programs to try to spread out, the, the celebrations 231 00:13:27,373 --> 00:13:30,442 out into the neighborhoods so that no matter where you are, 232 00:13:30,776 --> 00:13:33,979 you can feel like you are a part of, 233 00:13:34,547 --> 00:13:38,117 this, you know, immense event that we're hosting and can celebrate it 234 00:13:38,117 --> 00:13:41,987 within your neighborhood or within your own own culture. 235 00:13:41,987 --> 00:13:45,424 So that's kind of one of our the things we're we're real proud of. 236 00:13:45,925 --> 00:13:46,392 At the city, 237 00:13:48,360 --> 00:13:48,894 - Leo, you're the 238 00:13:48,894 --> 00:13:51,897 connection with the, sports world is the, 239 00:13:52,932 --> 00:13:56,869 chief legacy officer of the, Seattle Organizing Committee. 240 00:13:56,869 --> 00:14:01,307 And the Seattle organizing committee is the, central agency that, 241 00:14:02,775 --> 00:14:07,179 manages how this is going to work, at least from Seattle standpoint. 242 00:14:07,513 --> 00:14:10,282 And this is a very different, 243 00:14:10,282 --> 00:14:13,152 event from previous World Cups because the field 244 00:14:13,152 --> 00:14:16,455 has expanded from 32 at the last 1 to 48. 245 00:14:17,256 --> 00:14:19,959 And, there are going to be, 246 00:14:19,959 --> 00:14:22,895 104 matches in three countries. 247 00:14:22,895 --> 00:14:26,198 Mexico and Canada are also hosting games. 248 00:14:26,498 --> 00:14:29,969 And, Seattle has four group stage games 249 00:14:30,769 --> 00:14:33,439 and including, 250 00:14:33,439 --> 00:14:36,442 the USA versus Australia in 251 00:14:37,576 --> 00:14:39,078 on June 19th. 252 00:14:39,078 --> 00:14:43,082 And I would if you're looking at to go to an event or actually 253 00:14:43,082 --> 00:14:47,386 just stand in the street, I recommend this one highly because I covered the, 254 00:14:48,487 --> 00:14:50,756 Olympics in Sydney in 2000, 255 00:14:50,756 --> 00:14:53,759 and these people know how to show up and party. 256 00:14:54,460 --> 00:14:58,264 So, please bring your helmets and safety goggles 257 00:14:59,498 --> 00:15:01,967 and, so, 258 00:15:01,967 --> 00:15:05,237 we also have some drama in the field that is still unresolved. 259 00:15:05,237 --> 00:15:08,474 Some of you, I'm sure, have, heard about 260 00:15:09,141 --> 00:15:12,678 whether Iran is indeed going to participate, 261 00:15:12,678 --> 00:15:16,248 given the hostilities between the US and Iran. 262 00:15:16,949 --> 00:15:21,420 And, I brought everyone a copy of the story that we just broke 263 00:15:21,420 --> 00:15:25,624 today, which says Iran is negotiating to move the World Cup 264 00:15:25,791 --> 00:15:28,794 matches from the United States to Mexico. 265 00:15:29,395 --> 00:15:32,398 And FIFA says no plans to switch. 266 00:15:33,699 --> 00:15:35,768 But, you know, you're not ready to believe 267 00:15:35,768 --> 00:15:38,771 anything until, the thing happens. 268 00:15:38,771 --> 00:15:43,575 Talk a little bit about what's going on from the standpoint of the field and FIFA. 269 00:15:44,043 --> 00:15:44,743 - Yeah, absolutely. 270 00:15:44,743 --> 00:15:47,780 So, I think one thing and you've you touched on this art 271 00:15:47,780 --> 00:15:51,750 is that with an event that is as popular and paid attention 272 00:15:51,750 --> 00:15:53,686 to as what Beth described, 273 00:15:53,686 --> 00:15:58,223 there are a lot of people who are covering it because, folks want to know more, 274 00:15:58,390 --> 00:16:00,826 and there are a lot of people looking for all the different angles. 275 00:16:00,826 --> 00:16:04,596 I will say that, on this particular issue with Iran's participation, 276 00:16:04,596 --> 00:16:07,666 first and foremost, there are things more important 277 00:16:07,666 --> 00:16:10,636 than even the largest sporting event in the world. 278 00:16:10,769 --> 00:16:13,939 And so there is a war, that is happening. 279 00:16:14,173 --> 00:16:16,875 There are human lives, that are affected by that. 280 00:16:16,875 --> 00:16:19,979 And so, first and foremost, you know, we wish for peace. 281 00:16:19,979 --> 00:16:22,982 We wish for, people to be safe. 282 00:16:23,215 --> 00:16:24,783 And I think that's got to start, 283 00:16:24,783 --> 00:16:27,453 any conversation here once you get into the tournament, 284 00:16:27,453 --> 00:16:31,290 if you believed everything you would have read in sequence, 285 00:16:31,991 --> 00:16:35,728 you would have been right and then wrong and then right and then wrong. 286 00:16:35,728 --> 00:16:38,464 On whether or not Iran was going to play. 287 00:16:38,464 --> 00:16:42,301 And the answer that I can tell you is, is we don't know that yet. 288 00:16:42,968 --> 00:16:48,507 There are, conversations that will happen, between the Iranian federation and FIFA. 289 00:16:48,507 --> 00:16:51,510 They'll make a decision that makes sense for them. 290 00:16:51,643 --> 00:16:54,646 But from our perspective, one of the key, 291 00:16:55,214 --> 00:16:59,184 themes that really touches on something Kylee said is there's a ton of uncertainty 292 00:16:59,184 --> 00:17:01,253 when you have this many people coming together. 293 00:17:01,253 --> 00:17:06,291 Our job is to focus on what is most important to control what we can control. 294 00:17:06,592 --> 00:17:09,461 And what we can control is the fact that we are going to welcome 295 00:17:09,461 --> 00:17:12,464 anybody who comes to Seattle with open arms, 296 00:17:12,931 --> 00:17:15,534 they're going to find one of the most welcoming cities 297 00:17:15,534 --> 00:17:18,704 and communities, not just in the nation, but in the world. 298 00:17:18,704 --> 00:17:21,073 We take tremendous pride in that. 299 00:17:21,073 --> 00:17:24,076 And that's the message that we really want to get across. 300 00:17:24,410 --> 00:17:27,279 And, the other thing that I'll say is, 301 00:17:27,279 --> 00:17:29,982 we talk a lot about federal governments when we talk about 302 00:17:29,982 --> 00:17:32,985 the nations that play for the World Cup, because that's who qualifies. 303 00:17:32,985 --> 00:17:35,721 But I think, as many of us know, a nation 304 00:17:35,721 --> 00:17:39,058 is much more than, the position of its federal government. 305 00:17:39,058 --> 00:17:42,494 And so, you know, as we talk about nations 306 00:17:42,494 --> 00:17:47,699 like Iran or Qatar or Australia coming, we have to remember that there are massive 307 00:17:47,699 --> 00:17:51,570 multimillion person populations that live in those countries that have, 308 00:17:52,204 --> 00:17:54,006 descended from people who live in those countries. 309 00:17:54,006 --> 00:17:57,176 And there's tremendous variety in all of those populations. 310 00:17:57,176 --> 00:18:00,345 And I think it just reinforces the importance of, whoever you are, 311 00:18:00,879 --> 00:18:04,216 as long as you're come into, to have a good time and celebrate, 312 00:18:04,216 --> 00:18:05,617 we're going to welcome you with open arms. 313 00:18:05,617 --> 00:18:09,054 And we're really excited about what we can show you about our city and our state. 314 00:18:10,456 --> 00:18:13,459 - That brings up an intriguing, 315 00:18:13,892 --> 00:18:16,995 and kind of a difficult management problem. 316 00:18:16,995 --> 00:18:19,998 Is that is that, 317 00:18:20,365 --> 00:18:23,368 Seattle is known as, have one of the largest, 318 00:18:24,269 --> 00:18:27,272 numbers of, Iranians living here. 319 00:18:27,539 --> 00:18:30,676 And, the diaspora is significant, 320 00:18:32,077 --> 00:18:35,080 but the biggest city 321 00:18:35,747 --> 00:18:39,685 that's going to, host one of these games that has the largest, 322 00:18:40,652 --> 00:18:44,056 diaspora of Iranians is Los Angeles. 323 00:18:44,623 --> 00:18:47,626 And Iran is scheduled to play two games 324 00:18:48,093 --> 00:18:52,564 in LA before they play their third group game here in Seattle. 325 00:18:53,198 --> 00:18:55,667 So a lot of things are going to be settled 326 00:18:55,667 --> 00:18:59,771 well before that, but certainly by then it's going to be a big deal. 327 00:18:59,771 --> 00:19:02,808 And the one thing that it kind of gets overlooked is that, 328 00:19:04,176 --> 00:19:07,179 and you, we're, 329 00:19:09,248 --> 00:19:10,282 a military veteran 330 00:19:10,282 --> 00:19:14,086 who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and I wanted to, 331 00:19:15,521 --> 00:19:17,756 take advantage of your experience and not to 332 00:19:17,756 --> 00:19:21,126 you, are an expert in Iran or anything like that. 333 00:19:21,827 --> 00:19:26,832 But I wanted to see if you if that colors your appreciation 334 00:19:26,832 --> 00:19:29,902 for the deep passion that people have about 335 00:19:29,902 --> 00:19:32,905 their national soccer teams because, 336 00:19:33,739 --> 00:19:37,576 I think it's really unlike anything else in sports. 337 00:19:37,576 --> 00:19:42,147 I mean, we know about good fans here in Seattle, but there is something 338 00:19:42,648 --> 00:19:45,350 in the world about 339 00:19:45,350 --> 00:19:49,788 soccer and nationalism that is utterly unique to the World Cup. 340 00:19:49,788 --> 00:19:50,789 And we're going to see that. 341 00:19:50,789 --> 00:19:55,127 And I'm wondering if you can shed a little bit of light on that as far as, 342 00:19:56,628 --> 00:19:59,865 how to interpret the passion that we're going to see 343 00:20:00,465 --> 00:20:03,535 and probably even the dismay from the Iranians here 344 00:20:03,535 --> 00:20:06,738 who are going to be denied, a chance to see their national team. 345 00:20:07,105 --> 00:20:09,441 - Yeah. Be, like, really nervous at the set up for that question. 346 00:20:09,441 --> 00:20:11,710 Yeah. It's like, where is this going to go? 347 00:20:11,710 --> 00:20:13,779 So, I, you know, I think, 348 00:20:13,779 --> 00:20:16,682 what I really take from the question is, 349 00:20:16,682 --> 00:20:19,952 we talk a lot about the economic impact. 350 00:20:20,485 --> 00:20:23,488 We talk a lot about the traffic impact. 351 00:20:23,655 --> 00:20:26,858 But the thing that I've been most moved by, and it's actually not 352 00:20:26,858 --> 00:20:28,293 because of my military experience. 353 00:20:28,293 --> 00:20:31,296 It's actually a more recent professional experience. 354 00:20:31,396 --> 00:20:34,633 I used to be the guy who cited shelters and permanent supportive 355 00:20:34,633 --> 00:20:36,168 housing across King County, which is, like, 356 00:20:36,168 --> 00:20:39,471 not the most popular guy, in the room when you show up. 357 00:20:40,038 --> 00:20:43,308 But I gotta say, when you when I come into a room 358 00:20:43,308 --> 00:20:47,312 and talk about soccer and sport, the, 359 00:20:48,013 --> 00:20:53,252 the number of people who have some connection to the game 360 00:20:53,485 --> 00:20:57,422 just creates a completely different level of energy and environment. 361 00:20:58,624 --> 00:21:00,926 You will not find many people 362 00:21:00,926 --> 00:21:06,164 who can't find something positive to say about nations coming together 363 00:21:06,365 --> 00:21:10,535 through sport to to unify, even if just for a moment, 364 00:21:11,336 --> 00:21:13,238 and learn more about each other and compete. 365 00:21:13,238 --> 00:21:17,509 It's one of the sort of purest experiences that still exists in our society, 366 00:21:17,509 --> 00:21:18,210 I think. 367 00:21:18,210 --> 00:21:22,214 And the point there is that the level of social impact 368 00:21:22,614 --> 00:21:25,617 of bringing folks together, and I think for our city, 369 00:21:25,851 --> 00:21:28,754 the level of social benefit that is at 370 00:21:28,754 --> 00:21:31,823 stake is one of the most important parts here. 371 00:21:31,823 --> 00:21:34,793 So yes, people get super into their nations. 372 00:21:34,793 --> 00:21:37,663 I do think Seahawks culture sort of begins 373 00:21:37,663 --> 00:21:41,266 to approach that level of of common experience. 374 00:21:41,266 --> 00:21:45,570 But imagine that except with when it's not, it's not a city or a state. 375 00:21:45,837 --> 00:21:48,006 It's hundreds of millions of people. 376 00:21:48,974 --> 00:21:51,109 And it's not just something you do for half the year, 377 00:21:51,109 --> 00:21:54,112 but it's the only thing that you pay attention to. 378 00:21:54,379 --> 00:21:56,581 It's that level of intensity. 379 00:21:56,581 --> 00:21:58,283 And I think we have a real opportunity 380 00:21:58,283 --> 00:22:00,585 and responsibility not just to make sure that. 381 00:22:00,585 --> 00:22:03,722 And Kylee was talking about this, not just to make sure that the visitors 382 00:22:03,722 --> 00:22:04,656 have a good time. 383 00:22:04,656 --> 00:22:05,991 That's super important. 384 00:22:05,991 --> 00:22:08,226 But this is for us too. 385 00:22:08,226 --> 00:22:10,796 This is a chance for us to sort of 386 00:22:10,796 --> 00:22:15,767 relearn our city, us to, you know, give ourselves permission 387 00:22:15,967 --> 00:22:18,970 to do that thing that is so uncool in Seattle, 388 00:22:19,204 --> 00:22:22,207 which is to say, like, this is a pretty great place. 389 00:22:22,874 --> 00:22:27,779 It is the norm now to be so negative about, what's wrong with the city? 390 00:22:27,779 --> 00:22:33,352 And we need to have those conversations, but we live in one of the most beautiful, 391 00:22:33,618 --> 00:22:36,722 one of the most prosperous, one of the most 392 00:22:36,722 --> 00:22:39,758 welcoming spots on the entire earth. 393 00:22:40,058 --> 00:22:43,061 And it would be a huge mistake to not celebrate that, 394 00:22:43,562 --> 00:22:47,265 when all of these folks from all over the world are coming and paying attention, 395 00:22:47,632 --> 00:22:48,166 they said. 396 00:22:51,636 --> 00:22:53,372 - Kylie, I wanted to ask you a 397 00:22:53,372 --> 00:22:56,375 little bit about the city's preparation for this passion. 398 00:22:57,175 --> 00:22:59,344 And I know, I know, you're not going to be divulging 399 00:22:59,344 --> 00:23:03,315 a lot of the security issues, but one of the great places at, 400 00:23:04,416 --> 00:23:07,419 not only the World Cup, but at Olympics 401 00:23:07,886 --> 00:23:10,756 and, and often, major 402 00:23:10,756 --> 00:23:14,626 domestic sporting events is an operation called Fan Fest, 403 00:23:14,693 --> 00:23:17,696 which is where lots of people can gather, 404 00:23:19,331 --> 00:23:23,001 to, who aren't ticket buyers and can't 405 00:23:24,136 --> 00:23:26,405 possibly dream of getting inside the stadium 406 00:23:26,405 --> 00:23:29,408 but still want to be there for the party. 407 00:23:29,941 --> 00:23:32,878 And I want to relate one episode 408 00:23:32,878 --> 00:23:35,947 that I experienced that may resonate with, 409 00:23:36,648 --> 00:23:39,651 why this party is such a big deal. 410 00:23:40,085 --> 00:23:43,088 I had an opportunity in Athens to cover, 411 00:23:43,722 --> 00:23:46,725 an event that was on the original grounds 412 00:23:47,659 --> 00:23:50,095 of the original Olympics 3000 years earlier. 413 00:23:50,095 --> 00:23:54,666 And a part of that stadium is still there from 3000 years ago. 414 00:23:54,666 --> 00:23:57,235 And it's obviously in Olympia, Greece. 415 00:23:57,235 --> 00:24:00,806 Believe it or not, the Olympics were not invented in South Puget Sound. In 416 00:24:01,940 --> 00:24:07,679 the as I was walking into this all it was was a field green field 417 00:24:07,679 --> 00:24:12,451 surrounded by eucalyptus trees, bleacher, aluminum bleachers for about 1200. 418 00:24:13,285 --> 00:24:16,321 And as I walked into this dirt 419 00:24:16,321 --> 00:24:20,892 road, a woman next to me saw my credential and said, oh, you're from Seattle? 420 00:24:20,926 --> 00:24:21,660 And I said, yeah. 421 00:24:21,660 --> 00:24:24,763 And she says, oh, so am I, really? 422 00:24:25,063 --> 00:24:25,897 And we started to talk. 423 00:24:25,897 --> 00:24:29,534 She lived in West Seattle and we talked Seattle, things in common. 424 00:24:30,035 --> 00:24:32,504 I said, so is this your first event? 425 00:24:32,504 --> 00:24:34,005 She's, first Olympics. 426 00:24:34,005 --> 00:24:36,808 And she said, no, I've been to five. Really? 427 00:24:36,808 --> 00:24:39,611 So is this the event they were having was the Shotput? 428 00:24:39,611 --> 00:24:42,247 I said, do you really like the Shotput? And she said, 429 00:24:43,515 --> 00:24:46,485 oh no, this is my first event I've ever been to an Olympics 430 00:24:46,785 --> 00:24:48,720 because it was free. 431 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:51,723 I said, what do you why do you come here? 432 00:24:52,457 --> 00:24:55,227 And she said, it's the party. 433 00:24:55,227 --> 00:24:58,296 She said, everybody here 434 00:24:59,531 --> 00:25:02,067 is smiling. 435 00:25:02,067 --> 00:25:03,902 I've never forgotten, man. 436 00:25:03,902 --> 00:25:07,472 That's something to keep in mind as we consider all of this, is that 437 00:25:07,639 --> 00:25:11,076 this is a great party and most people are here. 438 00:25:11,076 --> 00:25:14,946 I mean, I'm talking 99% to have a great time, 439 00:25:15,313 --> 00:25:17,983 celebrate their team, celebrate the sport. 440 00:25:17,983 --> 00:25:20,585 So the Fan Fest in Seattle 441 00:25:20,585 --> 00:25:23,855 was going to be originally around Seattle Center, 442 00:25:25,457 --> 00:25:26,992 in Seattle Center. 443 00:25:26,992 --> 00:25:29,895 But it was decided that breaking that up 444 00:25:29,895 --> 00:25:33,365 into four different spots would be better. 445 00:25:33,465 --> 00:25:36,735 And I wanted Kylie to address, how that decision 446 00:25:36,735 --> 00:25:39,738 to came to be made and where those spots are. 447 00:25:40,038 --> 00:25:43,041 - Yeah, well, I mean, the good news is, you know, as you refer to it 448 00:25:43,074 --> 00:25:46,811 as the party, we can now say parties because we are 449 00:25:47,012 --> 00:25:50,682 we are, expanding it and taking it, even bigger. 450 00:25:51,416 --> 00:25:55,720 And so, I mean, the decision was really a, a joint decision between the city 451 00:25:55,720 --> 00:25:59,157 and the local organizing committee, and it was borne, you know, honestly, 452 00:25:59,157 --> 00:26:02,594 out of conversations and outreach across the city. 453 00:26:03,395 --> 00:26:07,065 And Seattle Center obviously was a natural. 454 00:26:07,065 --> 00:26:10,068 It always has been a natural gathering place, 455 00:26:10,302 --> 00:26:14,339 for people to, to go and be together and celebrate, all sorts of things. 456 00:26:14,606 --> 00:26:20,145 And they are still a major anchor point of, of one of these, as you said, for, 457 00:26:21,112 --> 00:26:23,415 kind of primary, 458 00:26:23,415 --> 00:26:26,051 viewing sites and celebration sites. 459 00:26:26,051 --> 00:26:30,121 But I think, you know, one of the things that makes Seattle 460 00:26:30,121 --> 00:26:34,025 so unique is you've heard from everybody up here is just our 461 00:26:34,259 --> 00:26:37,996 we are really a city of individual cultures and neighborhoods. 462 00:26:38,863 --> 00:26:42,534 And so what we heard, as you know, we were talking to folks 463 00:26:42,534 --> 00:26:46,204 about fan celebrations, leading up 464 00:26:46,972 --> 00:26:49,541 to, to finalizing plans. 465 00:26:49,541 --> 00:26:55,547 We really did hear that more opportunities were going to be better for folks, 466 00:26:55,547 --> 00:27:01,086 and it really allows it also allows for much more flexibility, 467 00:27:01,686 --> 00:27:06,124 within each of these venues to do cool different stuff. 468 00:27:06,891 --> 00:27:11,129 And so I think if, if, if what is best is if, 469 00:27:11,296 --> 00:27:15,467 you know, that gets more people involved and more people to be able to come to, 470 00:27:16,034 --> 00:27:18,903 a free, fun, exciting party 471 00:27:18,903 --> 00:27:22,474 and they can watch matches and be together, that's that's that's great. 472 00:27:23,608 --> 00:27:26,645 - Could you explain a little bit about what's in a fan fest? 473 00:27:26,645 --> 00:27:30,048 I mean, it's important to realize that big screen TVs 474 00:27:30,048 --> 00:27:33,051 are the central focus so that people who are not, 475 00:27:33,685 --> 00:27:38,590 inside the stadium can see each, each match. 476 00:27:39,357 --> 00:27:44,062 And I was wondering if you could say what else is typically 477 00:27:44,295 --> 00:27:47,265 in all of these spots and which and identify each one. 478 00:27:47,265 --> 00:27:50,368 There's one down by Pioneer Square and, 479 00:27:51,603 --> 00:27:52,070 go ahead. 480 00:27:52,070 --> 00:27:52,704 - Yeah for sure. 481 00:27:52,704 --> 00:27:54,406 And Leo chime in here too. 482 00:27:54,406 --> 00:27:56,541 I mean, I think, 483 00:27:56,541 --> 00:27:58,176 you know, yes, 484 00:27:58,176 --> 00:28:01,646 the the main component of it is watching a match. 485 00:28:02,247 --> 00:28:05,717 So I know that at Seattle Center and at Victory 486 00:28:05,717 --> 00:28:07,485 Hall, I believe, which is with a second. 487 00:28:07,485 --> 00:28:11,256 So it's Victory Hall down, by 488 00:28:11,322 --> 00:28:15,060 and then SODO, Seattle Center, 489 00:28:15,960 --> 00:28:20,765 the waterfront is going to host, big free watch parties 490 00:28:21,032 --> 00:28:24,669 and then actually an indoor, opportunity at Pacific Place. 491 00:28:24,669 --> 00:28:25,804 They have I don't know if anybody's 492 00:28:25,804 --> 00:28:31,342 been in there recently, but they have erected a giant screen thing, 493 00:28:32,143 --> 00:28:35,213 which is really cool, but that will be an opportunity 494 00:28:35,213 --> 00:28:38,883 for folks to, to also watch matches, and, and be inside. 495 00:28:40,285 --> 00:28:41,453 So but 496 00:28:41,453 --> 00:28:44,456 as I was speaking to earlier about the, 497 00:28:44,522 --> 00:28:48,693 the flexibility that this new expanded model allows for, 498 00:28:49,094 --> 00:28:50,095 you know, what you're going to see, 499 00:28:50,095 --> 00:28:53,865 at least on Seattle Center, maybe you can speak to some of the other, venues. 500 00:28:53,865 --> 00:28:59,671 But at Seattle Center, you're going to see a real focus on cultural diversity. 501 00:28:59,871 --> 00:29:03,441 So we know this is happening right in the middle 502 00:29:03,441 --> 00:29:07,378 of some of our major festival, celebrations on campus. 503 00:29:07,579 --> 00:29:10,148 They're going to lean into that programing. 504 00:29:10,148 --> 00:29:12,550 They are, you know, kicking around ideas. 505 00:29:12,550 --> 00:29:15,920 Plans haven't been all finalized yet, but kicking around ideas for 506 00:29:15,920 --> 00:29:17,355 how do we create, 507 00:29:17,355 --> 00:29:20,458 you know, the potential for like a global marketplace 508 00:29:20,458 --> 00:29:23,461 type situation where we are celebrating, you know, 509 00:29:23,728 --> 00:29:27,398 not just the cultures of the the teams in the countries that are playing. 510 00:29:28,066 --> 00:29:31,436 But but ones that are, that are here and 511 00:29:32,537 --> 00:29:33,738 and celebrate that. 512 00:29:33,738 --> 00:29:37,175 So that bit of food trucks, music 513 00:29:37,509 --> 00:29:40,512 stuff to buy, stuff to look at, 514 00:29:40,845 --> 00:29:43,515 but I don't know if you have any more details on some of the other. 515 00:29:43,515 --> 00:29:46,017 I can speak a little bit to victory. Victory. 516 00:29:46,017 --> 00:29:49,420 - So Victory Hall be one of the locations that has alcohol, 517 00:29:49,988 --> 00:29:54,926 and they are working to do one of our games will have Belgium 518 00:29:54,926 --> 00:30:00,231 and they're working to have Belgian beers and opportunities, 519 00:30:00,532 --> 00:30:03,735 and they're working directly with different, 520 00:30:04,269 --> 00:30:09,808 members of the national groups to have experiences so that when then 521 00:30:09,808 --> 00:30:14,746 they will be showing all of the games, not just the games that are here. 522 00:30:15,113 --> 00:30:18,349 And so they're looking to create experiences 523 00:30:18,349 --> 00:30:23,054 so that fans that want to come and see can drink beers 524 00:30:23,054 --> 00:30:27,425 from the countries that they're watching, that it can be more of a feeling 525 00:30:27,425 --> 00:30:33,398 if you are Australian and you are here, you can go there and it's going to be 526 00:30:33,431 --> 00:30:38,002 drinking a beer that you're familiar with, and they've got a lot of experience. 527 00:30:38,002 --> 00:30:40,338 And so that's one of the only ones. 528 00:30:40,338 --> 00:30:42,607 And that's one of the things that splitting it up 529 00:30:42,607 --> 00:30:45,610 allows is to have a location 530 00:30:45,610 --> 00:30:50,315 that already has an alcohol permit that can create more of a beer 531 00:30:50,348 --> 00:30:53,852 garden experience, that can show all of the games. 532 00:30:54,219 --> 00:30:55,687 - Yeah, I think this is key. 533 00:30:55,687 --> 00:31:00,191 So like one of the inside soccer things that you learn arrive at least learned 534 00:31:00,458 --> 00:31:03,161 as we get into planning this event is there's this real tension 535 00:31:03,161 --> 00:31:05,730 between international events and local community. 536 00:31:05,730 --> 00:31:09,434 How do you make sure that the the big event doesn't come to town 537 00:31:09,434 --> 00:31:14,005 and insulate itself so that the benefit, is sort of kept within, 538 00:31:14,672 --> 00:31:15,440 a certain perimeter? 539 00:31:16,975 --> 00:31:20,178 What we at the local organizing committee really began to hear. 540 00:31:20,178 --> 00:31:23,248 And I think the perfect symbol of this is actually Leslie Gallimore. 541 00:31:23,248 --> 00:31:26,050 She's the general manager for, Seattle Arena. 542 00:31:26,050 --> 00:31:28,820 She FC, she's one of the smartest people I've met. 543 00:31:28,820 --> 00:31:31,589 She's like, I have been to almost every World 544 00:31:31,589 --> 00:31:34,592 Cup and the best fan fest. 545 00:31:34,626 --> 00:31:38,830 Our families on picnic blankets, watching a big screen, sharing food. 546 00:31:39,931 --> 00:31:42,867 Her advice was, we don't need a lot of the other stuff. 547 00:31:42,867 --> 00:31:45,870 It's about quality time and it's about accessibility. 548 00:31:46,371 --> 00:31:47,805 And that's sort of stuck with us. 549 00:31:47,805 --> 00:31:49,707 We heard from more and more communities 550 00:31:49,707 --> 00:31:53,411 that if we were to hold a big, centralized, closed off event in a way 551 00:31:53,411 --> 00:31:55,980 that actually kept the benefit from accruing 552 00:31:55,980 --> 00:31:59,350 to local businesses in Pioneer Square, in SODO, in the Chinatown 553 00:31:59,350 --> 00:32:02,353 International District, in the Central District, that that would be a missed. 554 00:32:02,353 --> 00:32:05,423 And so, in many ways, the state of the art of hosting a big event like this 555 00:32:05,723 --> 00:32:09,827 has to do with taking the attention that comes from the big event 556 00:32:10,094 --> 00:32:13,298 and then connecting it more directly to the neighborhoods 557 00:32:13,298 --> 00:32:16,234 that are here all the time, the music venues that are here 558 00:32:16,234 --> 00:32:20,204 all the time, the bars, the restaurants, how do we help them benefit. 559 00:32:20,204 --> 00:32:22,140 And that's what this model really gets at. 560 00:32:22,140 --> 00:32:24,075 And then the other thing that's, folks have said, 561 00:32:24,075 --> 00:32:27,345 but just to reinforce it is you kind of get experiences for everybody here. 562 00:32:28,046 --> 00:32:31,783 So there will be some folks who really are into the near stadium party scene. 563 00:32:31,783 --> 00:32:35,153 Some folks are going to be on the waterfront and and look for seals. 564 00:32:35,153 --> 00:32:37,989 Some folks are going to want to go to Pacific Place. 565 00:32:37,989 --> 00:32:40,091 We're going to host the Seattle soccer house there. 566 00:32:40,091 --> 00:32:43,394 That'll be the one of the watch parties or the Seattle fan 567 00:32:43,394 --> 00:32:46,531 celebrations that the local organizing committee itself is going to be hosting. 568 00:32:47,165 --> 00:32:50,635 A massive screen there, a lot of, local businesses. 569 00:32:50,635 --> 00:32:51,703 There'll be a store there, too. 570 00:32:51,703 --> 00:32:53,972 I think a lot of people will want to go to that. 571 00:32:53,972 --> 00:32:56,975 We'll share that information, here shortly when we can. 572 00:32:57,075 --> 00:33:00,078 And we're also in conversations with a couple of other neighborhoods for more. 573 00:33:00,745 --> 00:33:04,449 So, we're in some conversations with the Chinatown International District. 574 00:33:04,449 --> 00:33:06,517 What does it look like to support watch parties there? 575 00:33:06,517 --> 00:33:08,319 What does it look like to support, 576 00:33:08,319 --> 00:33:11,889 celebrations on Juneteenth in the Central District? 577 00:33:12,724 --> 00:33:16,027 When, this is one of the things that gives me goosebumps, though. 578 00:33:16,194 --> 00:33:19,931 We are hosting the United States national soccer team 579 00:33:20,264 --> 00:33:23,234 with hundreds of millions of people across the world 580 00:33:23,534 --> 00:33:29,173 watching this city on Juneteenth, and the responsibility 581 00:33:29,173 --> 00:33:32,844 and the magnitude of educating people who don't know about it. 582 00:33:32,844 --> 00:33:35,847 You know, think about being on the African continent 583 00:33:35,947 --> 00:33:40,018 and learning why the United States has to have a holiday called Juneteenth. 584 00:33:40,618 --> 00:33:42,487 There's a huge responsibility there. 585 00:33:42,487 --> 00:33:44,355 This is goes far beyond sport. 586 00:33:44,355 --> 00:33:46,391 And it's not just about what happens on broadcast. 587 00:33:46,391 --> 00:33:47,825 It's about how do we get visitors 588 00:33:47,825 --> 00:33:51,829 coming to town that day from Australia to go up into the Central district 589 00:33:52,063 --> 00:33:55,233 and see what's going on at 23rd and uni and see what's going on at Jimi 590 00:33:55,266 --> 00:33:58,770 Hendrix Park, and benefit those communities as well. 591 00:33:58,770 --> 00:34:01,472 So that's really what's at stake with this distributed model 592 00:34:01,472 --> 00:34:02,940 and why we're really excited about it. 593 00:34:04,042 --> 00:34:06,244 - To that end, is there 594 00:34:06,244 --> 00:34:09,847 Erin, is there are there, dedicated places 595 00:34:09,847 --> 00:34:13,651 where nationality can gather? 596 00:34:13,651 --> 00:34:16,654 I mean, you mentioned like, you know, the village and the beer house. 597 00:34:16,954 --> 00:34:19,390 - So those conversations are happening. 598 00:34:19,390 --> 00:34:23,194 We've been, you know, receiving, communication 599 00:34:23,194 --> 00:34:26,564 from the Australians about parking for tour busses. 600 00:34:26,764 --> 00:34:30,668 I think that's going to get more clear over the next month or so. 601 00:34:30,968 --> 00:34:33,971 But I think Leo really sums it up very well. 602 00:34:34,205 --> 00:34:37,942 We need to move people out into the neighborhoods 603 00:34:37,942 --> 00:34:41,112 because everyone can't be in Pioneer Square. 604 00:34:41,312 --> 00:34:45,049 Everyone can't go up the Space Needle at the same time. 605 00:34:45,316 --> 00:34:49,387 Like we don't have enough bathrooms or restaurants in one neighborhood. 606 00:34:49,687 --> 00:34:52,490 And so it's an opportunity to see Seattle. 607 00:34:52,490 --> 00:34:55,059 And we also need them to go. 608 00:34:55,059 --> 00:34:58,229 We, you know, we talked about the parade. 609 00:34:58,229 --> 00:35:00,431 The parade was amazing. 610 00:35:00,431 --> 00:35:03,334 But everybody that came from the parade, 611 00:35:03,334 --> 00:35:07,138 one knew where they were going and they all went home. 612 00:35:07,138 --> 00:35:11,476 At the end of the day, these people are staying 613 00:35:11,509 --> 00:35:15,980 and we need to have places for them to go and experience and eat. 614 00:35:16,314 --> 00:35:20,184 And that's where these other fan fest and these other neighborhoods 615 00:35:20,184 --> 00:35:23,187 and these other experiences are so important. 616 00:35:23,488 --> 00:35:28,459 If everybody stays in SODO, Pioneer Square, it's it. 617 00:35:28,493 --> 00:35:29,327 It won't work. 618 00:35:29,327 --> 00:35:32,296 We need to get them to Ballard and West Seattle 619 00:35:32,430 --> 00:35:35,900 and down to Burien and to other neighborhoods, 620 00:35:36,200 --> 00:35:41,572 because there's going to be so many people that we need that balance. 621 00:35:41,572 --> 00:35:43,274 We don't have enough bathrooms. 622 00:35:43,274 --> 00:35:45,943 I mean, we just need that experience. 623 00:35:45,943 --> 00:35:50,348 And it's really an opportunity to show what is so amazing about the 624 00:35:50,381 --> 00:35:52,550 greater Seattle area. 625 00:35:54,585 --> 00:35:55,586 - Beth, 626 00:35:55,586 --> 00:35:59,524 you've been, well experienced in attracting events to, 627 00:36:00,191 --> 00:36:02,627 Seattle, and it's been a, a 628 00:36:02,627 --> 00:36:05,596 remarkable thing that the Seattle Sports Commission has done. 629 00:36:06,097 --> 00:36:09,100 What kind of impact were successful World Cup 630 00:36:09,467 --> 00:36:11,869 have on the future of attracting 631 00:36:11,869 --> 00:36:14,872 other big events? 632 00:36:15,006 --> 00:36:15,239 - Yeah. 633 00:36:15,239 --> 00:36:18,242 And as I as I said earlier, it 634 00:36:18,342 --> 00:36:21,679 there's a level of, confidence 635 00:36:21,679 --> 00:36:26,284 and an established reputation that hosting a World Cup provides. 636 00:36:27,685 --> 00:36:29,654 But it really opens the door 637 00:36:29,654 --> 00:36:32,890 for the, the next big event. 638 00:36:33,057 --> 00:36:36,827 And in the end, the next, you know, Mayor Harrell used to say that, 639 00:36:37,862 --> 00:36:40,164 we can't have all the, the homeruns. 640 00:36:40,164 --> 00:36:43,334 We need the singles and doubles as well. 641 00:36:43,634 --> 00:36:49,674 And, so that gives us the opportunity to certainly look for the, 642 00:36:49,707 --> 00:36:52,710 you know, the 2031 Women's World Cup. 643 00:36:53,678 --> 00:36:55,413 And that's the FIFA Women's World Cup. 644 00:36:55,413 --> 00:36:59,884 And then there's the 2031 Men's Rugby World Cup. 645 00:37:00,885 --> 00:37:01,719 Those are the big 646 00:37:01,719 --> 00:37:04,722 events that are on the horizon that we're looking at. 647 00:37:04,922 --> 00:37:08,125 But, there's also opportunities to bring, 648 00:37:08,626 --> 00:37:11,929 new teams here and not I'm not even talking the Sonics 649 00:37:11,929 --> 00:37:15,900 because of course, that is, of interest to us all, but, the, 650 00:37:16,000 --> 00:37:20,805 the Premier Lacrosse League is looking to to have a team in Seattle, 651 00:37:21,639 --> 00:37:24,175 the USL, softball, 652 00:37:24,175 --> 00:37:27,345 professional women's softball would like to have a team here. 653 00:37:27,979 --> 00:37:32,750 So creating this environment in this reputation in Seattle 654 00:37:32,984 --> 00:37:37,655 that, reinforces that message that Leo talked about of 655 00:37:37,655 --> 00:37:43,594 of being welcoming and inclusive, that matters to the teams, for sure. 656 00:37:43,594 --> 00:37:47,365 That's why we got the Seattle Torrent in here, is they knew that 657 00:37:47,365 --> 00:37:50,368 their players would be welcomed in Seattle. 658 00:37:50,801 --> 00:37:53,604 So hosting a a World Cup 659 00:37:53,604 --> 00:37:59,277 really starts to open doors and sends a very strong message about who we are, 660 00:37:59,443 --> 00:38:02,446 what we're capable of, what our priorities are. 661 00:38:03,147 --> 00:38:06,751 And it it makes us very attractive for other events. 662 00:38:07,485 --> 00:38:10,655 So we are, part of the job of the Sports 663 00:38:10,655 --> 00:38:14,392 Commission is also to look at the cadence of events. 664 00:38:14,792 --> 00:38:18,562 And what size events do we want to host over the years? 665 00:38:18,863 --> 00:38:23,301 You don't want to do World Cups back to back to back, even if we could, 666 00:38:23,901 --> 00:38:27,938 I mean, that would just be a huge burden on city services and, 667 00:38:28,205 --> 00:38:30,141 and just our, our community. 668 00:38:30,141 --> 00:38:34,178 But to have, a, an NHL All-Star game, 669 00:38:34,545 --> 00:38:38,716 and then an NFL draft a couple of years after that, and then a Women's World Cup, 670 00:38:39,483 --> 00:38:43,020 and then smaller things that happen in between NCAA events. 671 00:38:43,354 --> 00:38:46,357 That's the kind of cadence that makes sense for our city. 672 00:38:46,957 --> 00:38:52,029 And, it keeps a nice, rhythm for us. But, 673 00:38:53,097 --> 00:38:53,664 World Cup 674 00:38:53,664 --> 00:38:57,435 is, is the, you know, it's the Grand Poohbah of all events. 675 00:38:57,435 --> 00:39:00,905 So, it really just sends a message 676 00:39:00,905 --> 00:39:04,742 of what we're capable of and, and what our interest is. 677 00:39:04,742 --> 00:39:08,879 And, you know, I've seen, articles of other cities 678 00:39:09,146 --> 00:39:12,750 where that the general sentiment is, you know. 679 00:39:12,750 --> 00:39:15,353 Oh, she's another event. 680 00:39:15,353 --> 00:39:18,956 And and there's this, this attitude of it's a burden. 681 00:39:18,956 --> 00:39:21,959 It's a real burden to, to host these events. 682 00:39:22,226 --> 00:39:24,829 And that's my goal, is that Seattle 683 00:39:24,829 --> 00:39:28,466 never takes on that type of, mentality. 684 00:39:29,266 --> 00:39:31,502 And I think that you can that can happen 685 00:39:31,502 --> 00:39:34,505 if you do and schedule too many events. 686 00:39:34,672 --> 00:39:37,808 You know, LA is very, very good at hosting events. 687 00:39:38,175 --> 00:39:42,346 But when we went there for the MLB All-Star game in 2022, 688 00:39:42,346 --> 00:39:46,317 as it, a site visit before hosting in 23, 689 00:39:47,418 --> 00:39:49,420 there was a cavalier attitude, 690 00:39:49,420 --> 00:39:52,423 by a lot of the the folks in LA like, you know. 691 00:39:52,890 --> 00:39:57,228 Yeah, whatever MLB All-Star, we've got Olympics, we've got a Super Bowl. 692 00:39:57,228 --> 00:40:00,564 I mean, it just felt like no big deal to them, but not in a good way. 693 00:40:00,765 --> 00:40:03,734 So I don't want that to ever be Seattle. 694 00:40:03,734 --> 00:40:07,304 I want us to always feel excited about welcoming new visitors. 695 00:40:07,905 --> 00:40:10,708 And and, Leo, you said it so perfectly. 696 00:40:10,708 --> 00:40:13,577 I am really passionate about making sure 697 00:40:13,577 --> 00:40:16,814 that our locals are enjoying this World Cup. 698 00:40:17,515 --> 00:40:18,315 It is. 699 00:40:18,315 --> 00:40:21,318 This is a generational event, and we will never 700 00:40:21,318 --> 00:40:25,689 none of us will ever see that in Seattle in our lifetime again. 701 00:40:25,689 --> 00:40:29,026 So, being able to come down and see it, 702 00:40:29,326 --> 00:40:34,031 firsthand and be part of the, the party or sitting on a blanket 703 00:40:34,031 --> 00:40:37,034 with your family at Seattle Center, wherever you are. 704 00:40:37,368 --> 00:40:39,503 That is just something you don't want to miss. 705 00:40:39,503 --> 00:40:44,508 And I would encourage you to tell your friends and family, the same thing. 706 00:40:44,775 --> 00:40:46,544 You know, occasionally I'll hear the, 707 00:40:46,544 --> 00:40:49,547 I'm just going to read my house out for Airbnb. 708 00:40:49,780 --> 00:40:51,782 That's fine, but don't leave. 709 00:40:51,782 --> 00:40:54,585 Go sit on your houseboat or whatever you need to do. 710 00:40:54,585 --> 00:40:58,789 And, make sure that you still come to the World Cup and experience it with. 711 00:40:58,789 --> 00:41:01,659 - How crucial was the completion of the waterfront 712 00:41:01,659 --> 00:41:04,662 to this presentation of Seattle? 713 00:41:04,695 --> 00:41:06,831 - It was significant. There's no question. 714 00:41:07,798 --> 00:41:10,267 You know, it it makes us 715 00:41:10,267 --> 00:41:13,971 that world class city that that we know we are, 716 00:41:14,872 --> 00:41:18,209 because we were unfinished before then, and and now, 717 00:41:18,876 --> 00:41:23,180 it not only feels complete, but it is truly that, 718 00:41:23,848 --> 00:41:28,586 that corridor that gets people through through the downtown area. 719 00:41:28,919 --> 00:41:31,722 It gets them from the hotels down to the waterfront 720 00:41:31,722 --> 00:41:34,725 and encourages them to come to the Stadium district. 721 00:41:35,159 --> 00:41:36,660 And it moves people around. 722 00:41:36,660 --> 00:41:43,567 And so, it was a really significant moment to not only for pedestrian flow, 723 00:41:43,734 --> 00:41:48,372 but also on how people think of Seattle once they're here. 724 00:41:48,372 --> 00:41:51,375 It just it completes the picture. But, 725 00:41:52,476 --> 00:41:57,147 - Kyle, what is the major tasks from the standpoint of the 726 00:41:57,214 --> 00:42:01,952 the operation of the city in terms of executing all the things? 727 00:42:02,353 --> 00:42:05,789 The two big issues, I think are security and transportation. 728 00:42:06,357 --> 00:42:10,027 Huge issues, especially in such a compact downtown. 729 00:42:10,427 --> 00:42:14,098 What what are the stress points and what have you solved, if any? 730 00:42:15,900 --> 00:42:16,734 - Well, I mean, the thing 731 00:42:16,734 --> 00:42:20,638 that I think is it makes us so unique, 732 00:42:20,638 --> 00:42:24,408 but also makes hosting events like this 733 00:42:24,675 --> 00:42:27,678 uniquely challenging for Seattle is that, 734 00:42:28,212 --> 00:42:31,215 you know, we are maybe one of the only or the only. 735 00:42:31,215 --> 00:42:34,218 If not, it's not the only one of the very few, 736 00:42:35,085 --> 00:42:39,757 cities whose stadiums or two major stadiums 737 00:42:39,757 --> 00:42:41,692 are right in the middle of downtown. 738 00:42:41,692 --> 00:42:43,694 So that's great. 739 00:42:43,694 --> 00:42:45,396 I mean, fun, exciting, vibrant. 740 00:42:45,396 --> 00:42:50,501 I love that it also presents very complex challenges. 741 00:42:51,235 --> 00:42:55,873 In terms of safety and security, transportation, mobility. 742 00:42:55,873 --> 00:43:03,013 You have people living right there within the secure security perimeter. 743 00:43:04,415 --> 00:43:07,418 So I would, I mean, it is 744 00:43:08,419 --> 00:43:10,220 there are going to be impacts, 745 00:43:10,220 --> 00:43:14,325 to, to particularly in kind of the 746 00:43:14,425 --> 00:43:17,761 the hot zone there of Pioneer Square SODO CID 747 00:43:18,729 --> 00:43:22,132 When I came on board, as you spoke to a little bit, 748 00:43:22,132 --> 00:43:25,135 there was a big sentiment of, 749 00:43:25,169 --> 00:43:28,372 let's learn from what we have, 750 00:43:29,173 --> 00:43:32,743 done in the past, particularly the All-Star weekend that you referenced. 751 00:43:33,477 --> 00:43:36,847 So I think we have, along with, you know, our partners 752 00:43:36,914 --> 00:43:39,917 LOC, taking a really intentional, 753 00:43:39,984 --> 00:43:44,188 view of how are we being and how are we being thoughtful 754 00:43:44,188 --> 00:43:49,960 about the impacts to small businesses and helping ensure that they are able 755 00:43:49,960 --> 00:43:54,465 to continue to do business and hopefully thrive, on these match days? 756 00:43:55,532 --> 00:43:58,302 But it's, you know, I think 757 00:43:58,302 --> 00:44:01,305 if we're not, we're going to have to not sugarcoat, 758 00:44:01,505 --> 00:44:04,241 some of the impacts that that folks are going to feel there, 759 00:44:04,241 --> 00:44:09,046 particularly people that are, you know, working there and, and living there. 760 00:44:10,814 --> 00:44:14,318 But as we continue to remind ourselves, 761 00:44:14,318 --> 00:44:17,755 and this is not to negate any of these impacts, but it is six days. 762 00:44:18,555 --> 00:44:21,992 And so sometimes we get ourselves wrapped around the axle. 763 00:44:21,992 --> 00:44:26,096 Oh my gosh, it's months and months and and yeah, there will be outsized 764 00:44:26,096 --> 00:44:29,133 impacts just from the sheer amount of people that are here. 765 00:44:29,299 --> 00:44:33,404 But we have big tourist seasons every year, big cruise seasons. 766 00:44:34,872 --> 00:44:37,708 So yeah, I'm not sure that we've solved for it, but we are. 767 00:44:37,708 --> 00:44:39,677 We are prepared. 768 00:44:39,677 --> 00:44:42,146 - Well, just please tell me that there's not going to be three 769 00:44:42,146 --> 00:44:45,716 cruise ships at the same time that they kick off one of the games. 770 00:44:45,716 --> 00:44:47,851 Can you can you tell me that one? 771 00:44:47,851 --> 00:44:50,421 - No, I don't know. Leo What do you think? 772 00:44:50,421 --> 00:44:54,958 - What I can say, we, you should know that we, map all that out so, 773 00:44:56,727 --> 00:44:57,895 just to build on what kind of thing? 774 00:44:57,895 --> 00:45:01,331 We are one of only two stadiums of the 16 where the stadiums are really. 775 00:45:01,331 --> 00:45:05,436 The stadia are really integrated into the core of the downtown. 776 00:45:05,769 --> 00:45:07,237 And that does pose challenges. 777 00:45:07,237 --> 00:45:09,707 I think it's super important to be candid about, 778 00:45:09,707 --> 00:45:12,743 the impacts, but it's also a tremendous opportunity, 779 00:45:12,976 --> 00:45:15,312 the level of excitement of coming to a city 780 00:45:15,312 --> 00:45:18,515 and not having to get on a bus and ride for 45 hours through the suburb 781 00:45:18,515 --> 00:45:22,619 to get to a giant asphalt parking lot that surrounds an entire stadium. 782 00:45:22,786 --> 00:45:25,789 The experience is just very different, and what we hear particularly 783 00:45:25,789 --> 00:45:28,425 from a lot of the European fans who are looking to come, 784 00:45:28,425 --> 00:45:29,660 is that they're much more used 785 00:45:29,660 --> 00:45:33,997 to that sort of urban integrated stadium experience in their downtown. 786 00:45:34,231 --> 00:45:36,734 And so that's something that will be familiar. 787 00:45:36,734 --> 00:45:41,505 But the fact that you're going to be able to, start your morning at the stadium, 788 00:45:41,505 --> 00:45:45,175 be out on the waterfront, ten minutes later, 789 00:45:45,676 --> 00:45:49,179 take a 20 minute walk and be in the middle of our Chinatown International district, 790 00:45:49,179 --> 00:45:51,782 take another 20 minute walk or get on the light rail, 791 00:45:51,782 --> 00:45:54,418 or get on the streetcar, or get on the shuttle that will be there. 792 00:45:54,418 --> 00:45:56,620 Or get on a metro bus. 793 00:45:56,620 --> 00:45:58,922 And that you can then, you know, go to the Seattle Art Museum, 794 00:45:58,922 --> 00:45:59,990 you can get up to the Seattle Center. 795 00:45:59,990 --> 00:46:01,091 And oh, by the way, 796 00:46:01,091 --> 00:46:04,661 they can be able to get on light rail in the Chinatown International District. 797 00:46:04,995 --> 00:46:09,433 And coast along the first, floating bridge, laid light rail 798 00:46:09,433 --> 00:46:13,937 track in the world, and be in Bellevue and Redmond in less than an hour. 799 00:46:14,138 --> 00:46:16,540 That's an extraordinary urban experience. 800 00:46:16,540 --> 00:46:18,809 And so, I really like the way that Beth said it. 801 00:46:18,809 --> 00:46:21,812 You know, the waterfront finished in many ways, the city 802 00:46:21,945 --> 00:46:25,282 and maybe like some further finishing here is we are stitching together 803 00:46:25,282 --> 00:46:28,652 a world class network of ways to get in. 804 00:46:28,652 --> 00:46:32,222 And there are impacts to that, that go beyond the fan experience. 805 00:46:32,389 --> 00:46:36,660 There will be zero single occupancy vehicle parking anywhere at the stadium 806 00:46:36,894 --> 00:46:38,328 that has tremendous, 807 00:46:39,329 --> 00:46:41,331 environmental or sustainability benefits. 808 00:46:41,331 --> 00:46:43,467 When you think about how many fewer people, 809 00:46:43,467 --> 00:46:46,937 the transportation people call it mode shift, but are going to be taking cars. 810 00:46:46,937 --> 00:46:48,539 Now, part of that is practical 811 00:46:48,539 --> 00:46:51,175 because if you're trying to drive your car, it's going to be harder 812 00:46:51,175 --> 00:46:52,910 to get near the stadium. 813 00:46:52,910 --> 00:46:54,144 But part of that is a luxury. 814 00:46:54,144 --> 00:46:57,080 You're going to be able to get on an increased frequency 815 00:46:57,080 --> 00:47:00,284 of sound or trains of light rail trains of metro busses 816 00:47:00,284 --> 00:47:03,287 that will be stacking the way they do outside of Husky games at, 817 00:47:03,420 --> 00:47:07,524 the stadium, so that they can, depart and arrive as soon as they get filled up. 818 00:47:07,825 --> 00:47:10,961 There's been a tremendous amount of transportation planning and security 819 00:47:10,961 --> 00:47:15,566 planning that has gone into taking, this particularly urban situation. 820 00:47:16,166 --> 00:47:19,169 And we are, I think, as Kylie said, we're ready. 821 00:47:19,536 --> 00:47:22,306 And we're really excited to show off, you know what? 822 00:47:22,306 --> 00:47:25,342 It's going to be like to go to a match in the middle of the summer in Seattle. 823 00:47:25,976 --> 00:47:29,146 - That brings up a, point about planning in 824 00:47:30,214 --> 00:47:32,649 the space we've got here 825 00:47:32,649 --> 00:47:34,985 next to the 509 freeway 826 00:47:34,985 --> 00:47:37,988 heading south and west of the stadium's 827 00:47:38,589 --> 00:47:41,592 is several acres of vacant land. 828 00:47:43,594 --> 00:47:45,095 What the hell is going on there? 829 00:47:45,095 --> 00:47:48,565 And what couldn't happen related to the World Cup here? 830 00:47:49,233 --> 00:47:52,736 - I know that those conversations, that land is not paved, 831 00:47:53,704 --> 00:47:57,975 right, which causes challenges for parking for environmental reasons. 832 00:47:57,975 --> 00:48:01,445 So I know that those conversations a lot of people have looked 833 00:48:01,445 --> 00:48:05,549 at the property for potential, and it's still ongoing 834 00:48:05,549 --> 00:48:10,287 because you can't park on it when it's unpaid for oil reasons. 835 00:48:10,487 --> 00:48:13,590 I don't know that there is actually a plan for right now, is there? 836 00:48:13,891 --> 00:48:16,894 - I thought for sure there would be pop up tents or something. 837 00:48:17,327 --> 00:48:20,397 - The property is going to actually be used for transportation planning, 838 00:48:20,397 --> 00:48:24,201 and so there will be, busses and vehicles staging on and off 839 00:48:24,234 --> 00:48:27,905 that property, to help people move in and out and help cargo move in and out. 840 00:48:28,939 --> 00:48:30,173 - One of the other, 841 00:48:30,173 --> 00:48:32,943 great mysteries of major sports 842 00:48:32,943 --> 00:48:35,946 events in Seattle is, 843 00:48:36,446 --> 00:48:39,316 the issue of, 844 00:48:39,316 --> 00:48:40,284 artificial turf. 845 00:48:40,284 --> 00:48:44,221 We've always had artificial turf, obviously not for the baseball team, 846 00:48:44,221 --> 00:48:46,089 but certainly that's been the case 847 00:48:46,089 --> 00:48:49,426 for football for all the obvious weather related reasons. 848 00:48:49,893 --> 00:48:51,461 But that's not happening. 849 00:48:51,461 --> 00:48:53,463 There is going to be real grass. 850 00:48:53,463 --> 00:48:57,734 Can any of you speak directly to how that magic is working? 851 00:48:58,635 --> 00:48:59,703 - I can speak a little bit about it. 852 00:48:59,703 --> 00:49:00,938 And then there might be others, but I think 853 00:49:00,938 --> 00:49:04,441 this is actually one of the cool again, inside soccer stories of the World Cup 854 00:49:04,775 --> 00:49:10,113 is when a statewide vote had to happen to make Lumen Field possible. 855 00:49:11,048 --> 00:49:14,851 And that legislation is a requirement that the stadium must be able 856 00:49:14,851 --> 00:49:18,755 to accommodate a grass playing surface for a World Cup. 857 00:49:19,189 --> 00:49:22,192 So all the way back, when that vote was happening, 858 00:49:22,659 --> 00:49:24,361 the seeds of this plan were in there. 859 00:49:24,361 --> 00:49:27,364 And, the way I at least hear the story, I can't say I was there, 860 00:49:27,931 --> 00:49:30,300 really remarkable person named Fred Mendoza. 861 00:49:30,300 --> 00:49:34,905 Really sort of drove forward that particular aspect of the legislation. 862 00:49:35,105 --> 00:49:38,108 Now, fast forward to 2026. 863 00:49:38,141 --> 00:49:41,144 There is 14in of substrate, 864 00:49:41,378 --> 00:49:44,414 going down on top of that, turf surface right now. 865 00:49:44,548 --> 00:49:48,185 There will be a world class stitched grass playing 866 00:49:48,185 --> 00:49:51,188 pitch, as we call it, in soccer, in place. 867 00:49:51,421 --> 00:49:53,490 It's not just going to be for the World Cup. 868 00:49:53,490 --> 00:49:55,759 So we have the privilege of having the U.S. 869 00:49:55,759 --> 00:49:57,661 women's national team come into town. 870 00:49:57,661 --> 00:50:01,331 They're going to be playing, an exciting match against Japan on in April. 871 00:50:01,565 --> 00:50:04,334 On that surface, we have both the rain and the Sounders. 872 00:50:04,334 --> 00:50:07,004 They'll get a chance to play on grass in their home stadium as well. 873 00:50:07,004 --> 00:50:10,040 So, it is a requirement that there be a grass playing 874 00:50:10,040 --> 00:50:13,043 surface for any FIFA World Cup. 875 00:50:13,577 --> 00:50:16,913 We're really excited about, what's taking shape there. 876 00:50:17,447 --> 00:50:20,851 And if you ever get a chance just to watch how the fantastic crew 877 00:50:20,851 --> 00:50:24,121 at Lumen Field, both the Public Stadium Authority and First and Goal Incorporated, 878 00:50:24,354 --> 00:50:27,457 they'll turn it into motorcross, and they'll bring in, like, tons of dirt. 879 00:50:27,457 --> 00:50:29,359 And then the next weekend, it'll be soccer. 880 00:50:29,359 --> 00:50:31,094 And then the next day it'll be football. 881 00:50:31,094 --> 00:50:35,265 And that's people out at like, midnight changing lines, putting down new lines, 882 00:50:35,565 --> 00:50:36,099 pulling up 883 00:50:36,099 --> 00:50:39,636 turf, putting down concert surfaces, bringing in dirt, bringing out dirt. 884 00:50:40,137 --> 00:50:42,973 That's a really well-used and run facility. 885 00:50:42,973 --> 00:50:44,875 And it's really amazing to watch. 886 00:50:44,875 --> 00:50:48,779 - And I thought I would just add another interesting aspect of, 887 00:50:49,212 --> 00:50:52,082 the grass field is a grass pitch. 888 00:50:52,082 --> 00:50:55,352 Is that the the level of detail 889 00:50:55,352 --> 00:50:58,388 that goes into growing it, stitching it together. 890 00:50:58,622 --> 00:51:03,660 And when you think about you've got these 16 different stadiums 891 00:51:04,227 --> 00:51:08,999 in different cities, different climates, and yet we, you know, we are, 892 00:51:09,299 --> 00:51:14,838 mandated to have equal playing fields, literally for all of the teams. 893 00:51:14,838 --> 00:51:19,810 And so there is so much science that goes into growing that grass, 894 00:51:21,044 --> 00:51:23,146 and have it be as, 895 00:51:23,146 --> 00:51:28,351 equitable as possible across every single stadium so that, it doesn't 896 00:51:28,351 --> 00:51:31,455 matter what city you're in, you're going to have a comparable experience. 897 00:51:31,455 --> 00:51:32,289 It's a farce. 898 00:51:32,289 --> 00:51:37,494 And I couldn't begin to to detail out what it all is entailed. 899 00:51:37,494 --> 00:51:39,963 But it is very, 900 00:51:39,963 --> 00:51:42,966 very scientific and very specific. 901 00:51:43,066 --> 00:51:45,735 - Well, I think, we are 902 00:51:45,735 --> 00:51:49,973 into it, for about an hour, and I'd be very eager to entertain questions 903 00:51:49,973 --> 00:51:53,610 from the audience about, things you've heard or things you haven't heard. 904 00:51:53,777 --> 00:51:59,483 And, I think this group is, done very well in explaining a very, 905 00:51:59,916 --> 00:52:02,919 complicated endeavor with, 906 00:52:03,253 --> 00:52:05,755 especially, you know, the 907 00:52:05,755 --> 00:52:08,458 you just can't know 908 00:52:08,458 --> 00:52:11,161 what you don't know, and some of these things. 909 00:52:11,161 --> 00:52:14,164 And, I feel a lot better after hearing. 910 00:52:14,598 --> 00:52:16,099 Everyone speak up here. 911 00:52:20,437 --> 00:52:21,404 Back here. 912 00:52:21,404 --> 00:52:22,906 Yes. Jim. 913 00:52:22,906 --> 00:52:25,575 - Yeah. I'm wondering. 914 00:52:25,575 --> 00:52:26,776 I didn't know I had the math would 915 00:52:26,776 --> 00:52:27,511 work out 916 00:52:27,511 --> 00:52:31,047 Was it considered to have a, Fare 917 00:52:31,047 --> 00:52:34,050 holiday on public transportation 918 00:52:34,284 --> 00:52:37,354 during Sunday's, games 919 00:52:37,954 --> 00:52:41,324 as a way to accommodate all these people? 920 00:52:41,324 --> 00:52:44,227 And I love how you have attached that. 921 00:52:44,227 --> 00:52:45,695 You have to your face. 922 00:52:45,695 --> 00:52:48,798 You have to use transit, but it just seems like 923 00:52:48,798 --> 00:52:52,269 that's one of the obstacles to getting people transit 924 00:52:52,402 --> 00:52:54,638 You know? 925 00:52:54,638 --> 00:52:56,039 So what happens? 926 00:53:01,545 --> 00:53:04,548 just like fare holidays on games 927 00:53:04,848 --> 00:53:07,851 Everybody has. 928 00:53:08,485 --> 00:53:09,152 Yeah, I can 929 00:53:09,152 --> 00:53:12,989 - I mean, I can speak, so I think, that option in many more, 930 00:53:13,390 --> 00:53:17,994 came across, ultimately, I think one of the cool opportunities 931 00:53:17,994 --> 00:53:21,064 and big events like this is actually how do you use them, 932 00:53:21,698 --> 00:53:26,269 to change and modify for better the way we interact with our city. 933 00:53:26,603 --> 00:53:30,273 And so, and the other thing is that, we want to be able to prove 934 00:53:30,273 --> 00:53:34,411 that we can host events as we are, as opposed to sort of 935 00:53:34,411 --> 00:53:35,912 twisting ourselves into, 936 00:53:35,912 --> 00:53:39,049 a weird, fare pretzel in order to like, you know, attract the next event. 937 00:53:39,049 --> 00:53:42,419 And so, for the long term viability of our transportation system, 938 00:53:42,419 --> 00:53:43,620 we think it's actually really important 939 00:53:43,620 --> 00:53:46,623 that people use these new innovations like, the, 940 00:53:46,656 --> 00:53:50,026 numerous ways that there are reduced fares for any number of, 941 00:53:50,460 --> 00:53:53,830 folks to really increased access, use, ride for free every day 942 00:53:53,830 --> 00:53:57,968 right now, you do have the ability to tap, to pay. 943 00:53:57,968 --> 00:54:01,871 And so, because one of our long term goals is to support the adoption 944 00:54:01,871 --> 00:54:04,874 of the type of public transit system that really allows our city 945 00:54:04,874 --> 00:54:06,476 to continue growing. 946 00:54:06,476 --> 00:54:09,613 We actually really saw this as an opportunity to show off 947 00:54:10,080 --> 00:54:13,350 just how easy it is, to to get on a bus, 948 00:54:13,350 --> 00:54:16,786 get on the streetcar, transfer to the ferry, transfer from the ferry. 949 00:54:17,354 --> 00:54:18,822 So I know that they considered it. 950 00:54:18,822 --> 00:54:23,493 Ultimately, we landed, with what I think is a much more sustainable approach, 951 00:54:23,893 --> 00:54:28,131 and it's one that also has, you know, our local agencies being able 952 00:54:28,131 --> 00:54:31,268 to get the resources from operation that they need to keep going. 953 00:54:31,268 --> 00:54:32,769 And so I think they struck a good balance. 954 00:54:35,171 --> 00:54:36,706 - I wanted to at home right here. 955 00:54:36,706 --> 00:54:37,907 Go ahead. 956 00:54:37,907 --> 00:54:40,910 You can go first and not so much. 957 00:54:41,311 --> 00:54:44,714 - So I'm wondering about this considered 958 00:54:45,015 --> 00:54:48,418 kind of a transportation related question, but, 959 00:54:49,619 --> 00:54:51,588 is there going to be tailgating 960 00:54:51,588 --> 00:54:54,591 kinds of events around the stadium 961 00:54:55,625 --> 00:54:57,794 that can be permitted 962 00:54:57,794 --> 00:55:00,964 - To the north and the stadium to the north of the stadiums? 963 00:55:00,964 --> 00:55:07,370 We have had outreach from some of the national groups for locations to rent. 964 00:55:07,370 --> 00:55:10,373 So like they're looking for venues, 965 00:55:10,473 --> 00:55:14,577 but traditional tailgating like we see for the Seahawks 966 00:55:14,878 --> 00:55:18,481 out of a vehicle, we don't anticipate that. 967 00:55:18,481 --> 00:55:20,517 That's not a tradition. 968 00:55:20,517 --> 00:55:23,253 We don't see that with Sounders games. 969 00:55:23,253 --> 00:55:24,387 So we're not anticipate. 970 00:55:24,387 --> 00:55:29,259 We do expect there to be, in addition to what's happening at Victory Hall 971 00:55:29,459 --> 00:55:35,098 for there to be, you know, specific bars or restaurants 972 00:55:35,098 --> 00:55:40,770 that will be a central hub for all of the Belgian fans or this. 973 00:55:40,770 --> 00:55:46,776 But I don't expect to see tailgating as we would see it for a Seahawks game. 974 00:55:46,910 --> 00:55:52,682 So it's not really part of the tradition around, soccer or football. 975 00:55:52,882 --> 00:55:55,685 - Okay, so this so that's that's part one of the question. 976 00:55:55,685 --> 00:56:00,990 So the so we're trying to get at this for those of us who are businesses and live 977 00:56:01,424 --> 00:56:04,427 north of the area that's been impacted, 978 00:56:04,994 --> 00:56:08,064 who will experience transportation 979 00:56:09,099 --> 00:56:12,035 opportunities challenges on days like this. 980 00:56:12,035 --> 00:56:14,504 The Seahawks created 981 00:56:14,504 --> 00:56:16,306 baseball used to create gridlock. 982 00:56:16,306 --> 00:56:18,608 And thank you again. 983 00:56:18,608 --> 00:56:21,511 So we have all of those problems getting in and out and actually 984 00:56:21,511 --> 00:56:24,714 going on the and lines, and that's fine. 985 00:56:24,714 --> 00:56:26,082 I know that's going to happen. 986 00:56:26,082 --> 00:56:30,820 But what I, what I'm asking is when we know enough to know 987 00:56:31,254 --> 00:56:35,425 you stuff, you need to plan around with some business. 988 00:56:35,825 --> 00:56:38,194 - I know that the Alliance for Pioneer Square, 989 00:56:38,194 --> 00:56:40,363 because I assume you're talking about the Pioneer Square. 990 00:56:40,363 --> 00:56:41,264 You about North? 991 00:56:41,264 --> 00:56:43,600 Oh, north of downtown? 992 00:56:43,600 --> 00:56:46,169 Yeah. They they put out their map of the areas. 993 00:56:46,169 --> 00:56:50,140 They're going to be, pedestrian only last week. 994 00:56:51,541 --> 00:56:55,845 We are telling people in Sodo go early. Yes. 995 00:56:55,845 --> 00:56:58,848 We're encouraging everyone to use transit. 996 00:56:59,182 --> 00:57:02,185 But transit will also be very crowded. 997 00:57:02,318 --> 00:57:04,220 And they are putting in more trains. 998 00:57:04,220 --> 00:57:10,026 So planning extra time if you are a regular commuter is also going 999 00:57:10,026 --> 00:57:11,294 to be important. 1000 00:57:11,294 --> 00:57:15,365 As for north of pioneer Square, I would not. 1001 00:57:15,498 --> 00:57:17,967 I don't have when they're going to be releasing it. 1002 00:57:17,967 --> 00:57:22,839 I know that Pioneer Square released their map of closures in the last week. 1003 00:57:23,373 --> 00:57:27,477 Like I can tell you about the central business district of Belltown. 1004 00:57:27,677 --> 00:57:30,046 - I mean, I don't anticipate there. 1005 00:57:30,046 --> 00:57:34,484 I mean, the main, the the kind of hot zone of impacts 1006 00:57:34,484 --> 00:57:37,887 and street closures is really Pioneer Square. 1007 00:57:37,887 --> 00:57:41,491 SODO some areas around the CID, 1008 00:57:42,392 --> 00:57:47,664 but I think Erin's right that regardless of whether you're doing business 1009 00:57:47,664 --> 00:57:53,303 or living in a place that is within that street closure grid or not, there will be. 1010 00:57:53,303 --> 00:57:56,239 I mean, it fans out. 1011 00:57:56,239 --> 00:57:58,842 And so as you said, you know, you 1012 00:57:58,842 --> 00:58:01,845 you feel it where you are for Seahawks games. 1013 00:58:02,011 --> 00:58:04,047 I would again not going to sugarcoat it. 1014 00:58:04,047 --> 00:58:07,050 You know, I would expect that there will be a higher 1015 00:58:07,217 --> 00:58:10,253 than normal volume of congestion. 1016 00:58:10,587 --> 00:58:12,822 - Expect that I'm just asking for a schedule. 1017 00:58:12,822 --> 00:58:16,159 So if there were going to be tailgating that was expected much earlier. 1018 00:58:16,192 --> 00:58:17,527 It is. 1019 00:58:17,527 --> 00:58:21,598 And I know you probably don't have the answer now, but it's just a question. 1020 00:58:22,198 --> 00:58:25,902 - I mean, I can we actually do have most of the answer. 1021 00:58:25,902 --> 00:58:30,173 And so, and that's information, that we were actually just talking. 1022 00:58:30,173 --> 00:58:32,709 So, I was coming out and joining our Neighborhoods 1023 00:58:32,709 --> 00:58:34,811 Council meeting soon, I think would be super helpful. 1024 00:58:34,811 --> 00:58:36,746 But, here's what we know. 1025 00:58:36,746 --> 00:58:38,248 Every game is on a weekday. 1026 00:58:39,315 --> 00:58:41,384 One of those is a federal holiday, Juneteenth. 1027 00:58:41,384 --> 00:58:43,353 But otherwise, every game is on the weekday. 1028 00:58:43,353 --> 00:58:48,258 You have a noon start time, a noon start time, a noon start time, a one, 8 p.m. 1029 00:58:48,258 --> 00:58:50,226 game, and that's on a Friday. 1030 00:58:50,226 --> 00:58:52,695 And then you have a 1 p.m. game and a 5 p.m. game. 1031 00:58:52,695 --> 00:58:55,798 So if it's on a work day and it's not a holiday and it's a noon 1032 00:58:55,798 --> 00:58:58,801 start time, we know that we are going to implement traffic, 1033 00:58:59,002 --> 00:59:02,038 street closures, for hours before a game. 1034 00:59:02,038 --> 00:59:05,174 And I believe it's until seven hours after the match ends. 1035 00:59:06,142 --> 00:59:09,145 We have those maps, and we can provide you, 1036 00:59:09,312 --> 00:59:12,315 and you can actually go on the Alliance for pioneer Square, 1037 00:59:12,315 --> 00:59:15,785 the Sodo or the CID, World Cup websites right now. 1038 00:59:15,785 --> 00:59:17,453 And you could actually see grainy 1039 00:59:17,453 --> 00:59:21,157 footage of me making a presentation where those maps are actually, you know, there. 1040 00:59:21,157 --> 00:59:22,225 And we talk about them. 1041 00:59:22,225 --> 00:59:26,996 So, we have shared, really clearly what we currently know, but 1042 00:59:27,830 --> 00:59:30,266 I think the thing that we, 1043 00:59:30,266 --> 00:59:33,036 should be prepared for as a community is that, 1044 00:59:34,070 --> 00:59:36,005 these are our best plans right now. 1045 00:59:36,005 --> 00:59:38,474 And the only thing I can guarantee you is that something about them 1046 00:59:38,474 --> 00:59:40,276 is going to change, and it's going to change 1047 00:59:40,276 --> 00:59:43,012 based on something that we might not be able to predict. 1048 00:59:43,012 --> 00:59:45,048 So how does the first match go? 1049 00:59:45,048 --> 00:59:46,516 Because we have six of them. 1050 00:59:46,516 --> 00:59:49,786 So what adjustments might we put in place by match three or match four? 1051 00:59:50,286 --> 00:59:54,557 Does a security condition change that has us reassessing where, 1052 00:59:55,124 --> 00:59:58,761 street closure should be, or the time that a street closure is in place? 1053 00:59:59,562 --> 01:00:02,265 Something that is very different about the FIFA World Cup, 1054 01:00:02,265 --> 01:00:05,835 than almost any other event here is you can expect multiple 1055 01:00:05,835 --> 01:00:10,173 heads of state to come in and out of our region to attend matches. 1056 01:00:10,173 --> 01:00:11,975 Over the course of that three and a half weeks. 1057 01:00:11,975 --> 01:00:15,011 And if anybody has ever been on the road when the vice president 1058 01:00:15,011 --> 01:00:18,881 comes in for a fundraiser at some house on the water in a neighborhood far off, 1059 01:00:19,148 --> 01:00:20,984 you know what that does? 1060 01:00:20,984 --> 01:00:21,718 And if you can imagine 1061 01:00:21,718 --> 01:00:25,188 multiple heads of state coming to the same match, potentially, 1062 01:00:25,788 --> 01:00:30,426 you start, to build a mental map of the standard street closures. 1063 01:00:30,426 --> 01:00:32,161 And again, we know what those are for. 1064 01:00:32,161 --> 01:00:33,596 Now, they might change. 1065 01:00:33,596 --> 01:00:35,565 We know the times that they'll be in effect. 1066 01:00:35,565 --> 01:00:38,835 They'll be only in effect on the days of the six matches. 1067 01:00:38,835 --> 01:00:41,437 They won't be in effect on non match days. 1068 01:00:41,437 --> 01:00:43,740 And then there's all the variables that I don't, 1069 01:00:43,740 --> 01:00:45,642 you know, if you read it in the newspaper and they tell you 1070 01:00:45,642 --> 01:00:48,044 they know who's come in here from a head of state at what time. 1071 01:00:49,145 --> 01:00:49,612 They either 1072 01:00:49,612 --> 01:00:52,749 know something that everybody else doesn't or they are speculating and they're not. 1073 01:00:52,749 --> 01:00:53,716 Right. 1074 01:00:53,716 --> 01:00:56,786 - I mean, and you're and you're right, Leo, I think something also to add is, 1075 01:00:56,986 --> 01:01:01,024 you know, there are hotels all throughout our downtown that are going to be used 1076 01:01:01,024 --> 01:01:04,027 not just for hosting heads of state, but for hosting teams. 1077 01:01:04,560 --> 01:01:08,464 And at least, you know, I, I live downtown and when the Club World Cup is here, 1078 01:01:08,464 --> 01:01:11,634 which was, you know, a different scope and scale for sure. 1079 01:01:12,568 --> 01:01:15,538 But as I was walking around my neighborhood, you know, it was clear 1080 01:01:15,538 --> 01:01:17,106 that there was obviously a team 1081 01:01:17,106 --> 01:01:20,977 staying at the Westin because there were people camped out outside 1082 01:01:21,077 --> 01:01:25,281 waiting to do something, I don't know, see somebody I don't know, not sure, but, 1083 01:01:26,416 --> 01:01:27,550 so so, yes, you're 1084 01:01:27,550 --> 01:01:32,221 you're right there there are, there are there will be impacts to areas, 1085 01:01:32,221 --> 01:01:35,224 you know, outside of just the, the Pioneer Square area. 1086 01:01:35,758 --> 01:01:38,761 And, you know, another just to add on to to Leo's Point, 1087 01:01:39,295 --> 01:01:42,098 you know, and yours aren't we don't know what we don't know. 1088 01:01:42,098 --> 01:01:47,270 And you know, at least our folks at the city are prepared to, 1089 01:01:47,503 --> 01:01:50,606 you know, make adjustments as things go along. 1090 01:01:51,374 --> 01:01:54,744 But even match to match is going to look 1091 01:01:54,744 --> 01:01:58,114 and feel very different based on who is here. 1092 01:01:59,348 --> 01:02:03,453 You know, Juneteenth is going to be massive. 1093 01:02:04,187 --> 01:02:08,191 So even, you know, if the first match goes okay. 1094 01:02:08,191 --> 01:02:11,761 Yeah, we feel like we're, we're we need to be prepared to, to pivot. 1095 01:02:13,996 --> 01:02:15,264 You know, at any time. 1096 01:02:15,264 --> 01:02:19,602 - And one of the things that the LOC has done, especially with the adjacent 1097 01:02:19,602 --> 01:02:22,605 neighborhoods, is they have something called the Neighborhood Liaison Program. 1098 01:02:22,605 --> 01:02:27,944 So during this period of time, we have designated staff 1099 01:02:27,944 --> 01:02:31,080 that will be on call 24 hours a day 1100 01:02:31,414 --> 01:02:34,751 to respond to issues from our businesses 1101 01:02:35,051 --> 01:02:41,090 and to respond to calls from the clock so that we can be communicating. 1102 01:02:41,090 --> 01:02:46,696 We have a phone that's got a bright orange cover, and it's the like the hotline. 1103 01:02:46,696 --> 01:02:49,732 And our each neighborhood is handling it differently. 1104 01:02:49,732 --> 01:02:51,901 In our case, the phone will go to different 1105 01:02:51,901 --> 01:02:55,438 staff people so that we can respond 1106 01:02:55,805 --> 01:02:58,574 to an emergent issue and connect, 1107 01:02:58,574 --> 01:03:01,644 and we can respond to an emergent issue that they have. 1108 01:03:01,944 --> 01:03:05,281 And it's really important because I can tell you, you know, 1109 01:03:05,281 --> 01:03:09,986 we were so excited with the Seahawks, but the division championship 1110 01:03:10,386 --> 01:03:14,390 game with tailgating was a challenge. 1111 01:03:14,390 --> 01:03:18,928 And we were we forgot how to handle tailgating during Covid. 1112 01:03:18,928 --> 01:03:21,164 And it was like, oh wait, we know how to do this. 1113 01:03:21,164 --> 01:03:22,498 And getting everybody. 1114 01:03:22,498 --> 01:03:25,668 And it's got to remember that we have to close the street once 1115 01:03:25,668 --> 01:03:26,736 there's all these people. 1116 01:03:26,736 --> 01:03:30,807 And so the fact that we already have this communication system 1117 01:03:30,807 --> 01:03:34,977 up and running is really important and will be really helpful 1118 01:03:35,411 --> 01:03:39,448 when things are, you know, in the moment, need to be handled. 1119 01:03:40,516 --> 01:03:41,918 - And is it accurate, though, 1120 01:03:41,918 --> 01:03:45,988 that you're also asking, is there a timeline to say, 1121 01:03:46,756 --> 01:03:49,759 this is what's going to happen in this part of downtown? 1122 01:03:50,159 --> 01:03:53,963 Is that part of your question to advance planning ambiguity? 1123 01:03:53,963 --> 01:03:56,699 - Right, right. Things like 1124 01:03:56,699 --> 01:04:00,269 and then trying to came in, I couldn't even walk down my seats, didn't 1125 01:04:00,503 --> 01:04:03,940 come and knew it, you know, that kind of stuff to get through? 1126 01:04:04,106 --> 01:04:05,641 Obviously not. 1127 01:04:05,641 --> 01:04:10,246 This is the to the extent that there are going to be modifications and changes. 1128 01:04:10,246 --> 01:04:10,880 How are you? 1129 01:04:10,880 --> 01:04:14,584 I mean, I gather that through Pioneer Square, we're dialed in, but we are not 1130 01:04:16,118 --> 01:04:17,520 so happy. 1131 01:04:17,520 --> 01:04:19,889 What's what's our access point? 1132 01:04:19,889 --> 01:04:21,257 It's part of why I really want 1133 01:04:21,257 --> 01:04:24,794 you guys to come and talk to me in Downtown Intermediate. 1134 01:04:25,161 --> 01:04:27,230 What's our access point? 1135 01:04:27,230 --> 01:04:30,766 Who who do we call if anyone? Not. 1136 01:04:30,766 --> 01:04:36,405 And I expect it to be an issue, but people who like to work with no surprises. 1137 01:04:37,173 --> 01:04:39,976 So it's really about seeing 1138 01:04:39,976 --> 01:04:43,546 what we can do to at least minimize the surprises, 1139 01:04:44,513 --> 01:04:45,047 if not 1140 01:04:45,047 --> 01:04:48,050 for the office community, for the business, 1141 01:04:48,217 --> 01:04:51,187 and for the exceptionally large. 1142 01:04:51,187 --> 01:04:53,422 So we have to have time. 1143 01:04:53,422 --> 01:04:56,125 So that's I think you call Leo, right? 1144 01:04:56,125 --> 01:04:59,128 Yeah, I know Leo 1145 01:04:59,462 --> 01:05:03,866 and and and just the other thing was, 1146 01:05:04,367 --> 01:05:07,370 was, some transit and conference, 1147 01:05:08,838 --> 01:05:10,339 - Very much in it. 1148 01:05:10,339 --> 01:05:13,075 So there's, you know, all of the transit agencies 1149 01:05:13,075 --> 01:05:15,278 that, you know, and a couple that you might not, 1150 01:05:15,278 --> 01:05:17,713 come together and have been for two and a half years now. 1151 01:05:17,713 --> 01:05:20,716 And so town Transit is very much in the middle of it. 1152 01:05:21,117 --> 01:05:23,686 And they've been a wonderful partner. 1153 01:05:23,686 --> 01:05:24,787 So I don't know if there's something 1154 01:05:24,787 --> 01:05:27,790 more specific than that, but they are they're fully in the plan. 1155 01:05:28,124 --> 01:05:30,593 One thing, another way to answer your question is, 1156 01:05:30,593 --> 01:05:33,863 starting in May, there's going to be a no before you go public 1157 01:05:33,863 --> 01:05:37,033 communications campaign from all the transit agencies 1158 01:05:37,300 --> 01:05:42,672 that will begin to communicate the changes to frequency, of different modes. 1159 01:05:42,672 --> 01:05:45,374 And, if there are any changes to where you'll pick them up. 1160 01:05:45,374 --> 01:05:48,477 So that public communication communication campaign will start in May. 1161 01:05:49,078 --> 01:05:53,282 - And we're at the city also working now on how do we kind of 1162 01:05:53,316 --> 01:05:56,819 I mean, there's, as I'm sure you know, lots of ways 1163 01:05:56,819 --> 01:06:00,323 that that city departments and city agencies push out information 1164 01:06:00,323 --> 01:06:04,126 to the public based on whatever, whatever needs to be communicated. 1165 01:06:04,393 --> 01:06:06,095 So we are now 1166 01:06:06,095 --> 01:06:10,399 looking at the kind of universe of what we have available at the city. 1167 01:06:10,566 --> 01:06:14,770 And how are we speaking with one voice through, whether it's Alert Seattle 1168 01:06:14,770 --> 01:06:19,909 or whether it's, you know, as dot, specific, alert system that they have. 1169 01:06:20,142 --> 01:06:22,311 So those conversations are happening. Okay. 1170 01:06:22,311 --> 01:06:24,347 - But I would also alert, 1171 01:06:25,681 --> 01:06:28,684 anybody who is going to be in the vicinity 1172 01:06:29,085 --> 01:06:32,655 of a hotel that is hosting a team. 1173 01:06:33,489 --> 01:06:35,257 Run away. 1174 01:06:35,257 --> 01:06:38,060 Run away, because 1175 01:06:38,060 --> 01:06:41,397 the hotel of the national team 1176 01:06:41,597 --> 01:06:45,134 is a magnet for visitors from, 1177 01:06:46,235 --> 01:06:48,838 the host nation, obviously, and adjacent. 1178 01:06:48,838 --> 01:06:51,841 But, adjacency is very 1179 01:06:52,308 --> 01:06:56,445 difficult thing to manage at most sports events, because it's a chance 1180 01:06:56,445 --> 01:06:59,849 for some fans to get what they think 1181 01:06:59,849 --> 01:07:02,852 is up close and personal with their heroes. 1182 01:07:02,985 --> 01:07:06,655 And the cluster around that is usually it's a 1183 01:07:06,655 --> 01:07:11,494 there's a secure cordon that typically surrounds that hotel. 1184 01:07:11,527 --> 01:07:14,964 But when you're talking about a downtown hotel, 1185 01:07:14,964 --> 01:07:18,701 there's only so far a cordon can go, and you may be able to speak to that. 1186 01:07:18,734 --> 01:07:20,236 - But we also have two practice 1187 01:07:20,236 --> 01:07:23,572 facilities, two at Seattle University and U-dub as well. 1188 01:07:23,572 --> 01:07:26,575 So those will be magnets as well. They are. 1189 01:07:27,243 --> 01:07:29,578 - They can come to my hotel room. 1190 01:07:29,578 --> 01:07:32,648 They're they're fine if they want to come back to the hotel. 1191 01:07:32,715 --> 01:07:33,849 - Oh okay. Yes. 1192 01:07:33,849 --> 01:07:36,252 Craig. Yeah. You know about hotels. Yeah. 1193 01:07:36,252 --> 01:07:38,754 - So they can come there and spend a lot of money. 1194 01:07:38,754 --> 01:07:41,357 And that's what I have discovered. 1195 01:07:41,357 --> 01:07:41,824 First of all, 1196 01:07:41,824 --> 01:07:45,694 I want to say thank to to all of you because you're doing the heavy lifting. 1197 01:07:46,095 --> 01:07:50,332 And there was, from what I understand what I've seen, there's no template 1198 01:07:50,332 --> 01:07:56,806 for this type of thing in the U.S., Canada and Mexico in terms of the geography. 1199 01:07:56,806 --> 01:08:00,843 So there's been so much guessing, I think. 1200 01:08:01,077 --> 01:08:05,815 I mean, we're just still as business owners as what we're going to see and how it 1201 01:08:07,216 --> 01:08:08,951 kind of made a great point. 1202 01:08:08,951 --> 01:08:12,888 So in June and July, we're always busy. 1203 01:08:13,656 --> 01:08:14,290 Okay. 1204 01:08:14,290 --> 01:08:17,493 So it's it's we know how to handle those things. 1205 01:08:17,493 --> 01:08:20,996 I think the difference on this one will be that we're busy 1206 01:08:20,996 --> 01:08:24,700 with people that aren't necessarily there to, to cheer on a team. 1207 01:08:25,267 --> 01:08:29,638 So the good thing is, I think everybody's going to have a great party. 1208 01:08:30,039 --> 01:08:34,343 So it may be a little bit different kind of a scene, but 1209 01:08:35,778 --> 01:08:39,815 we, you know, we're hoping for high occupancy, but we still don't know. 1210 01:08:39,982 --> 01:08:42,985 And it is still one of those things that we're just going to have to take over yet. 1211 01:08:43,552 --> 01:08:45,688 And but I want to thank you guys 1212 01:08:45,688 --> 01:08:48,691 for doing what you're doing, because I can only imagine, I think about 1213 01:08:48,724 --> 01:08:51,393 when we're talking about what we're going to experience. 1214 01:08:51,393 --> 01:08:52,928 We're guessing. 1215 01:08:52,928 --> 01:08:56,265 So I cannot imagine without the complexity of everything you're dealing with. 1216 01:08:57,099 --> 01:09:01,370 And that's why Kylie said, it's six days, you guys back. 1217 01:09:01,904 --> 01:09:02,738 So there. 1218 01:09:02,738 --> 01:09:04,039 So that's. But thanks. 1219 01:09:04,039 --> 01:09:08,043 - So I have a unique position being a business improvement area 1220 01:09:08,043 --> 01:09:11,881 in that I work with business improvement areas across the country 1221 01:09:12,148 --> 01:09:17,086 had the opportunity to go to Toronto and work with folks there. 1222 01:09:17,086 --> 01:09:21,524 I was just in LA meeting and in LA they don't mention World Cup at all. 1223 01:09:21,524 --> 01:09:22,658 It's all Olympics. 1224 01:09:22,658 --> 01:09:25,461 Like you wouldn't even know the World Cup is coming. 1225 01:09:25,461 --> 01:09:28,430 But I meet with my peers in these 1226 01:09:28,430 --> 01:09:33,269 and when I went to Toronto and first of all, 1227 01:09:33,302 --> 01:09:36,405 Toronto, it's all being handled by the national government. 1228 01:09:36,405 --> 01:09:40,509 They don't have an LLC that's a nonprofit that's having to raise money 1229 01:09:40,509 --> 01:09:42,178 to organize this. 1230 01:09:42,178 --> 01:09:46,916 And so I really want to shout out to Leo and the work that they've been doing, 1231 01:09:47,183 --> 01:09:50,786 but I think it's we you know, we I'll be honest 1232 01:09:50,786 --> 01:09:53,923 there were times last year I'm like, oh, we're not ready. 1233 01:09:54,290 --> 01:09:56,725 Oh, oh, we're not ready. 1234 01:09:56,725 --> 01:10:01,597 And then I talked to some of my peers and realize, oh, we are ahead. 1235 01:10:03,265 --> 01:10:04,233 And yes, 1236 01:10:04,233 --> 01:10:07,469 you're right, we don't know what we don't know. 1237 01:10:08,003 --> 01:10:10,773 But as things have rolled out, 1238 01:10:10,773 --> 01:10:13,642 the Sports Commission, the chamber have put together 1239 01:10:13,642 --> 01:10:17,346 these playbooks, you know, the plans have come out. 1240 01:10:17,680 --> 01:10:22,618 And it's one of those things as the different parts of the recipe 1241 01:10:22,818 --> 01:10:27,656 have start to come together as someone who's not in the government, 1242 01:10:27,856 --> 01:10:32,761 who's not, I'm a I'm involved, but I'm also a little on the outside. 1243 01:10:33,195 --> 01:10:35,998 You're starting to see it come together. 1244 01:10:35,998 --> 01:10:37,967 I'm feeling a whole lot. 1245 01:10:37,967 --> 01:10:41,303 And you know, the the parade did give you 1246 01:10:41,303 --> 01:10:44,406 that little bit more confidence that. 1247 01:10:44,573 --> 01:10:48,978 Yeah, I mean, I'm in a long term large scale event person. 1248 01:10:49,345 --> 01:10:51,080 Something always happens. 1249 01:10:51,080 --> 01:10:54,116 I mean, doesn't matter how well prepared you are, but I'm 1250 01:10:54,116 --> 01:10:57,820 feeling a lot better than I was a year ago. 1251 01:10:57,820 --> 01:11:02,691 And then I was six months ago, certainly than I was in November. And, 1252 01:11:03,926 --> 01:11:07,129 so I can tell you and you know me, I wouldn't 1253 01:11:07,463 --> 01:11:12,434 you know, I'm feeling like we are in a place to do this, 1254 01:11:12,434 --> 01:11:15,704 and I'm really excited, and that makes me feel better. 1255 01:11:17,306 --> 01:11:19,141 - Question. Yeah. 1256 01:11:19,141 --> 01:11:21,076 - I've got two questions in the chat, guys. 1257 01:11:21,076 --> 01:11:24,079 I just moved to Seattle two days ago. 1258 01:11:24,346 --> 01:11:25,581 Welcome. 1259 01:11:25,581 --> 01:11:29,685 One of the main principles, tenets, pillars of Seattle. 1260 01:11:30,052 --> 01:11:32,421 You know who to show off to. The world. 1261 01:11:32,421 --> 01:11:33,122 I know, Erin, 1262 01:11:33,122 --> 01:11:36,125 you talked about Australian cricket, Australian here while they're here, 1263 01:11:36,358 --> 01:11:40,195 but I think a lot of it is like children of what Seattle is for everyone else. 1264 01:11:40,996 --> 01:11:43,365 So it'll be here, like, maybe in the top three of us. 1265 01:11:43,365 --> 01:11:44,366 And then the other one is, 1266 01:11:44,366 --> 01:11:48,871 how are you utilizing all the attention, funding through a lot of this events 1267 01:11:49,171 --> 01:11:52,408 to improve Seattle for the long term, for people who may be here 1268 01:11:52,908 --> 01:11:58,047 after that, - you're chief legacy officer is legacy officer time. 1269 01:11:58,047 --> 01:12:00,916 He got so stpeaking of my life. Oh one, welcome to Seattle. 1270 01:12:02,384 --> 01:12:04,186 I can make a shameless pitch now. 1271 01:12:04,186 --> 01:12:06,822 Anybody and everybody here, if you have a mobile phone, 1272 01:12:06,822 --> 01:12:10,326 you can go on to either the Google or the Apple Store and download an app called 1273 01:12:10,526 --> 01:12:14,296 SEA and win SEA ampersand. Win. 1274 01:12:14,563 --> 01:12:17,900 So this is a gamified experience we've put together. 1275 01:12:17,900 --> 01:12:21,403 But it really what it does is it connects the Central District, go there 1276 01:12:21,870 --> 01:12:25,874 to the Chinatown International District, go there to Sodo, 1277 01:12:25,941 --> 01:12:30,112 to Pioneer Square, to the waterfront, to Belltown, to Seattle Center, 1278 01:12:30,112 --> 01:12:32,681 and then up to Capitol Hill, running through the commercial core. 1279 01:12:32,681 --> 01:12:36,585 And we're attempting to create a new habit for how people come to Seattle 1280 01:12:36,585 --> 01:12:38,053 and check it out. 1281 01:12:38,053 --> 01:12:42,391 So if you download that app, you'll see the 410 individual stops 1282 01:12:42,391 --> 01:12:45,761 that we've identified in partnership with leaders in every community 1283 01:12:45,761 --> 01:12:49,064 that we think anybody who comes to Seattle should check out. 1284 01:12:49,298 --> 01:12:52,601 And oh, by the way, check out the other the stops you walk by along the way. 1285 01:12:53,535 --> 01:12:55,471 What you're the second part of your question 1286 01:12:55,471 --> 01:12:59,375 is the entire reason for our organization really existing. 1287 01:12:59,375 --> 01:13:02,378 And if my boss were here, the first thing he'd say is, 1288 01:13:02,444 --> 01:13:04,213 is, despite all the conversation here today, 1289 01:13:04,213 --> 01:13:07,116 the thing he's least worried about is the soccer games. 1290 01:13:07,116 --> 01:13:10,919 And the thing that he is most worried about is that today's eight year old, 1291 01:13:10,919 --> 01:13:14,857 when they are 38, looks back on this event and sees how it strengthened 1292 01:13:14,857 --> 01:13:16,091 and benefited our city. 1293 01:13:16,091 --> 01:13:18,927 So we've got a couple specific ways that we've been doing that. 1294 01:13:18,927 --> 01:13:21,196 Some of that you could probably predict. 1295 01:13:21,196 --> 01:13:22,564 We're working with the Rei Foundation. 1296 01:13:22,564 --> 01:13:25,567 We're building mini soccer fields across the state. 1297 01:13:25,701 --> 01:13:28,904 We have some particularly important projects where we've used a tension 1298 01:13:28,904 --> 01:13:30,105 that comes from the World Cup. 1299 01:13:30,105 --> 01:13:33,242 We are a nonprofit to raise funds and then have built, 1300 01:13:33,876 --> 01:13:36,879 a new soccer pitches on, tribal reservations, 1301 01:13:37,279 --> 01:13:40,249 with, in partnership with some of our tribal communities. 1302 01:13:40,249 --> 01:13:42,584 And they are now, I believe, at 40, 1303 01:13:42,584 --> 01:13:46,388 the 48 new soccer fields out of an overall goal of 52. 1304 01:13:46,388 --> 01:13:47,322 So they're almost at, 1305 01:13:48,424 --> 01:13:50,159 it was at first 26 for 26. 1306 01:13:50,159 --> 01:13:51,894 And now it's more than that. 1307 01:13:51,894 --> 01:13:55,964 We've used, the attention to actually designate Seattle 1308 01:13:55,964 --> 01:14:00,002 as a one of four regional hubs for Paralympic blind soccer. 1309 01:14:00,669 --> 01:14:03,872 We are bringing the first set of blind soccer pitch panels 1310 01:14:03,872 --> 01:14:07,876 so that, blind athletes have a chance to play soccer and enjoy. 1311 01:14:07,910 --> 01:14:10,579 And if you haven't checked out, this is my second phone recommendation. 1312 01:14:10,579 --> 01:14:14,082 If you haven't checked out Blind Soccer, as a Paralympic sport, 1313 01:14:14,349 --> 01:14:17,219 Google that or whatever service you use. 1314 01:14:17,219 --> 01:14:19,721 It is extraordinary. 1315 01:14:19,721 --> 01:14:23,725 And you will see the full breadth of what, trained athletes are capable of doing. 1316 01:14:24,092 --> 01:14:25,961 It's not just that, though. 1317 01:14:25,961 --> 01:14:28,964 We working, with a local coalition, 1318 01:14:29,131 --> 01:14:32,034 of of service providers for people who are experiencing homelessness. 1319 01:14:32,034 --> 01:14:33,702 I got a shout out to my friend, 1320 01:14:33,702 --> 01:14:36,338 Daniel Malone from the downtown Emergency Services Center. 1321 01:14:36,338 --> 01:14:36,839 What I think 1322 01:14:36,839 --> 01:14:40,142 one of the most important leaders in our whole community is sitting here right now. 1323 01:14:40,843 --> 01:14:43,846 And we're working to map the impacts of, 1324 01:14:44,012 --> 01:14:48,717 big events on service providers, for folks who live outside 1325 01:14:48,717 --> 01:14:52,087 so that when we have big events, we can maintain access to service. 1326 01:14:52,087 --> 01:14:56,024 And so one, real solid example of that is there is a methadone dosing 1327 01:14:56,024 --> 01:14:59,795 van that parks on the north side of Occidental Square two mornings a week. 1328 01:14:59,995 --> 01:15:02,197 And the people who depend on that service, 1329 01:15:02,197 --> 01:15:05,434 if it is not there, their life is literally at risk. 1330 01:15:05,801 --> 01:15:08,370 And so despite everything that we've just talked about, 1331 01:15:08,370 --> 01:15:10,405 we've got to figure out a way 1332 01:15:10,405 --> 01:15:13,742 that we can keep those folks connected to their treatment. 1333 01:15:14,009 --> 01:15:17,679 And we have to show that a big sporting event needs to account 1334 01:15:17,679 --> 01:15:19,248 for those types of things, too. 1335 01:15:20,282 --> 01:15:23,285 We have, I can go on and on about this. 1336 01:15:23,685 --> 01:15:27,289 Would love to talk about anyone, talk about it with anyone afterwards. 1337 01:15:27,289 --> 01:15:31,860 But the, the the tagline here and to me, the reason why I'm involved in this work 1338 01:15:31,860 --> 01:15:36,798 is our job to take this moment of global focus and convert it into long 1339 01:15:36,798 --> 01:15:39,835 term, local progress for things that we care about. 1340 01:15:40,669 --> 01:15:42,804 The other way to say this is at the local organizing committee. 1341 01:15:42,804 --> 01:15:45,807 We have a really clear understanding of where we're measuring success. 1342 01:15:46,441 --> 01:15:50,679 We hope that the world, thinks that this is a fantastic event. 1343 01:15:50,679 --> 01:15:52,214 We are dedicated to making sure 1344 01:15:52,214 --> 01:15:55,017 that our community thinks that this was a fantastic event. 1345 01:15:55,017 --> 01:15:56,552 Some of that's going to be soccer, 1346 01:15:56,552 --> 01:15:58,487 and some of that's going to have nothing to do with soccer. 1347 01:16:01,790 --> 01:16:04,660 - Are there questions? 1348 01:16:04,660 --> 01:16:05,727 Yes. Oh, no. 1349 01:16:05,727 --> 01:16:08,730 I sent. 1350 01:16:10,499 --> 01:16:12,434 Yes. Back there. 1351 01:16:12,434 --> 01:16:15,437 - So we're definitely a sports town, but we're not really 1352 01:16:15,437 --> 01:16:18,440 a public bathroom town. 1353 01:16:20,242 --> 01:16:23,612 If you go downtown, I'm very curious. 1354 01:16:24,646 --> 01:16:26,248 Is there? 1355 01:16:26,248 --> 01:16:28,617 I mean, this might be too small, but, like, 1356 01:16:28,617 --> 01:16:34,056 is there any thought to bathrooms for people who are downtown 1357 01:16:34,056 --> 01:16:37,926 but aren't they patronizing, establishments? 1358 01:16:38,393 --> 01:16:41,396 Because we can’t all go to the third floor of the Target. 1359 01:16:41,763 --> 01:16:44,766 That's what I'm speaking. 1360 01:16:44,933 --> 01:16:47,836 - Well, one, thank you for sharing that tip, to our new seatellite. 1361 01:16:47,836 --> 01:16:50,839 So the third and third floor target. 1362 01:16:52,240 --> 01:16:55,243 That's not on , yet. 1363 01:16:55,344 --> 01:16:58,347 But, I really appreciate that question because, 1364 01:16:58,547 --> 01:17:02,751 I think that, one there are some important things that are happening. 1365 01:17:03,452 --> 01:17:06,688 The Seattle Department of Transportation, for example, is working to site some, 1366 01:17:07,222 --> 01:17:10,225 new bathrooms that are going to be in Pioneer Square. 1367 01:17:10,225 --> 01:17:13,228 And, there might be folks here who can speak more about that. 1368 01:17:13,562 --> 01:17:16,431 But there are two things I actually want to ask for everyone's 1369 01:17:16,431 --> 01:17:18,333 help here before we go. 1370 01:17:18,333 --> 01:17:22,537 And one of them is, what does it look like for us as a community 1371 01:17:22,537 --> 01:17:24,272 to decide that we want more bathrooms? 1372 01:17:26,008 --> 01:17:26,475 I think 1373 01:17:26,475 --> 01:17:29,444 that that is an investment in future events. 1374 01:17:29,444 --> 01:17:32,280 It's an investment in people who need bathrooms right now. 1375 01:17:32,280 --> 01:17:33,115 And I got to say, 1376 01:17:33,115 --> 01:17:37,152 there is nothing that is more unifying than having to go to the bathroom. 1377 01:17:37,719 --> 01:17:40,422 Everybody has to do it. 1378 01:17:40,422 --> 01:17:42,257 I'll save my second one, because maybe that's a question 1379 01:17:42,257 --> 01:17:45,560 of my second request, but I think it's a really good point. 1380 01:17:45,560 --> 01:17:47,729 I know that there will be some, 1381 01:17:47,729 --> 01:17:51,500 temporary, you know, you can predict, rows of Sani cans. 1382 01:17:51,533 --> 01:17:54,836 Some of that will be out there, for the event days themselves. 1383 01:17:54,836 --> 01:17:56,471 Again, the Seattle Department of Transportation, 1384 01:17:56,471 --> 01:17:59,908 I believe, is doing some cool experimentation with other models. 1385 01:18:00,242 --> 01:18:03,211 That could be longer term, but we need more bathrooms in our community. 1386 01:18:03,211 --> 01:18:06,615 - We will be hosting a demo of The Throne, 1387 01:18:06,615 --> 01:18:09,685 which is the bathroom that is not in our parking lot. 1388 01:18:09,685 --> 01:18:14,489 If people are interested in it, it is to be a public restroom 1389 01:18:14,489 --> 01:18:18,326 that I would use, and I'm not a big fan of a part of the port o potty. 1390 01:18:18,660 --> 01:18:23,198 I got to check one out in DC and it's I, 1391 01:18:24,066 --> 01:18:28,203 I run SODO, I look at things when they bring them to me 1392 01:18:28,203 --> 01:18:31,707 is how could SODO destroy this? And 1393 01:18:33,208 --> 01:18:35,477 and I looked at the throne and 1394 01:18:35,477 --> 01:18:41,516 and we were in a in a park in DC and I'm like this makes sense. 1395 01:18:41,516 --> 01:18:44,019 They use them in Griffith Park in L.A. 1396 01:18:44,019 --> 01:18:47,055 They're about the size of one of those units that you could get 1397 01:18:47,055 --> 01:18:50,125 from U-Haul that gets dropped off in front of your house. 1398 01:18:51,660 --> 01:18:54,830 And I was really, really impressed. 1399 01:18:55,397 --> 01:18:57,933 We are SDOTs trying to bring them in. 1400 01:18:57,933 --> 01:18:58,967 Metro is trying to bring. 1401 01:18:58,967 --> 01:19:01,036 There's a certain number you've got to get to. 1402 01:19:01,036 --> 01:19:04,940 So once I have it, I will welcome everyone to come visit 1403 01:19:04,940 --> 01:19:08,176 because we need a few more to make the model work. 1404 01:19:08,276 --> 01:19:10,345 - Have you been to the Waterfront Park? 1405 01:19:10,345 --> 01:19:11,279 - Those are gorgeous. 1406 01:19:11,279 --> 01:19:13,048 Those cost a lot of money. 1407 01:19:13,048 --> 01:19:15,050 These do not tax dollars a month. 1408 01:19:15,050 --> 01:19:20,489 So I know, I know, I would love to have that, but those sit in one place. 1409 01:19:20,489 --> 01:19:25,694 These are mobile and in a lot of money for my budget. 1410 01:19:25,694 --> 01:19:28,563 But in government dollars, these are very affordable. Yeah. 1411 01:19:31,800 --> 01:19:34,803 - Any other questions? 1412 01:19:35,237 --> 01:19:38,240 Hearing none I call this meeting adjourned. 1413 01:19:38,273 --> 01:19:41,276 Please. A round of applause for our guests . 1414 01:19:41,576 --> 01:19:42,077 Thank you.