From Pitch To Puget Sound

Don’t Overthink It: A Practical Playbook for Snohomish County Businesses This Summer

In this episode, Emily and Kyle talk directly to Snohomish County business owners (and the locals who want to support them). The message is simple: you don’t need to become a soccer expert — you just need a plan. First, we break down what “activation” really means for most local businesses: hospitality. Small, visible signals that say “we’re ready for you” during the predictable moments of a big soccer summer — pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating. Then we bring in real examples from people already doing it: Wendy Poischbeg (Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]) on how to connect what you already do with what people are excited about, Nikki Koth (Stoup Brewing [https://www.stoupbrewing.com/]) on scaling watch parties and marketing with newsletters and community partners, Cheryl Rose (Soccer Post [https://soccerpost.com/tools/locations/locations/everett-soccer-post?srsltid=AfmBOopye6LmPjSGE5CXRTy-i5sTxr1-3SqLXWz90nlQ_-gV3q0Az6qk]) on simple take-home ideas that bring customers back, and Jamie French-Bialek (Snohomish Sports Dome [https://www.snohomishsportsdome.com/]) on getting small-town businesses involved. Takeaways * The best activations are not complicated — they’re specific and repeatable. * “Activation” is mostly hospitality: one or two small choices that make it easier for people to choose you. * Any business can participate (not just bars and restaurants). * Use the playbooks and toolkits so you don’t have to guess what’s allowed. In this episode * The three customer moments businesses can plan for: pre-game planning, between-match wandering, and post-match celebrating * Wendy Poischbeg’s core advice: connect what you already do with what people are excited about * A menu of easy options: watch parties, matchday specials, early openings, window displays, jersey discounts, trivia, and neighbor partnerships * How Stoup Brewing is approaching watch parties, marketing, and partnerships with local soccer communities * How The Soccer Post is using brackets and free posters to create repeat visits * How Snohomish Sports Dome is surveying local businesses and building community-wide participation * Where to find the playbooks and toolkits (including language and licensing guidance) Business resources * Everett Chamber “Game On Everett” playbook + toolkit:  www.everettchamber.org  [https://www.everettchamber.org/gameoneverett] * Snohomish County Sports Commission business engagement resources: snocosports.org [https://snocosports.org/world-soccer-tournament-2026/] * Seattle World Cup resources: https://www.seattlefwc26.org/resources/playbooks [https://www.seattlefwc26.org/resources/playbooks] Call for listeners If you’re a business owner doing something fun — big or small — send us a note. We want to highlight local spots that are welcoming people well this summer. And if you’re an event-goer, make it a goal to support a few local businesses while you’re out enjoying the watch parties and community events. Disclaimer Always follow posted rules, licensing guidance, and on-site staff direction, and use official sources for the most up-to-date information. The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]. Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app. Sign up [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound]for our newsletter with important links from the show. Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/]. History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer [https://wasoccerlegends.org/].  Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup. Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Your Everett Waterfront Watch Party Game Plan: Shuttles, Kid Zone, and What to Expect

In this episode, Emily and Kyle give you a practical, local guide to Everett’s official fan zone — the Waterfront Watch Parties at Boxcar Park. If you’ve been wondering how to plug into the energy without tickets or insider knowledge, this is your walkthrough. First, we hear a quick reminder from Tammy Dunn (Snohomish County Sports Commission) on why official fan zones matter: they give visitors and locals a place to gather, watch together, and make a full day out of the experience. Then we go deeper with Cat Soper (Port of Everett) and Tyler Chism (City of Everett) on what the Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like — a family-friendly waterfront festival with a big screen, food trucks, music, and a kid zone — plus the simple logistics that make the day smoother. Takeaways * You don’t need to be a soccer expert to enjoy an official fan zone — it’s built for everyone. * The Waterfront Watch Parties are designed to feel like an Everett waterfront festival, with a soccer theme. * The easiest plan is park once, shuttle in, follow the crowd. * Small details (like choosing the westbound stop on Hewitt) can save you time and stress. In this episode * What an official fan zone is and what it’s meant to provide * Waterfront Watch Party dates and the “arrive two hours early” tip for pre-game fun * What you’ll find on-site: big screen viewing, MC + DJs, giveaways, live entertainment, and kid activities * How to get there using the free shuttle from Everett Station or Hewitt Avenue (and which direction matters) * A simple on-the-ground layout of Boxcar Park: screen location, food truck zone, kid zone, pop-up pitches, and seating areas * How partners across the region make the event possible (Port, City, Sports Commission, transit, community orgs) * A quick note for local businesses: be welcoming, be clear, and pick one simple way to join in Official fan zone resource * Official Seattle FWC26 Fan Zone (Visit Everett):  https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone  [https://www.visiteverett.com/1525/Official-SEATTLEFWC26-Fan-Zone] Call for listeners If you go to an Everett Waterfront Watch Party, send us a note: what did it feel like, and what surprised you? And you may even see us there. Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app. Sign up [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound]for our newsletter with important links from the show. Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/]. History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer [https://wasoccerlegends.org/].  The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]. Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup. Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

From Cleats to Community: Making Soccer Accessible in Snohomish County

In this episode, Emily and Kyle focus on access and belonging: how people in Snohomish County find their way into soccer through small, real entry points like rec teams, carpools, public spaces, and community programs. First, we hear from Peter Hattrup, former pro and longtime coach, who shares what it looked like to grow up in a different era of the game — including the story of his first “soccer shoes,” and why those early experiences still matter. Then they talk with Alex Ko from Sound Transit about access in the practical sense: how transportation, station support, and wayfinding help everyday residents take part in a major soccer summer. Whether you’re traveling into Seattle or staying closer to home, this episode offers a grounded look at how to plan ahead. Takeaways * Access is not just about tickets — it’s about belonging. * Soccer grows when communities keep building ways into the game. * Recreation leagues and affordable entry points matter more than most people realize. * Transportation and clear information can be the difference between feeling included and feeling shut out. In this episode * How soccer becomes something a community can grow into over time * Peter Hattrup’s story of early gear, early teams, and learning the game in a different era * Why recreation-level play is a huge part of access and long-term participation * What “access” looks like today: watch parties, family-friendly spaces, libraries, museums, and local programs * How Sound Transit is preparing with station support, security, maintenance, and staff ambassadors * Where to find updated transit maps and guidance for getting around the region Transit resource * Sound Transit soccer tournament resource:  https://www.soundtransit.org/soccertournament  [https://www.soundtransit.org/soccertournament] Call for listeners Know someone who thinks this summer won’t really affect Snohomish County? Send them this episode. And if you’re still deciding how you want to take part, this is your reminder: you don’t need a match ticket to be part of the experience. Try a watch party, a fan zone, or a trip into the city just to take in the atmosphere. The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]. Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app. Sign up [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound]for our newsletter with important links from the show. Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/]. History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer [https://wasoccerlegends.org/].  Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup. Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

Seattle Soccer Tournament Transit Guide + Why Western Washington Is a Soccer Region

In this episode, Emily and Kyle connect two big parts of summer 2026: the deep soccer history that makes Western Washington one of the strongest soccer regions in the country, and the real transit planning needed to move people through a major international soccer summer. First, we hear from Peter Hattrup, former pro, longtime coach, and one of the people who has lived Seattle soccer history from the inside. He explains how the original Sounders, local legends, and decades of player development helped build a lasting soccer culture across the region. Then they talk with Alex Ko from Sound Transit [https://www.soundtransit.org/] about what it takes to move hundreds of thousands of people safely and reliably during a global event. From special Sounder trains to four-minute light rail service and station planning, this episode gives listeners a practical look at how to prepare now. Takeaways * Western Washington did not suddenly become a soccer region. It has been building this culture for decades. * Summer 2026 will feel bigger than a game. For many people, it will feel more like a regional festival. * Transit will be a major part of the experience, especially for riders coming from Snohomish County. * Planning early will make June much easier, whether you are going to a match, a fan zone, or just moving through the region. In this episode * Why Seattle and the Puget Sound already have deep soccer roots * How the original Sounders helped shape the region’s soccer culture * Why the 1990 and 1994 tournaments were major turning points for soccer in the United States * What the 2026 soccer tournament may feel like for fans, visitors, and local communities * How Sound Transit is preparing for six Seattle matches * What Snohomish County riders should know about Sounder, Link, and station planning * Why this event is as much a regional operations challenge as it is a sports event Transit resource * Sound Transit Soccer Tournament Resource [https://www.soundtransit.org/soccertournament] Call for listeners Know someone who still thinks this tournament will not really affect Snohomish County? Send them this episode. And if you are still deciding how you want to take part, this is your reminder: you do not need a match ticket to be part of the experience. Try a watch party, a fan zone, or a trip into the city just to take in the atmosphere. The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]. Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app. Sign up [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound]for our newsletter with important links from the show. Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/]. History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer [https://wasoccerlegends.org/].  Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup. Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/

How Snohomish County Businesses Can Prepare for World Cup Summer + Soccer Terms for New Fans

Overview In this episode, Emily and Kyle tackle two practical questions for summer 2026: how local businesses can prepare for increased visitor traffic, and what new soccer fans need to know to enjoy a match without feeling lost. First, Emily talks with Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, about why businesses across Snohomish County should start planning now. They cover watch parties, soccer-themed specials, how visitors may spread north of Seattle, and an important marketing rule: avoid using FIFA World Cup branding in titles or promotions unless you are an official sponsor. Then Kyle walks Emily through beginner-friendly soccer basics, including the pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, player roles, and common formations. It is a useful primer for anyone who wants to follow the action with more confidence before June arrives. Takeaways * Businesses do not need to reinvent themselves to participate. Restaurants, breweries, and sports-friendly venues can start with simple watch parties and themed specials. * Start planning now. Even if no one knows exact visitor numbers yet, early preparation gives businesses more flexibility. * In marketing, avoid using FIFA World Cup or World Cup 26 in titles if you are not an official sponsor. * New fans do not need to know everything. Learning a few basic soccer terms now will make summer matches a lot more fun. In this episode * Why Snohomish County businesses should be paying attention now * How sports tourism can bring visitors into hotels, restaurants, shops, and local attractions * Easy ways restaurants, breweries, and similar businesses can host watch parties * What businesses can and cannot say in soccer-related marketing * Where to find business playbooks and local resources * Soccer basics: pitch, goal line, touch line, 18-yard box, stoppage time, and player roles * A quick intro to formations like 4-4-2 and 3-4-3 Business resources mentioned * Snohomish County Sports Commission World Cup resources [https://snocosports.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/SnoCo-Business-Engagement.pdf] at Snohomish County Sports Commission * Seattle match resources [https://www.seattlefwc26.org/] and business guidance [https://www.seattlefwc26.org/resources/playbooks] through SeattleFWC26 * Small business planning support [https://www.seattlechamber.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Seattle-Chamber-Graphic-Novel-1.9.2026.pdf] through Seattle Metro Chamber * Visitor-facing resources and messaging [https://visitseattle.org/sea26/community-brand/?] support through Visit Seattle * Snohomish County Tourism toolkit [https://snohomish-2023.s3.amazonaws.com/images/25SNO-TPA003_SNOCO-FIFA-Toolkit.pdf?v=1755024288] and local messaging ideas Soccer basics mentioned in this episode * Soccer Field Guidelines [https://www.soccerdrive.com/learn-how-to-coach-soccer/lines-of-soccer-field] * Beginner's Guide to Soccer [https://ussoccerplayers.com/beginners-guide-to-soccer] * Soccer Terms [https://ussoccerplayers.com/soccer-terms] Call for listeners If you have a beginner soccer question, or if your business is planning something around the summer matches, send it our way. If you want help getting connected to the right resource, or if you want to promote your event or business, reach out. The Snohomish Podcast Network is a proud member of the Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce [https://www.everettchamber.org/]. Follow From Pitch to Puget Sound on your favorite podcast app. Sign up [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/pitchtopugetsound]for our newsletter with important links from the show. Presented by the Snohomish Podcast Network [https://www.snohomishpodcasts.com/]. History of Soccer is courtesy of Washington State Legends of Soccer [https://wasoccerlegends.org/].  Disclaimer: This podcast is an independent production and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or officially connected to FIFA or the FIFA World Cup. Theme Music from: https://pixabay.com/music/rock-sport-sports-rock-music-368012/