PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — While Seattle hosted a FIFA World Cup match, businesses in Portland saw a surge in customers as soccer fans gathered across the city to watch the United States play.
Amtrak reported all trains from Portland to Seattle sold out Friday morning, and most return trips later in the day were also sold out as fans traveled north for the event.
In North Portland’s Boise neighborhood, bars showing the match drew large crowds. Prost on North Mississippi Avenue reached standing-room-only capacity, while nearby Bar Bar also filled with fans. Long lines formed for food and drinks as supporters packed the venues.
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The economic boost extended beyond bars and restaurants.
Tursi Soccer Store, which operates locations downtown and in Cedar Hills, reported sales were up 20% during the World Cup festivities. The retailer also operated a booth outside Prost, where U.S. national team jerseys sold quickly throughout the day.
“Portland loves the beautiful game and has really gotten behind the World Cup. Jersey sales are always a get retail piece for my store, but the World Cup takes jersey sales to another level,” Tursi Soccer owner Chase Jordan told KATU.
Business owners said increased foot traffic brought customers to a variety of nearby establishments.
A manager at a cannabis dispensary in the neighborhood said the store also experienced stronger sales as crowds moved through the area following the match. Revenue from cannabis sales contributes tax dollars that help fund Oregon drug and alcohol recovery programs.
Fans wearing U.S. jerseys continued to fill neighborhood streets after the game ended, underscoring the tournament’s reach beyond official host cities.
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Although Portland is not hosting any World Cup matches, local businesses are benefiting from the influx of soccer fans and the heightened interest generated by FIFA’s tournament in the United States.
