Your Home Base for the Pacific Northwest Games in 2026
If you're traveling to the Pacific Northwest in 2026 for the biggest sporting event of the year, make Bellevue, Washington your home away from home. Just minutes from Seattle and major stadiums, Bellevue offers the perfect balance of convenience, comfort, and authentic local charm. Whether you're here to cheer on your team, explore the region, or mix business with pleasure, Bellevue delivers a seamless experience.
Here’s why Bellevue is the smart choice for your stay in the Pacific Northwest:
1. Effortless Transportation Options
Planning to explore the Pacific Northwest while you're here for the big games? Bellevue makes it easy. Just 17 miles from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), the city offers seamless access for both domestic and international travelers. With a brand-new light rail connection launching soon, visitors will enjoy fast, car-free access to the airport, drop-off/pick-up right in front of the sports stadiums, downtown Seattle and surrounding destinations Bellevue is built for bringing people together. Visitors benefit from a walkable downtown core, range of accommodations within close proximity, convenient transportation options including hotel shuttles and the free BellHop service. From stadiums and sightseeing to day trips, hikes, and waterfront escapes, Bellevue places you at the center of it all—without the congestion of a major metro hub.
2. Amp up the Sports fervor with Watch Parties
If you're not in the stadium, Bellevue is the next best place to be. Join fellow fans at community watch parties hosted at outdoor plazas, local venues, and neighborhood hotspots across the city. With massive screens, themed food and drink specials, and a crowd full of passionate fans, these gatherings are designed to bring every goal, penalty, and celebration to life. Whether you're following your home team or just soaking in the global excitement, Bellevue's watch parties deliver the perfect match-day atmosphere.
3. Sports Bars That Bring the Game to Life
Bellevue knows how to treat its sports fans right—with a lineup of high-energy bars and brew spots perfect for game day. Head to Legion Sports Bar, co-founded by Seattle’s own Legion of Boom, for big-screen action and unbeatable fan vibes. Tavern Hall brings spunky energy with games, cocktails, and a playful atmosphere in the heart of downtown. Craving a local craft beer? Redd Dog Taproom offers a pour-your-own experience with a rotating tap wall, while Bellevue Brewing Co. serves up award-winning brews and elevated pub fare. For a more traditional match-day feel, Paddy’s Irish Pub delivers hearty pours and warm camaraderie in a cozy, classic setting.
4. Get in the Game: Action-Packed Activities for Sports Fans
In Bellevue, sports fans don’t just watch—they play. Feel the rush with a high-speed lap at K1 Speed’s indoor go-kart track, or take your swing at the scenic Newcastle Golf Club or the Top Golf driving range. Test your reflexes at the Mirra VR Experience, where virtual reality immerses you in futuristic sport and adventure. For something social and light-hearted, try mini golf at Forum Social House or hit the courts at Bellevue Club Hotel. And if you're chasing a real thrill, go paragliding at nearby Poo Poo Point—a bucket-list-worthy experience with epic views of the region.
5. Stay Where the Pros Stay
When the world’s top athletes come to town, they choose Bellevue—and for good reason. With a collection of premium hotels, including luxury standouts like the InterContinental Seattle-Bellevue, Bellevue offers the elevated experience professional teams expect. From sleek, high-rise accommodations with panoramic views to full-service hotels steps from dining, shopping, and entertainment, the city delivers exceptional comfort and privacy. Whether you're a fan catching every match or a traveler exploring the region, you can stay where the pros stay—and enjoy the same world-class hospitality, amenities, and convenience that make Bellevue the preferred home base for elite competitors.
6. A Foodie's Paradise
Bellevue’s culinary scene is as diverse and dynamic as the city itself. Here, you’ll find everything from globally inspired fine dining to beloved neighborhood gems. Craving handmade noodles, elevated sushi, wood-fired steaks, or plant-forward cuisine? Bellevue has it all. The city also shines when it comes to happy hours, dessert spots, and weekend brunches. Bellevue is a must-visit for curious foodies and casual diners alike. With flavors representing cultures from across the globe, every meal in Bellevue is an opportunity to travel through taste.
7. Gateway to the Outdoors
Bellevue is where city energy meets natural beauty. Nestled between Lake Washington, the Cascade Mountains, and Puget Sound, it offers easy access to some of the Pacific Northwest’s most stunning outdoor experiences. Paddleboard, kayak, jet ski, or cruise on the lakes, stroll through lush waterfront parks, or take a short trip to breathtaking mountain trails. Don't forget to partake in the regional Seaplane tours for a classic PNW adventure. With more than 100 parks and nature preserves in and around the city, you don’t have to leave Bellevue to enjoy the fresh air, scenic views, and outdoor adventure the region is known for.
8. Clean and Safe Urban Environment
Bellevue combines the best of modern city living with the serenity of nature. The city’s skyline is complemented by tree-lined streets, art-filled plazas, and beautifully maintained parks that invite you to slow down and soak it all in. Whether you're grabbing coffee before the match or enjoying an evening walk after a day of sightseeing, Bellevue's well-designed and walkable downtown is a refreshing place to unwind, recharge, and explore. Safety and inclusivity are at the heart of the Bellevue experience. Frequently ranked among the safest cities in the region, Bellevue offers peace of mind for travelers from around the world. Whether you're adventuring solo, bringing your family, or traveling with a group, you'll find a warm welcome and a community that values diversity, accessibility, and authenticity. This is a city where everyone belongs—and where you're free to be yourself.
9. Diverse and Inclusive Community
Bellevue reflects the global spirit of sport through its vibrant, multicultural community. As a minority-majority city, Bellevue is shaped by a blend of cultures, traditions, and languages from around the world. This diversity is celebrated in its restaurants, festivals, shops, and public spaces—creating an atmosphere where visitors from every background feel at home. Whether you're joining fans at a lively event or exploring a quiet corner of the city, you'll experience the warm, inclusive energy that defines Bellevue.
10. Vibrant Arts and Culture
Bellevue is a city where creativity thrives. Explore a walkable downtown filled with striking public art installations, rotating gallery exhibits, and thought-provoking architecture. Discover cultural institutions, enjoy live music at intimate venues or large outdoor festivals, and experience the city’s rich calendar of multicultural celebrations. From classical performances to contemporary dance and global art showcases, Bellevue’s arts scene is an invitation to connect, explore, and be inspired.
11. Warm, Professional Hospitality
Bellevue is known for its welcoming spirit and world-class service. Whether you’re being greeted by a hotel concierge, chatting with a barista, or dining at a locally owned eatery, you’ll notice the difference. The city’s hospitality professionals are friendly, attentive, and go the extra mile to make every guest feel at home. It’s this combination of warmth and professionalism that keeps visitors coming back and helps make every experience in Bellevue a memorable one.
Come for the event. Stay for the experience. Discover why Bellevue is the smart, stylish, and unforgettable choice.
