Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu have struck the traditional friendly bet on the outcome of the upcoming Super Bowl. If the Seattle Seahawks defeat the New England Patriots, a classic New England lobster will be sent from Boston to Seattle. If the Boston team wins, Harrell will send back a Dungeness crab — an important regional delicacy that is part of Washington state's culinary identity. Its tender meat and cultural tradition of consumption support the local economy through commercial fishing, tourism and the restaurant industry. Harrell jokingly called it “a far superior crustacean.”
The idea for the wager arose last week in Washington, D.C., where both mayors attended the U.S. Conference of Mayors. After discussing serious working issues, such as immigration policy, the two city leaders agreed on a lighthearted bet. Similar wagers on local gastronomic specialties are a long-standing tradition among mayors of cities whose sports teams compete in championships.
Bruce Harrell, unlike some previous sports‑enthusiast mayors, did not initially brand himself as a “sports mayor.” His approach places more emphasis on direct engagement with local sports communities and on developing accessible sports programs for all residents, not just on supporting professional teams. This strategy could influence funding for public sports facilities and youth programs, strengthening social ties in the city. With the Seahawks reaching the Super Bowl and the upcoming World Cup matches to be held in Seattle this summer, he wryly notes that he is unexpectedly stepping into that role. “This wasn’t in my plans, but I’m very happy about it,” Harrell said.
The mayor of Seattle plans to watch the big game not at the stadium but at a local bar to share the emotions with fans. He recalls the incredible atmosphere in the city in 2014, when the Seahawks last won the Super Bowl, and hopes for a repeat. On the eve of the game Harrell also took part in raising a fans’ flag at the Space Needle.
Harrell notes he finds much in common with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, especially in approaches to developing public transit and addressing homelessness. Jokingly, he suggested an alternative to the culinary bet: “We could paint each other’s bike lanes.” For now, though, the wager remains on seafood, and one of the cities will soon receive a tasty trophy.
Based on: Whoever wins, seafood on menu for Seattle, Boston mayors’ Super Bowl bet