Olympia-Lacey Fan Zone 2026 | Visual Strategy

Global Game.
Local Heartbeat.

A strategic visual framework to document the economic surge, authentic culture, and community energy across Thurston County during the 2026 tournament.

The Epicenter

NorthPoint Plaza

1210 Marine Drive NE, Olympia WA

The Port of Olympia's NorthPoint will serve as the heartbeat of the local Fan Zone. My coverage approach requires a deep understanding of scale, logistics, and community partnership to capture the tourism experience safely and effectively.

"We're partnering with the Cities of Olympia, Lacey, and Tumwater, Thurston County, and the Port of Olympia to create welcoming, family-friendly events that showcase our community and strengthen our economy."
— David Schaffert
President/CEO, Thurston County Chamber
Digital Activation

The March 6th Gamification Sync

To maximize the impact of the upcoming Fan App launch, my visual strategy includes building a targeted repository of assets that perfectly align with the app's gamified points of interest.

This approach creates a dual-layer marketing ecosystem: EOB can push high-quality, recognizable visuals of specific locations across social channels, directly supporting and reinforcing the interactive digital footprint the app creates for visitors.

Visual Asset Pending Shot List: Mobile engagement, app interaction mockups, and vibrant POI contextual shots.
Visual Asset Pending Shot List: Downtown transit center, bus arrivals, dynamic movement, and accessibility signage.
Infrastructure & Accessibility

Visualizing Zero-Fare Transit

A seamless visitor experience relies on intuitive transportation. Having personally utilized the regional transit lines to access major stadium events, I know firsthand the importance of clear, inviting transit photography to guide the journey.

Coverage at the downtown transit station will focus on the ease and flow of the zero-fare system, capturing the modern infrastructure that connects international visitors to local businesses and the central Fan Zone.

Affinity Focus: Dining & Nightlife

The Evening Economy

The true narrative of economic spillover extends well beyond daylight hours. Capturing the transition into the evening economy is vital for extending the visitor lifecycle in the downtown core.

My strategy pivots from daytime Fan Zone coverage to documenting the vibrant night events and local hospitality. This includes capturing the electric dinner service at quintessential staples—like the packed tables at Dos Hermanos or Tender Velvet Rebel Oven—and the ambient energy of nearby entertainment venues.

The Legacy Pivot: Capital Lakefair

Civic Maturity and Heritage: The strategic decision to shutter the Fan Zone during Capital Lakefair (July 15-19, 2026) is a powerful narrative opportunity. It frames the destination's commitment to local legacy and authentic community values over transient global spectacles. Visually, this period acts as a secondary marketing pitch, inviting visitors to stay in town, pivot away from the screen, and engage in the family fun and historic summer entertainment that truly defines the Olympia experience.

Affinity Focus: Family Fun

Capturing the Next Generation

With the Chamber explicitly prioritizing "welcoming, family-friendly events," my visual capture will focus on the multi-generational energy of the plaza. By anticipating the flow of the crowds and engaging with visitors respectfully, I will document the genuine excitement of local families interacting with global culture, ensuring the regional legacy of the tournament is preserved.

The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural

A 4,000 square foot testament to global connection, weaving international movements with local voices right in downtown Olympia.

Affinity Focus: Heritage & Culture

Global Game, Local Canvas

The World Cup represents the ultimate intersection of international culture and local passion. The Olympia-Rafah Solidarity Mural provides a profound visual backdrop for this narrative.

Specifically highlighting details like the soccer imagery provided by the Rachel Corrie Center for Children and Youth allows me to tell a visually rich story that authentically connects Olympia's heritage of international solidarity with the world's most popular sport.

[Dev Sandbox] Pending Affinity Categories
To-Do

Health & Wellness / Cycling & Hiking

Notes: Need to plan capture strategy for the Chehalis Western Trail or local outdoor recreation hubs to tie into the active lifestyle angle.

To-Do

State Parks & Attractions

Notes: Brainstorm visual approach for Tumwater Falls or Millersylvania interacting with the summer tourist surge.

To-Do

Museums, The Arts & Iconic Events

Notes: Draft coverage ideas for local galleries, the WET Science Center, and any overlapping summer festivals happening in Thurston County.

The Olympia Experience Map

Select a point of interest on the map to view my site-specific visual strategy across the downtown corridor.