Seattle’s Nippon Kan Theatre lands FIFA World Cup 2026 watch-party approval

Kobe Park Events says the 1909 Nippon Kan Theatre has been approved by FIFA’s Public Viewing Team to host World Cup 2026 public viewing events in Seattle. The series is set to turn the Chinatown-International District landmark into a giant-screen gathering place for fans, food and community events during the tournament. Why it matters: - Seattle’s official World Cup host-city status gives local fans a place to gather for public viewing events during FIFA World Cup 2026™. - The Nippon Kan Theatre’s approval expands the tournament’s footprint beyond the stadium and into the Chinatown-International District. - Organizers expect the series to become Seattle’s largest World Cup watch-party offering, with visitors coming from across the region and beyond. What happened: - Kobe Park Events announced that the historic Nippon Kan Theatre in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District received official approval from FIFA’s Public Viewing Team. - The venue will host a series of FIFA World Cup 2026™ public viewing events throughout the tournament. - The theater is at 628 S Washington St, Seattle, WA 98104. - Doors will open one hour before the first match of each day. - Attendance is limited to guests 21 and older. The details: - The theater was originally built in 1909 and has long served Seattle’s Japanese-American community. - The venue was recently featured in The Seattle Times after its restoration and return as an event space. - The watch-party setup will include an 18-foot by 10-foot projection screen and a professional theater sound system. - The event format includes stadium-style viewing, reserved seating options, VIP hospitality packages and country-themed food and beverage offerings tied to featured matches. - The venue can accommodate up to 466 guests. - Ticket options include General Admission for $120 with full-day admission, three appetizer tickets and three drink tickets for beer or wine. - VIP tickets cost $150 and include reserved table seating, unlimited appetizers, open bar service all day and access to all matches. - Group tickets cost $100 per person for parties of at least 20 guests and include three appetizers and three drink tickets. - Tickets are available through the Humanitix booking platform or the Kobe Park Events schedule. - The company’s website is More information . - The press release lists contact email cmonteiro@kobeparkevemts.com. - Kobe Park Events operates the historic Nippon Kan Theatre and uses the venue for weddings, corporate events, cultural celebrations, performances and community gatherings. Between the lines: - The event blends a global sports moment with a historic neighborhood venue, which could help draw both soccer fans and community members who want a shared public experience. - The theater’s restoration and community history are part of the pitch, not just the match broadcasts. - Seattle’s World Cup status and the approval for public viewing events create a commercial opportunity for local venues serving visitors and residents during the tournament. What’s next: - The announced summer matchday schedule currently includes Monday, July 6, for Winner Match 81 vs. Winner Match 82 at 5:00 PM. - The schedule also includes Saturday, July 18, for Runner-up Match 101 vs. Runner-up Match 102, with the time still listed as TBD. - Kobe Park Events is expected to continue promoting ticket sales and matchday details as the tournament approaches. The bottom line: - The Nippon Kan Theatre is set to turn one of Seattle’s oldest venues into a World Cup hub, pairing public viewing with food, hospitality and neighborhood history.