‘Look at the facts’: Gee and Ursula don’t think Washington has an extra $20M for World Cup
Apr 15, 2025, 5:01 AM
Lumen Field. (Photo: Steph Chambers via Getty Images)
(Photo: Steph Chambers via Getty Images)
Seattle is set to host the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup at Lumen Field. However, organizers need $20 million to host the events—$19.6 million for Lumen Field, $2 million for the University of Washington (UW), and $100,000 for Gonzaga.
“If we provide anything, it would, I think, have to be much less than those figures that you just mentioned because let’s look at the facts,” Ursula Reutin, co-host of “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, said. “The governor has asked every agency to cut back by 6%. We’re talking about a wealth tax, we’re talking about increasing property tax levies, et cetera, et cetera.
Seattle looks extra funding to host World Cup
The Senate and House have already agreed on funding for the UW and Gonzaga, leaving $19.6 million for Lumen Field.
Ursula argued against the state’s contribution due to a $15 billion budget deficit and economic challenges, including a 6% agency cut and potential recession.
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Gee Scott, co-host of “Gee and Ursula,” agreed with Ursula and explained that tourism might not be a reliable source of income for Seattle this summer.
“I’m with you in saying no,” Gee said. “Visitors from Europe are down 13% right now; visitors from up north in Canada are down. So, will that have an impact on the World Cup here? I think so.”
Listen to Gee and Ursula on “The Gee and Ursula Show” weekday mornings from 9 am to 12 pm on KIRO Newsradio.
