‘The payoff is going to outmatch the price tag’: Gee says Seattle’s $32M World Cup investment will pay off

As Seattle prepares to host six World Cup matches, reports estimate the city will spend nearly $32 million as a host, while the event could generate roughly $850 million as fans flock to the region.

The vast majority of the expenses will be spent on police, public safety, emergency management, transportation, and fan experiences, but the investment will also leave behind some permanent improvements, such as public art installations, community fields, and other upgrades across Seattle.

‘A non-event’ or a major payoff? KIRO hosts weigh in on Seattle’s World Cup

Gee Scott and Ursula Reutin, co-hosts of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, weighed whether the steep cost of hosting will benefit the city in the long term, while many believe it to be a “non-event.”

“I think the payoff is going to outmatch the price tag,” Gee said. “Call me crazy, but this is how I think: There’s a party that’s going to be happening in two weeks, and a lot of folks are like, ‘Gee, I’m not excited.’ Let me raise my hand, I wasn’t really excited about this World Cup, but that has changed because I’m going to be a part of it. Getting ready for rehearsals, I am starting to see how much love people have for soccer.

“Chef was in Europe during the World Cup. I’ve been to Super Bowls, playoffs, all that stuff, I’ve never been next to anything World Cup, and I’m starting to learn something,” Gee continued. “Their compassion and their love are kind of contagious. This reminds me of the 1992 Dream Team, when they pulled up to Barcelona, and they brought basketball there. Magic, Bird, Johnson. What happened there? Basketball became forever. There’s my explanation for the bandwagon I’m jumping on.”

Watch parties, bars, and global fans: Other ways to enjoy the World Cup

KIRO producer Andrew Lanier found that while many can’t justify the steep price of a match ticket, Seattleites can still join in the fun by attending a watch party and learning firsthand about the compassion out-of-towners have, as Gee has seen.

“I just want to say, there is a way to enjoy the World Cup without paying big prices, and you can even do it in Kirkland or Snohomish,” Lanier said. “Go to a bar. Go to a bar where fans from another country are gathering, ask questions, and sit with people who are from Egypt or Iran. You will have a fantastic experience.”

“I love it, and I am not one of those people who’re going to avoid everything,” Ursula responded. “I wish I could take part in all of it. I’m going to see what’s happening downtown even though I’m not going to attend any of the games.”

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.