Seattle will host a series of 12-minute drone shows featuring real-time match scores and team flags to celebrate the city's role as a 2026 FIFA World Cup host.

Key Points

• Visit Seattle commissioned Texas-based Sky Elements to execute six drone displays using 400 quadcopters.
• Shows are scheduled for June 15, 19, 24, 26, and July 1 and 6, beginning at 10 p.m. or later.
• Each display features custom animations, including a whale tail and the specific flags and final scores of that day's matches.
• Animators spend 80 to 100 hours pre-programming flight paths, with final score data uploaded shortly before takeoff.
• The drones utilize high-precision GPS and enterprise-grade networking to maintain formation within centimeters of each other.

Why it Matters

These custom aerial displays serve as a high-tech marketing strategy to boost Seattle's international profile during the global World Cup event. By providing a unique, accessible spectacle for fans, the city aims to differentiate itself from other host locations while engaging both local residents and international tourists.