Our recent research for a project in Seattle, Washington revealed some exciting new hospitality-related developments happening in the area. These developments will have an impact on tourism, employment, and the general economy in Seattle and the surrounding areas in 2025 and beyond.

• Chicago-based Pinstripes is planning to open one of its branded entertainment facilities at the Lake Union Piers development near downtown Seattle. Totaling about 21,000 square feet, this new attraction will feature bowling lanes and bocce courts, along with an Italian restaurant and bar. Pinstripes is also planning to open a location at the 555 Tower in Bellevue, Washington. Both of these properties are scheduled to open in mid-2025.

• A new Topgolf location is planned at the Everett Mall, just off Interstate 5 north of Seattle. This project will include a three-story golf entertainment center with a driving range, restaurant, bar, and event space. The Everett Topgolf is part of a larger effort to convert the Everett Mall into a smaller, open-air retail center over the next few years.

• A major expansion is now underway at the Snoqualmie Casino that will create a new hotel, convention center, entertainment stage, spa, and restaurants at the existing property along Interstate 90 east of Seattle. Scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2025, this $400 million project will create 150 to 200 new jobs in the area.

• The Tulalip Casino is now in the midst of a massive renovation and expansion project. The property, located along Interstate 5 north of Seattle, will increase its footprint by more than 70,000 square feet. The bulk of the construction work is scheduled to be finished by the end of 2025, and all major renovations will be done by then end of 2026.

• A $40 million renovation was recently completed at the Great Wolf Lodge Grand Mound near Centralia, Washington, about 70 miles south of Seattle. This two-year project – which involved upgrading furniture, flooring, and entertainment offerings – marked the largest investment in the resort’s 16-year history.

• Seattle is scheduled to host six FIFA World Cup tournament matches in 2026, including one U.S. Men’s National Team match. These matches will be held at Lumen Field, home of the Seattle Seahawks, and are anticipated to draw thousands of fans and media representatives from around the world, benefitting hotels and restaurants throughout the greater Seattle area.

• A new event space called The Summit opened at the Seattle Convention Center in January 2023, adding approximately 250,000 square feet of exhibition space, 160,000 square feet of meeting room space, and a 60,000-square-foot ballroom. Representing a total investment of about $2 billion and nearly doubling the Convention Center’s available space, The Summit stands 14 stories tall and offers views of Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, and Elliott Bay.

• Olympic National Park is currently working to rebuild the Hurricane Ridge Day Lodge, which was destroyed by fire in May 2023. This $80 million project is expected to cause temporary closures in the Hurricane Ridge district but will eventually result in an improved experience for visitors to this popular area of the park.