Portland, Ore. — As Seattle hosted a thrilling FIFA World Cup match, Portland’s businesses enjoyed a notable increase in customers. Soccer fans flocked to various spots around the city to cheer on the United States team.
Amtrak reported that all trains from Portland to Seattle were fully booked by Friday morning, with many return trips also sold out as fans made their way up north for the game.
In North Portland’s Boise neighborhood, local bars showed the match and attracted large crowds. Prost on North Mississippi Avenue reached its maximum capacity, while nearby Bar Bar was also packed with enthusiastic supporters. Long lines formed as fans waited for food and drinks at these lively venues.
The economic benefits spread beyond just bars and restaurants. Tursi Soccer Store, which has locations in downtown Portland and Cedar Hills, saw a 20% spike in sales during the World Cup festivities. The store even set up a booth outside Prost, where U.S. national team jerseys were flying off the shelves.
“Portland really loves soccer and has fully embraced the World Cup. Jersey sales always do well, but during the World Cup, it’s just amazing,” said Chase Jordan, the owner of Tursi Soccer.
Business owners noted that the increased foot traffic attracted customers to various nearby shops. A manager at a local cannabis dispensary mentioned that they also saw a rise in sales as fans moved through the area after the match. The revenue from cannabis sales helps fund Oregon’s drug and alcohol recovery programs.
Even after the game, fans in U.S. jerseys continued to fill the streets, illustrating the tournament’s widespread appeal beyond the official host cities.
While Portland isn’t hosting any World Cup matches, the city’s businesses are still reaping the rewards from the influx of soccer fans and the excitement surrounding FIFA’s tournament in the United States.
