Seattle
USA
Lumen Field
Getting There
Light rail from airport to downtown (Stadium station). Very walkable downtown. Best transit of US host cities.
Weather & What to Pack
Mild summers, rarely hot. June can still have rain. July is typically dry and pleasant.
Where to Stay
Pioneer Square
$$Stadium district, historic bars
Capitol Hill
$$$Vibrant nightlife and dining
Belltown
$$$Downtown adjacent, restaurants
Ballard
$$Brewery district, Nordic heritage
Local Soccer Culture
Insider Tips
- 1
Seattle has the best soccer culture in MLS. Period. The Sounders average 40k+ fans and the atmosphere rivals European clubs.
- 2
The stadium is downtown and walkable from most hotels. This is rare in America - take advantage of it.
- 3
March to the Match starts at Occidental Park 2 hours before kickoff. Join the supporter groups for the walk to the stadium.
- 4
It doesn't rain as much as you think in summer. June-July is actually Seattle's dry season. But bring a layer anyway.
- 5
Coffee culture is real. Don't go to Starbucks - they're from here but locals go to Victrola, Elm, or Espresso Vivace.
- 6
The stadium has a partial roof. If it does rain, many seats are covered.
Bars & Restaurants
Fuel Sports
Sounders HQ, massive projection screen, match day central
Fado Irish Pub
Premier League and international football, multiple screens
Atlantic Crossing
Arsenal supporters bar, proper British pub
The George & Dragon Pub
English pub in quirky Fremont neighborhood
Dick's Drive-In
Seattle's iconic burger chain since 1954
Pike Place Chowder
Award-winning clam chowder, seafood soups
Paseo
Cuban sandwiches that will change your life
Japonessa
Upscale sushi, Pacific Northwest meets Japan
Pre-Game Spots
Occidental Park
0.3 milesWhere the March to the Match starts. Supporters gather 2 hours before kickoff with drums, flags, and chants. Join in!
Pioneer Square
0.2 milesHistoric neighborhood with dozens of bars within walking distance of stadium. Perfect for pregame.
CenturyLink Field Event Center
Adjacent to stadiumOfficial tailgate area with food trucks, beer gardens, and live entertainment.
Must-Try Local Food
Seattle Dog
Hot dog with cream cheese, grilled onions, and jalapeños. Sounds weird, tastes incredible.
Dungeness Crab
Pacific Northwest specialty, sweet and delicate. Best in summer.
Teriyaki
Seattle-style teriyaki is its own thing - invented here by Japanese immigrants.
Pho
Huge Vietnamese population means incredible pho everywhere.
Coffee
Third-wave coffee was basically invented here. Skip Starbucks.
Fan FAQs
Does it really rain all the time in Seattle?
No! Seattle's summers are gorgeous. June-July averages only 1.5 inches of rain. Bring a light jacket but you'll probably be fine. The rainy reputation is from fall/winter.
How's the stadium atmosphere?
Electric. Seattle has the best supporter culture in MLS. The Emerald City Supporters are legendary. Even if you're not a Sounders fan, you'll be impressed.
What's the March to the Match?
Supporters gather at Occidental Park 2 hours before kickoff, then march to the stadium together with drums, flags, and chants. Anyone can join - it's incredible.
Can I walk to the stadium from downtown?
Yes! The stadium is right downtown. Walking from Pike Place Market takes 15 minutes. This is genuinely rare for American stadiums.
What if it's cold?
Seattle summers rarely get below 55°F at night. A light layer is enough. The stadium has partial roof coverage if weather turns.
Budget Tips
- Light rail from airport to stadium is $3.25. Takes 45 minutes, runs every 6-15 minutes. No reason to Uber.
- Pike Place Market has amazing food but tourist prices. Walk 2 blocks east to actual cheap eats.
- Happy hour is huge in Seattle. Most restaurants do 3-6pm specials, some even later.
- Dick's burgers are under $5. A Deluxe, fries, and shake will run you $10.
- The Orca Card ($3) works on light rail, buses, streetcar - everything. Just tap.
- Free things: Walk the waterfront, visit Pike Place, explore Capitol Hill, Olympic Sculpture Park
Hidden Gems
- Kerry Park - the iconic Seattle skyline photo spot. Best at sunset. Tourists go but it's still worth it.
- Discovery Park - massive urban wilderness with beach access and lighthouse. Locals escape here.
- The Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) - wild Frank Gehry building with Nirvana and Jimi Hendrix exhibits
- Fremont Troll - literally a giant troll sculpture under a bridge clutching a VW Beetle
- Gas Works Park - rusted remains of a gasification plant, now a park with insane skyline views
- Georgetown - artsy neighborhood tourists skip, with breweries and the weird/wonderful GeorgeTown Trailer Park Mall
Local Lingo
Local Voices
Insider tips from the fans who know Seattle best
Emerald City Supporters
@weareecsSeattle Sounders Supporter Group
“March to the Match is non-negotiable. Meet at Occidental Park 2 hours before kickoff. We walk as one - drums, scarves, smoke. If you only do one thing in Seattle, do the march.”
Megan Rapinoe
@maboratUSWNT Legend & Seattle Native
“Seattle has the best soccer culture in America - I've said it for years. The fans understand the game, the atmosphere is European-level. Capitol Hill after a match is the move. Find us at Rhein Haus.”
Rave Green TV
@ravegreentvSounders Fan Media
“Fuel Sports in Pioneer Square is where ECS pregames. The atmosphere is insane - they'll have you singing songs you've never heard before. Then walk 5 minutes to the stadium together.”
Barra Fuerza Verde
@barrafuerzaverdeLatino Sounders Supporters
“White Center and South Park are Seattle's Latino neighborhoods - the taquerias and bars there go hard for Mexico and Central American matches. Find El Rinconsito for the best pupusas and match atmosphere.”
Plan Your Seattle Trip
Mid-range: hotel, food, transport, activities
Highlights
- Strongest soccer culture in MLS
- Emerald City Supporters legendary
- March to the Match tradition
- Coffee culture, Pike Place Market
Accounts to Follow
Stadium Location
47.5952, -122.3316
Nearby Cities
🗺️ Combine with Nearby Cities
Planning a multi-city trip? These cities are easy to reach from Seattle.
Los Angeles
SoFi Stadium
San Francisco Bay Area
Levi's Stadium
Vancouver
BC Place
Beach culture meets tech hub - 3 cities, multiple matches