‘God didn’t need a bullhorn’: Spike pushes back on Seattle’s street preachers as they gear up for the World Cup

The controversial “street preachers” who occupy street corners as local fans populate the stadium district to see Seattle sports are gearing up for the 2026 World Cup, and KIRO host Spike O’Neill is not thrilled about it.

“God didn’t need a bullhorn,” Spike said on “The Jake and Spike Show.” “If these guys want to be down there with their message, and they want to be down there talking and engaging people in the line, that’s fine. The problem with the street preachers that I have, and the city has itself, is the decibel levels. These guys have megaphone-amplified sound … You’re a captive audience, and they are standing right next to people, and I get it, they want to spread the word, but they’re amplified beyond acceptable decibel levels.”

“I could see both sides of this,” KIRO host Jake Skorheim replied. “It’s a tricky area because you don’t want to stop somebody from what they have the right to do, but you also don’t want to infringe on somebody else’s right with preaching.”

One street preacher representing Gospel Invasion Ministries told The Seattle Times that Seattle being one of the 2026 FIFA World Cup’s host cities is “an incredible opportunity,” and that “God puts us where we’re supposed to be.”

Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka, who represents the stadium district, has been searching for a solution regarding the street preachers and the decibel-shattering volume they emit.

“Saka is talking about how we will have people of different religious beliefs coming to town, and we’ve got this Christian-based organization, but that’s a different issue,” Spike said. “That’s a bad argument.”

“He’s not going to win on that argument,” Jake added.

“The best thing that can push is the decibel [levels]. 85-100 decibels that these guys are using to amplify messaging in the ears of a captive audience,” Spike said. “You can’t turn away from these guys. You can’t choose not to engage. They camp out next to a guy in line with his kids. I’ve seen fathers with kids holding their hands over the kid.”

Mariners survey fans on street preachers outside T-Mobile Park amid complaints

In response to negative public opinion surrounding street preachers outside T-Mobile Park during pre-game festivities, the Seattle Mariners created a survey late last year to collect fans’ thoughts on the noise.

The street preachers have attended various events in Seattle, oftentimes equipped with large signage and speakers, speaking to eventgoers about their religious beliefs.

Fans have previously expressed disagreement with the individuals for amplifying their messages with a megaphone, which may breach the City of Seattle’s Municipal Code on outdoor amplified sound.

“The Mariners care deeply about all our guests and are committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable ballpark environment,” the team stated. “We invite you to share your experience by answering a few questions below.”

Americans’ First Amendment rights grant Seattle’s street preachers the ability to express their opinions in public; however, Seattle limits amplified sound to 55 decibels in residential and 60 decibels in commercial areas.

Watch the full discussion in the video above

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3