MRT equips World Cup Floating Stage with marine safety gear
Marine Rescue Technologies Inc. supplied marine safety equipment and technical guidance for Seattle Soccer Celebration 2026 powered by Lenovo, helping support U.S. Coast Guard inspection requirements and man-overboard recovery readiness for the floating fan zone on Elliott Bay during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Seattle Soccer Celebration 2026 brings the city’s maritime heritage to the forefront with a first-of-its-kind fan zone and soccer pitch floating on Seattle’s waterfront. Built atop a maritime vessel docked on Elliott Bay, the floating soccer field and viewing deck also mark a first World Cup-related project for Marine Rescue Technologies, a family-owned marine safety company based in Sebastian, Florida.
As a supplier to Rally Group, which is leading operational efforts for the activation, MRT provided equipment designed to help protect fans, staff and safety teams during the waterfront celebration. Following a consultation with MRT’s Jordan Hicks on U.S. Coast Guard requirements and current marine safety technology, the company delivered man-overboard recovery solutions for use in an emergency.
The equipment package included Markus MOB Scramble-nets, Reach and Rescue Ultralight Telescopic Poles, WeatherDock easyONE Maritime Survivor Locating Devices, Datrex U.S. Coast Guard-approved life rings and related safety gear. “It’s the type of equipment you hope never to use, but you need to have it,” said Michael Ritchie, founder and president of Marine Rescue Technologies. “We’re proud to play a small role in helping make this exciting fan zone possible. We love soccer, and we are especially glad the floating fan zone will be available to kids for free play. All my kids grew up playing soccer in Indian River County, and it means a lot to know the RAVE Foundation is committed to expanding access for underserved kids. It is a wonderful initiative.”
The floating field is made possible by Seattle Reign FC, Seattle Sounders FC and the RAVE Foundation, the charitable arm of the Sounders. The barge represents the symbolic 52nd field in the foundation’s initiative to build 52 mini soccer fields across Washington state. During Free Play Days, the field will open to children under 14 for free play and connection. MRT said it is proud to help support safety for children and other visitors on the water.
About Marine Rescue Technologies: Founded in 2003 in Sebastian, Florida, Marine Rescue Technologies provides marine safety solutions and man-overboard recovery systems for crews, vessels and organizations operating on the water. The company began with the introduction of a first-generation personal locator beacon to the U.S. and Canadian markets and continues to provide equipment and consultation designed to help organizations protect people at sea. For more information, visit www.marinerescuetechnologies.com.
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