Highlights from 2026 State of SODO

The 2026 State of SODO was a night to remember! Thank you to everyone that joined us at our annual event.

Each year, we gather businesses, property owners, and community members to highlight accomplishments from the past year and look forward to what’s ahead. With the FIFA World Cup 2026 coming to Seattle, SODO has a key role in preparing for the games and visitors from across the country – and beyond.

The 2026 event was held at The Shop Club, a “country club” for car and motorcycle enthusiasts. Founded in 2017, The Shop was created as a place for local gearheads to come together and build a shared passion for community, machinery, and amazing experiences right here in Seattle’s SODO neighborhood. The Club also houses a renowned New American restaurant called The Derby, offering a relaxed atmosphere with a view of the world-class car collection.

Attendees enjoyed tours of The Shop and a panel of experts who shared insights into how Seattle is preparing for the World Cup games.

Special thanks to The Derby for hosting us, Blue Ribbon Cooking for catering the event, and panelists from Seattle FWC26, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, and Seattle Police Department for sharing valuable information!

During the program, we also debuted a video that highlights milestones from 2025 such as the S Industrial Way Pocket Park, E Marginal Way S bike corridor, highly engaged event programs, and new murals in SODO.

SODO BIA staff members also speak to their goals for 2026, including keeping businesses informed and prepared for the World Cup, expanding our ambassador program, and opening a new Welcome Center.

Watch the full video below.