Washington Set To Revolutionise Sports Tourism With 2026 NFL Flag Regional Tournament: Everything You Need To Know

Published on December 29, 2025

The city of Everett in Washington State is going to be the place where the 2026 NFL Flag Regional Tournament will take place. This tournament will act as the first step for teams to get the chance to play in the NFL FLAG Championships Presented by Toyota. On June 6, 2026, Kasch Park will be the venue for this thrilling event that will feature youth and high school flag football teams from the western part of the United States. The tournament will provide not only the opportunity to demonstrate their talent but also the city’s sports tourism sector to grow which is already targeting the flag football market that is gaining popularity.

This regional tournament will feature a range of divisions, from the 8U coed teams to high school girls’ teams. The most significant participation is expected to come from the 14U boys and high school girls’ divisions, demonstrating the growing interest in flag football, particularly among younger athletes and females. These divisions will make the event one of the most highly anticipated sports gatherings in the region, with a competitive atmosphere that promises excitement for both players and spectators.

Boosting Sports Tourism in Everett

The choice of Everett as the host city for the NFL FLAG Regional Tournament is more than just a nod to the area’s love of sports. According to Tammy Dunn, Executive Director of the Snohomish County Sports Commission, the event will create more exposure for flag football in the Pacific Northwest. The region has seen a surge in the popularity of the sport, particularly with high school girls, and this event will serve as a critical step in introducing flag football to a broader audience.

Everett’s commitment to fostering youth sports and developing sporting infrastructure has made it an ideal destination for national sporting events like this. Hosting the NFL Flag Regional Tournament will attract teams, families, and fans from outside the region, contributing significantly to Everett’s sports tourism sector. With over 100 teams expected to participate, the tournament will drive traffic to local hotels, restaurants, and retail establishments, providing a significant boost to the local economy.

A Growing Flag Football Movement

Flag football has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, with participation numbers skyrocketing in recent years. The NFL FLAG program, in particular, has been pivotal in promoting the sport, and regional tournaments like the one in Everett are an essential part of that expansion. This event will serve as a gateway for local athletes to qualify for the NFL FLAG Championships, which will elevate the competition level and increase the visibility of the sport at a national scale.

The Seattle Seahawks, in partnership with RCX Sports, are committed to making this regional tournament a standout event. Tournament manager Ramon Nunez has expressed his enthusiasm for bringing teams together in Everett, describing the city as a perfect host for the competition. The city’s deep-rooted connection to sports and community involvement makes it an ideal location for this high-profile tournament. As Nunez notes, hosting such a major event in Everett will provide a clear, competitive pathway within the NFL FLAG ecosystem, ensuring that the sport’s growth continues across the region.

Local Impact and Future Growth

The impact of this event extends beyond just the participants. Local businesses, particularly those in the hospitality and retail sectors, will see increased activity as families and teams travel to Everett for the tournament. Hotels, restaurants, and local attractions will all benefit from the influx of visitors, many of whom will return to the city for future sports events. This sports tourism boost is expected to have long-term benefits for Everett, contributing to its reputation as a hub for youth and amateur sports.

Additionally, the tournament will highlight the ongoing efforts in Everett to invest in sports facilities and promote a healthier, more active lifestyle for local residents. With the increasing popularity of sports tourism, events like the NFL Flag Regional Tournament offer an excellent opportunity for the city to showcase its sporting culture to a wider audience, setting the stage for more large-scale events in the future.

A Step Toward National Recognition

Everett’s selection as a host city for the NFL Flag Regional Tournament is a clear indicator of the city’s growing prominence in the sports tourism industry. With a strong history of supporting youth sports and recreational activities, Everett is positioning itself as a prime destination for both athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.

For flag football enthusiasts, this tournament represents more than just a chance to win a title, it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement that is rapidly growing in popularity. As more young athletes take up the sport, it’s clear that events like the NFL FLAG Regional Tournament will continue to draw attention to the game, further solidifying Everett’s place as a leader in youth sports development.

As the NFL FLAG Regional Tournament prepares to make its mark on Everett in 2026, the excitement surrounding the event is palpable. The city is poised to benefit from increased sports tourism, improved local business prospects, and the growth of flag football within the community. Everett’s continued investment in sports infrastructure and its welcoming atmosphere for teams and fans make it an ideal destination for this prestigious event.

Final Thoughts

Everett’s hosting of the 2026 NFL FLAG Regional Tournament is a major milestone for both the city and the sport of flag football. With the support of local authorities, including the Snohomish County Sports Commission, and the backing of the Seattle Seahawks, this event is set to be a game-changer for sports tourism in the region. As the tournament approaches, Everett is not only set to become a hotspot for flag football but also a key player in the broader sports tourism landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

The tournament marks just the start of Everett, a city that is rapidly gaining fame for its passionate nature towards sports and dedication to giving first-rate training grounds for the players. With the increase in the sport’s popularity and the tournament’s future inviting more participants, Everett is all set to secure its position as a top-notch sports tourism site.